- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is golden brown.
- Rest and Slice: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Once rested, slice the chicken into thin strips and set aside.
Step 2: Cooking the Pasta
- Boil Water: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the fettuccine pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. This starchy water can help adjust the sauce’s consistency later.
- Drain the Pasta: Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 3: Making the Alfredo Sauce
- Melt the Butter: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Allow it to bubble, but do not let it brown.
- Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the Cream: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Incorporate the Cheese: Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce is smooth. Continue to whisk until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Season the Sauce: Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Step 4: Combining Everything
- Add the Pasta: Add the cooked fettuccine directly to the Alfredo sauce, tossing gently to coat the pasta evenly.
- Incorporate the Chicken: Add the sliced chicken on top of the pasta, mixing gently to combine everything. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little more reserved pasta water until you reach your desired creaminess.
Step 5: Serving
- Plate the Dish: Serve the Creamy Chicken Alfredo immediately in bowls or on plates.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
- Enjoy: Dive into this rich, creamy goodness and savor every bite!
Final Notes: Tips and Variations
- Vegetable Add-Ins: For extra nutrition and flavor, consider adding steamed broccoli, peas, or spinach to the pasta and sauce during the last minute of cooking.
- Alternative Proteins: This recipe also works well with shrimp or cooked sausage if you want to switch up the protein.
- Make Ahead: You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time and combine them with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
Conclusion:
Creamy Chicken Alfredo is the ultimate comfort food, bringing rich flavors and creamy textures together in one delightful dish. With this exclusive recipe, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right at home that is sure to impress family and friends. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this Alfredo is guaranteed to be a hit. Enjoy the creamy, savory goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds!