Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Savor the World.

Chicken Alfredo Pasta

If you're looking for a creamy, quick, and flavorful recipe to impress in the kitchen, look no further! This Chicken Alfredo Pasta is perfect for you. Ideal for easy weeknight dinners, it combines juicy chicken with a smooth, delicious sauce that anyone will love. Make it and enjoy a classic dish that has become a favorite in many households!

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approx. 12 oz / 340 g)
8 oz (227 g) fettuccine pasta
2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons (30 g) unsalted butter
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Equipment Needed

Large pot for boiling pasta
Large skillet
Colander
Wooden spoon or spatula
Knife and cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons

See 5 variations of the recipe at the end.

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Did You Know?

Did you know the original Alfredo sauce recipe didn’t include cream? Just butter, Parmesan cheese, and fresh pasta. Cream was added later in Americanized versions to give the dish more body and smoothness.

Instructions

Cook the fettuccine pasta: Let's get started—you'll see how quick it is! Begin by boiling water with salt in a large pot to cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Italians say once the water boils, put the pasta in for 16 minutes and it's done! Drain well and set aside.
Season the chicken: Now, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and generously season both sides with salt and pepper.
Cook the chicken: Next, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook 6-7 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and let rest a few minutes before slicing thinly.
Prepare the sauce base: In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic releases its aroma, but be careful not to burn it.

Add liquids for the sauce: Now add the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, avoiding boiling hard to prevent the sauce from breaking or turning grainy.
Incorporate the Parmesan cheese: Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese while stirring constantly until you achieve that creamy, smooth sauce we're looking for. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Mix pasta and chicken with the sauce: Almost done! Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss to coat everything evenly.
Finish and serve: Done! That was easy, right? Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if you like. Serve immediately to enjoy the best flavor and texture.

Ingredient Substitutions (In Case You’re Missing Something)

Chicken: If you don’t have chicken, you can use turkey breast or shrimp if you prefer seafood—they taste delicious!
Fettuccine: If you don’t have this, any long pasta like linguini or spaghetti works well.
Heavy cream: You can substitute it with whole milk mixed with a bit of butter for a lighter version.
Parmesan cheese: Use Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese as alternatives.
Chicken broth: If you don’t have any, you can use vegetable broth or even water with a pinch of salt.

Preparation Tips

Don’t forget to season the chicken well before cooking to boost the flavor.
Don’t overcook the pasta; it should be al dente for better texture—nobody likes mushy pasta.
Add the cheese little by little and mix well to prevent the sauce from breaking.
Always cook the sauce over medium-low heat so it doesn’t boil too hard and thickens properly.
Let the chicken rest a few minutes before slicing so it retains its juices.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 550 kcal
Protein: 40 g
Total Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 14 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Dietary Fiber: 2 g
Sugars: 2 g
Sodium: 450 mg

Nutritional Benefits

This Chicken Alfredo Pasta recipe is an excellent source of lean protein thanks to the chicken, which as we know helps with muscle recovery and tissue maintenance. The pasta provides quick energy in the form of complex carbohydrates to keep your vitality throughout the day. The creamy sauce, made with Parmesan cheese and heavy cream, supplies essential calcium for bone health and fats that aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Additionally, garlic and olive oil offer antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that benefit cardiovascular health.

Storage and Reheating

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, use the microwave or gently warm in a skillet, adding a bit of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
Avoid reheating multiple times to keep the chicken and sauce quality.
Freezing this Chicken Alfredo Pasta is not recommended because the creamy sauce made with heavy cream and Parmesan can separate and change texture when thawed.

Recipe History or Inspiration

Alfredo sauce was created in early 20th century Rome by Alfredo di Lelio, who invented it for his wife when she was pregnant and had no appetite. The combination of butter, Parmesan cheese, and fresh pasta quickly became a classic Italian dish that won over taste buds worldwide. Today, Chicken Alfredo is a popular variation that adds protein for a complete and delicious meal.

Serving Suggestions

You can pair this recipe with a fresh arugula salad with cherry tomatoes and a light vinaigrette.
Also great with crispy garlic bread to complement the creamy sauce.
A dry white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc are excellent pairings.
You can also serve roasted vegetables like asparagus or glazed carrots.
A light tomato or vegetable soup to start the meal is also a great choice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I prepare Alfredo sauce in advance?
Yes, you can make the sauce and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours; just gently warm it before mixing with the pasta.
What type of cheese is best for this sauce?
Freshly grated Parmesan is ideal for its intense flavor and good texture.

Can I freeze this recipe?
Freezing Alfredo sauce is not recommended because the cream can separate when thawed.
How can I make the recipe lighter?
Use low-fat milk instead of cream and reduce the amount of butter and cheese.

Recipe Variations

Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli: This option includes steamed broccoli to add fiber and vitamins.
Vegetarian Version: Delicious! Here we use mushrooms instead of chicken.

Spicy Alfredo: Simply add chili flakes or hot sauce.
Whole Wheat: Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier, fiber-rich option.
Alfredo with Pesto Chicken: Exquisite, just swap the cream for pesto sauce.

Alright, now that you know all the details to make this delicious Chicken Alfredo Pasta, it’s time to prepare it at home and enjoy its creamy, comforting flavor. It’s a simple, quick recipe packed with flavor that everyone is sure to love. Happy cooking!

Tastes of La Paz.