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Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta with juicy chicken and rich sauce on a plate

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta

A cozy and creamy pasta dish with juicy chicken and a silky Alfredo sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 650
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 8 ounces Fettuccine pasta Classic with a smooth sauce
  • 1 pound Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs Thighs stay extra juicy
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Adds richness
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil For searing chicken
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced For aroma
  • 1 cup Heavy cream Creates a smooth sauce
  • 1 cup Freshly grated Parmesan cheese Use fresh for best texture
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Season in layers
  • 1 teaspoon Black pepper Season in layers
  • 1 cup Reserved pasta water For emulsifying sauce
  • a pinch Nutmeg, optional Enhances flavor
  • 1 tablespoon Chopped parsley, optional For garnish
  • 1 Squeeze of lemon, optional For brightness

Method
 

Cooking the Chicken
  1. Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat with olive oil and one tablespoon of butter.
  3. Add chicken and cook undisturbed for 4 to 6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F).
  4. Remove chicken and let it rest before slicing into bite-size strips.
Making the Sauce
  1. Lower the heat to medium-low and add another tablespoon of butter to the pan.
  2. Add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Pour in heavy cream and a splash of reserved pasta water, warming until barely simmering.
  4. Slowly whisk in Parmesan a handful at a time until smooth and glossy.
  5. Taste and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg, if desired.
Combining Pasta and Sauce
  1. Cook fettuccine in well-salted water until just shy of al dente.
  2. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain pasta.
  3. Add pasta directly to simmering sauce and toss until coated.
  4. Return sliced chicken to pan, toss together, and add more pasta water if sauce tightens.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated cheese and warm the plates before serving.