Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

1. Preparing the Chicken:

1. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
2. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest. Once cooled slightly, slice the chicken into thin strips.

2. Cooking the Pasta:

4. Boil the Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
5. Cook the Pasta: Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

3. Making the Alfredo Sauce:

6. Melt the Butter: In the same skillet used to cook the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat.
7. Cook the Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
8. Add the Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cream begins to thicken.
9. Add the Cheese: Gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
10. Season: Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

4. Combining Everything:

11. Mix the Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
12. Add the Chicken: Add the sliced chicken to the skillet and gently toss to combine.

5. Serving:

13. Plate the Dish: Divide the Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo among serving plates.
14. Garnish: Garnish with additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese, freshly ground black pepper, and chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

Tips for Success:

• High-Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality Parmesan cheese and heavy cream for the best flavor and texture.
• Cooking Chicken: Make sure not to overcook the chicken. It should be golden brown on the outside and juicy on the inside.
• Sauce Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, adjust with reserved pasta water. If it’s too thin, continue to simmer until it reaches the desired thickness.
• Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic will provide the best flavor, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.

Conclusion:

Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is a classic dish that brings together the rich flavors of a creamy Alfredo sauce with tender, seasoned chicken and perfectly cooked pasta. This recipe is straightforward, allowing you to create a restaurant-quality meal at home. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a comforting weeknight dinner, this Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo will surely delight your taste buds. Enjoy making and savoring this timeless favorite!