Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta (Printable Version)
Tender chicken and fettuccine tossed in a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce with Parmesan and garlic.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1 teaspoon salt
03 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
04 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
→ Pasta
05 - 12 ounces fettuccine pasta
→ Alfredo Sauce
06 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
07 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1½ cups heavy cream
09 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
10 - ½ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (or additional Parmesan)
11 - ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
12 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Garnish
13 - Fresh parsley, chopped
14 - Extra grated Parmesan cheese
# Directions:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.
02 - Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken breasts 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate, rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
04 - Reduce skillet heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic; sauté for 1 minute until aromatic.
05 - Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan and Pecorino cheeses, ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens.
06 - Add cooked fettuccine to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. If necessary, add reserved pasta water gradually until desired consistency is achieved.
07 - Top pasta with sliced chicken. Garnish with chopped parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- This sauce is so silky and rich it feels like a little restaurant secret you're sharing just with close friends
- Using tender chicken combined with fettuccine creates that perfect balance of hearty and indulgent you won't forget
02 -
- The secret to a silky Alfredo sauce is not letting the cream boil hard—just a gentle simmer keeps the texture smooth
- Reserving pasta water is a game changer; its starch helps bind the sauce and pasta beautifully
03 -
- Don't rush the chicken cooking; a nice golden crust means flavor and moisture locked in
- Adding nutmeg is subtle but it elevates the sauce beyond basic cream and cheese every time