Craving a rich, indulgent pasta dish that brings warmth and comfort? This Creamy Chicken Alfredo Recipe is the perfect blend of tender chicken, velvety Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish will always hit the spot. With simple ingredients and a smooth cooking process, you can create a restaurant-worthy meal at home!
Ingredients for the Creamy Chicken Alfredo Recipe:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin slices or pounded to ensure uniform thickness
- 12 oz (340g) fettuccine pasta (or any pasta you prefer)
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (or use milk for a lighter alternative)
- 1 cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced for flavor
- 2 tablespoons butter for a rich base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying the chicken)
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to season perfectly
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped for garnish (optional)
- A small dash of red pepper flakes (optional, if you want to add a hint of spice)
Instructions for Making Creamy Chicken Alfredo:
Pasta:
- Bring the Pasta to a Boil: In a large pot, boil generously salted water.
- Cook the Fettuccine: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, then add the pasta, cooking it according to the instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the pasta, making sure to save about 1/2 cup of the water for later.
Chicken:
- Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the chicken breasts, ensuring they’re well-seasoned.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin pieces.
Sauce:
- Create the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet (don’t clean it to keep the flavor), reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Once the butter is melted, stir in the minced garlic and allow it to cook for about 30 seconds until it releases its fragrant aroma.
- Simmer the Sauce: Gently pour the heavy cream into the skillet, stirring it together with the garlic and butter. Allow the mixture to simmer softly for 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors combine.
- Incorporate the Cheese: Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Adjust the Sauce: If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a bit of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
Ingredients:
- Combine the Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta into the sauce, tossing it until it’s fully coated. Stir in the sliced chicken, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
- Finish with Seasoning: Season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes (if desired).
- Serve Hot: Serve the dish immediately while it’s still warm and creamy, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan if desired.
Enjoy Your Creamy Chicken Alfredo Recipe!
This Creamy Chicken Alfredo Recipe is a perfect combination of silky Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and satisfying pasta. The dish brings comforting flavors to your table and makes any meal feel special. Serve it with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete and delicious dinner experience.