Description
This classic Chicken Alfredo recipe features tender, Italian-seasoned chicken breasts served atop creamy, homemade Alfredo sauce tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine pasta. Ready in just 40 minutes, this comforting stovetop dish combines rich Parmesan, garlic, and butter for an indulgent yet simple meal that serves four.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil
- ¼ tsp salt (for seasoning chicken)
Alfredo Sauce
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ tsp salt (to taste)
- ¼ tsp pepper (to taste)
Pasta & Garnish
- 8 oz. fettuccine
- 1 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with Italian seasoning and a pinch of salt to infuse flavor before cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add cooking oil and swirl to coat. Place chicken breasts in the skillet and cook 7-8 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside on a clean plate.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: Lower heat to medium-low. Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir continuously, cooking the garlic in the melted butter for about 2 minutes, scraping up browned bits from the pan to build flavor.
- Add Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and whisk thoroughly to incorporate and dissolve any browned bits. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to start thickening.
- Cook the Pasta: While the cream simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add fettuccine and cook until tender, approximately 7 minutes. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of pasta cooking water.
- Incorporate Parmesan: Return to the skillet and add grated Parmesan cheese. Stir and whisk until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly, continuing to simmer for a few minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Serve: Slice the cooked chicken breasts and arrange on top of the creamy fettuccine. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken in Italian seasoning and a little olive oil for 30 minutes beforehand.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-grated for a smoother, creamier sauce.
- If heavy cream is unavailable, substitute with half-and-half and a bit more butter for richness.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian