Ultimate Creamy Chicken Alfredo
Introduction
Indulge in the richest, creamiest chicken alfredo you've ever tasted. This recipe delivers a velvety-smooth sauce that clings perfectly to every strand of fettuccine, paired with tender, seasoned chicken for the ultimate comfort food experience. Simple enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for guests!
Ingredients
- 1 lb fettuccine pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1.5 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
- Season chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temp). Remove and let rest 5 minutes before slicing.
- In the same skillet, melt butter with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until completely melted and smooth. Add nutmeg and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add drained pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat thoroughly. If sauce is too thick, add pasta water 1/4 cup at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Slice the rested chicken and arrange over the sauced pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Pro Tips & Notes
- Cheese Matters: Use freshly grated Parmesan for optimal meltability and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
- Cream Temperature: Add cream at room temperature to prevent curdling, and keep heat at medium to maintain a gentle simmer.
- Pasta Water Power: The starchy pasta water is your secret weapon for achieving that perfect silky sauce consistency.
- Chicken Resting: Letting the chicken rest before slicing keeps it juicy and prevents all those flavorful juices from running out.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 980
- Protein: 52g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fat: 58g
- Sodium: 780mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: How do I prevent my alfredo sauce from breaking? A: Keep heat at medium, use room-temperature cream, and add cheese gradually while constantly whisking. Avoid boiling the sauce.
- Q: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream? A: While possible, the sauce will be significantly less rich and creamy. For authentic alfredo texture, heavy cream is essential.
- Q: How long does leftover alfredo keep? A: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to restore consistency.
- Q: Can I add vegetables to this recipe? A: Absolutely! Broccoli, mushrooms, or spinach make excellent additions. Add vegetables when cooking the garlic or steam separately and stir in at the end.