Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

There’s just something magical about a plate of Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo: silky ribbons of pasta tossed in a luxurious, creamy sauce, crowned with juicy, golden pieces of chicken. It’s the ultimate comfort food, beloved for its simplicity and soul-soothing richness. Whether you’re craving a special weeknight dinner or looking to wow your friends at your next gathering, this recipe promises a restaurant-worthy dish made right in your own kitchen.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of pantry and fridge staples, you can create a Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo that tastes like an Italian classic. Each ingredient here has a job to do, whether it’s adding flavor, building creaminess, or bringing that familiar color and bite to the plate.

• Fettuccine pasta: The classic choice; its flat, wide shape holds onto the creamy Alfredo sauce beautifully.
• Olive oil: A splash for sautéing keeps the chicken tender and adds a hint of fruity flavor.
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: When sliced thin and seared, these become juicy, protein-packed bites.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the pasta water, making every bite flavorful.
• Black pepper: Adds mild heat and rounds out the savoriness of the dish.
• Unsalted butter: This enriches the sauce and deepens the overall flavor.
• Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses warmth and aroma that’s simply irresistible.
• Heavy cream: Delivers that indulgently smooth, creamy base everyone loves in Alfredo sauce.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: The star of the sauce; use freshly grated for the best melt and tang.
• Italian seasoning (optional): A sprinkle adds a herby fragrance without overpowering the main flavors.
• Fresh parsley: Just a handful, chopped, gives the finishing touch of freshness and a pop of color.

How to Make Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

Step 1: Cook the Fettuccine

Set a large pot of salted water on to boil, then add the fettuccine pasta. Stir occasionally and cook until just al dente—tender but still with a slight bite. Drain the pasta but reserve a cup of pasta water; this can loosen the sauce later if needed.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

While your pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chicken slices with salt and black pepper, then lay them in the hot skillet. Sauté until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5–6 minutes per side. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep warm—you’ll want those juices later!

Step 3: Create the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for a minute, stirring, just until fragrant. Don’t let it brown; you want sweet, mellow garlic, not bitterness.

Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat and gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth, glossy, and just thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If you love extra herbiness, this is the moment to add the Italian seasoning.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, letting it soak up some of that creamy sauce. Add your drained fettuccine right in and toss everything together until each strand is thoroughly coated and every piece of chicken is mingling in the goodness. Add a little reserved pasta water if the sauce is looking too thick, and toss again for a perfectly silky finish.

How to Serve Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

Garnishes

Nobody can resist a plate that looks as enticing as it tastes. Shower your Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo with a handful of fresh chopped parsley—that burst of green promises brightness in every bite. Freshly cracked black pepper and a generous dusting of extra Parmesan make for a beautiful and flavorful finishing touch.

Side Dishes

This rich pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp Caesar salad or some simple roasted broccoli for a pop of freshness. Don’t forget a slice of warm, crusty bread or garlic knots for swiping up every bit of that luscious sauce. You’ll thank yourself later.

Creative Ways to Present

For a truly show-stopping presentation, twirl portions of pasta into neat nests on each plate, topping each with chicken strips and garnishes. Or serve family-style on a large platter, inviting everyone to dig in together. For extra flavor, serve with a wedge of lemon on the side—just a squeeze brightens the creamy sauce beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo (lucky you!), transfer it into an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. It will stay delicious for up to three days. To keep the pasta from drying out, try adding a splash of cream or milk before storing.

Freezing

Though Alfredo sauce is at its best fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Let everything cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe bags or containers. For best quality, consume within one month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for gentle defrosting.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo on the stove over low heat, adding a dash of cream or milk and stirring often until creamy again. The microwave works in a pinch—heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between to keep the sauce from separating.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of chicken?

Absolutely! Try boneless chicken thighs for even juicier results, or swap in cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken as a time-saving shortcut.

Is it possible to make Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo gluten-free?

Yes, just substitute your favorite gluten-free fettuccine. The sauce itself is naturally gluten-free, so you won’t miss a thing!

What type Main Course

Always go for freshly grated Parmesan over pre-shredded varieties—the melt and flavor are so much better, and you’ll avoid unwanted fillers.

Can I lighten up this recipe?

If you’re looking to make a lighter Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo, try using half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream, and serve with extra veggies on the side.

How do I prevent the sauce from getting too thick?

If your Alfredo sauce tightens up, just stir in a splash of warm pasta water or a bit of extra cream until it loosens to your liking. Stir well and serve right away.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug at dinnertime—rich, satisfying, and so easy to make at home. Whether shared with family or enjoyed as a solo treat, each forkful promises pure comfort and flavor. Don’t wait for a special occasion to whip it up; you might just find yourself craving it every week!

Print