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Chicken Alfredo


  • Author: Lana
  • Total Time: 40minutes

Ingredients

Scale
  • Chicken:

    • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

    • Salt and pepper, to taste

    • 2 tablespoons olive oil

    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

    • 1 teaspoon onion powder

    • ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)

  • For the Alfredo Sauce:

    • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter

    • 1 cup heavy cream

    • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (use fresh for best flavor)

    • 3 cloves garlic, minced

    • Salt and pepper, to taste

    • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)

    • A pinch of freshly grated nutmeg (optional)

  • For the Pasta:

    • 12 oz fettuccine or pasta of your choice

    • Salt for boiling water

Ingredient Highlights

  • Chicken Breasts: Chicken is lean, flavorful, and a great source of protein. It absorbs the Alfredo sauce beautifully, adding a tender and juicy element to the dish.

  • Butter and Cream: These are the foundation of the creamy Alfredo sauce. Together, they make a rich, luxurious base that coats the pasta.

  • Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, salty depth to the sauce and is key to making the Alfredo sauce velvety smooth.

  • Garlic: Garlic provides an aromatic base for the sauce, elevating the flavor and giving the dish a savory depth.

  • Pasta: Fettuccine is traditionally used for Chicken Alfredo, but you can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne, spaghetti, or linguine.


Instructions

Preparing the Chicken for Chicken Alfredo

  1. Season the Chicken: Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika (if using). You can also marinate the chicken for 30 minutes for extra flavor, but this step is optional.

  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and has an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest.

  3. Slice the Chicken: After the chicken has rested for 5 minutes, slice it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces for easy incorporation into the Alfredo sauce.

Making the Alfredo Sauce for Chicken Alfredo

  1. Prepare the Pasta: While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine (or pasta of your choice) according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

  2. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet that you used for the chicken, melt 1 cup of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

  3. Add the Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.

  4. Add the Cheese: Lower the heat and gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired.

Combining Chicken Alfredo

 

  1. Combine the Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the Alfredo sauce, tossing it gently to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

  2. Add the Chicken: Gently fold the sliced chicken into the pasta and sauce mixture. Stir to combine and ensure the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the dish.

  3. Serve: Once everything is well mixed and heated through, serve your Chicken Alfredo immediately. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or more grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

  • Prep Time: 10minutes
  • Cook Time: 30minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 700
  • Fat: 35g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Protein: 35g