Chicken Alfredo is a beloved Italian-American dish known for its rich and creamy sauce combined with tender chicken and pasta. It’s a comfort food favorite that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal. This easy recipe will guide you through making Chicken Alfredo from scratch, ensuring a delicious and satisfying result every time. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients for Chicken Alfredo
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces fettuccine or pasta of your choice
- Salt for boiling water
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese
How to Make Chicken Alfredo
1. Preparing the Chicken
Step 1: Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
Step 2: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
Step 3: Once the chicken has rested for a few minutes, slice it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
2. Cooking the Pasta
Step 4: While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or your preferred pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving a cup of the pasta water.
3. Making the Alfredo Sauce
Step 5: In the same skillet used to cook the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant and lightly golden.
Step 6: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Let the cream simmer for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 7: Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the ground nutmeg and season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 8: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If the pasta seems dry, add more pasta water as needed.
Step 9: Add the sliced chicken back into the skillet and gently toss to combine. Make sure everything is heated through.
4. Serving the Chicken Alfredo
Step 10: Serve the Chicken Alfredo hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. This dish pairs well with a side salad and garlic bread.
About the Main Ingredients
Chicken Breasts: Chicken breasts are a lean source of protein that complements the rich Alfredo sauce. For the best results, make sure to cook the chicken until it’s golden brown and juicy. Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts ensures a quicker cooking time and a cleaner presentation.
Alfredo Sauce: The key to a delicious Alfredo sauce is the combination of butter, garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. The heavy cream provides a luxurious texture, while the Parmesan adds a deep, savory flavor. The addition of nutmeg enhances the sauce with a subtle warmth. This homemade version is far superior to jarred sauces, offering a fresh and authentic taste.
Fettuccine: Fettuccine is the traditional pasta choice for Alfredo sauce because its wide, flat shape holds the creamy sauce well. However, you can use other types of pasta if preferred. Cooking the pasta to al dente ensures it has the perfect texture to complement the rich sauce.
Chicken Alfredo is a versatile dish that can be customized with various add-ins like broccoli, mushrooms, or spinach. It’s a timeless classic that never fails to please and is surprisingly easy to make at home. Enjoy this creamy and comforting dish with your favorite sides and savor the flavors of a well-made Chicken Alfredo.
