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Chicken Alfredo

A rich and satisfying dish, Chicken Alfredo features succulent, golden-seared chicken breasts served atop fettuccine pasta, enveloped in a velvety cream and Parmesan sauce. A timeless classic perfect for weeknights or entertaining guests.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 33 minutes

Ingredients

  • For the Noodles
  • 16 oz fettuccine pasta dry
  • For the Chicken
  • 1 lb chicken breasts boneless and skinless
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ¾ tsp kosher salt
  • ¼ tsp ground black pepper
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • For the Sauce
  • 2 cups Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • ½ cup unsalted butter cut into chunks
  • 1 clove garlic finely minced
  • ¾ tsp Italian seasoning
  • ¼ tsp kosher salt
  • ¾ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Begin by boiling a generous pot of salted water. Once at a rolling boil, add the fettuccine and cook until al dente, typically around 10 minutes per the package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of the starchy cooking liquid, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  • For the chicken, season the breasts uniformly with Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken and sear undisturbed for 5 to 7 minutes until a golden crust forms on the underside. Flip the pieces, introduce 1 tablespoon of butter, and tilt the skillet gently to evenly distribute the melting butter. Continue cooking for another 5 to 7 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board, let it rest for 3 minutes, then slice into ½-inch strips and tent with foil.
  • To prepare the Alfredo sauce, reduce the skillet heat to medium-low. Combine butter and heavy cream, whisking until the butter has fully dissolved. Add minced garlic, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, stirring constantly to create a homogeneous mixture. Allow the sauce to simmer gently, without boiling, for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens.
  • Incorporate the grated Parmesan into the sauce, stirring just until melted and smooth. Should the sauce become overly thick, gradually add reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, to reach the desired consistency.
  • Remove the skillet from heat and immediately toss in the cooked fettuccine until thoroughly coated. Plate the pasta into individual servings, topping each with a few slices of the prepared chicken. Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and freshly ground black pepper.

Notes

If storing leftovers, keep the pasta and chicken separate from the sauce to maintain optimal texture. Reheat gently, adding a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce if needed.