Classic Creamy Chicken Alfredo Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 pound fettuccine pasta
  • Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Steps and instructions

  1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until browned on both sides and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  3. In the same pan, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
  4. Add the heavy cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese to the pan. Stir until the butter has melted and the cheese is well incorporated.
  5. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer until it thickens.
  6. While the sauce is simmering, cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions. Drain well.
  7. Slice the cooked chicken breasts and add them to the sauce.
  8. Add the cooked fettuccine to the pan and toss until the pasta is coated in the sauce.
  9. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tools for making

  • Cutting board - To prepare and slice the chicken breasts.
  • Knife - To cut and chop ingredients.
  • Pan - To cook the chicken breasts and sauce.
  • Whisk - To mix the sauce ingredients.
  • Large pot - To boil the pasta.
  • Colander - To drain the cooked pasta.
  • Tongs - To flip and remove the chicken from the pan.
  • Spatula - To stir and toss the pasta in the sauce.
  • Grater - To grate the Parmesan cheese.
  • Measuring cups and spoons - To measure the ingredients accurately.

Recipe variations

  • Substitute the chicken with shrimp or cooked bacon for a different protein option.
  • Add vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for added flavor and texture.
  • Use whole wheat or gluten-free fettuccine pasta for a healthier or dietary-friendly alternative.
  • Experiment with different types of cheese like mozzarella or Gruyère to create a unique flavor profile.
  • Add a splash of white wine or lemon juice to the sauce for a tangy twist.
  • Sprinkle red pepper flakes or dried herbs like oregano or basil for additional spice or herbal notes.
  • Try using alternative dairy products like half-and-half or milk (though the sauce might not be as rich).

Recipe overview

Prepare to delight your taste buds with this classic Italian dish - Chicken Alfredo. Made with tender chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked fettuccine pasta, this dish is a crowd pleaser. You'll start by seasoning and pan-searing the chicken to golden perfection. Next, you'll create a homemade Alfredo sauce that's rich and full of cheesy goodness. Toss in the fettuccine, add the cooked chicken, and garnish with fresh parsley. Voila! You have a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen. Expect a little prep and cooking time, but the result is worth every minute. Whether you're cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this Chicken Alfredo recipe will not disappoint.

Common questions

  1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  2. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream? While it may alter the richness of the sauce, you can use half-and-half as a lighter alternative to heavy cream.
  3. Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional for Chicken Alfredo, you can use any pasta of your choice.
  4. Can I add vegetables to this recipe? Certainly! Feel free to add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or any other vegetables you prefer.
  5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? While it's best to serve Chicken Alfredo immediately after preparing, you can make the sauce ahead of time and reheat it before tossing with freshly cooked pasta.
  6. Can I freeze leftovers? It is not recommended to freeze Chicken Alfredo as the cream sauce may separate when thawed and reheated.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Cutting board - Used for preparing and slicing the chicken.
  • Knife - Essential for cutting and slicing the chicken and other ingredients.
  • Pan - Used for cooking the chicken and making the Alfredo sauce.
  • Wooden spoon - Useful for stirring and mixing the sauce.
  • Pot - Needed for cooking the fettuccine pasta.
  • Colander - Used to drain the cooked pasta.
  • Tongs - Ideal for handling and flipping the chicken breasts while cooking.
  • Grater - Used to grate the Parmesan cheese.
  • Serving platter - A dish or plate for presenting the Chicken Alfredo.
  • Garnishing shears - Optional tool for cutting fresh parsley for garnish.

Origin stories

The creamy, comforting dish known as Alfredo is often associated with Italian cuisine, but you may be surprised to learn that the classic Chicken Alfredo we know today is actually more American than Italian. The original recipe, Fettuccine Alfredo, comes from Rome and was created by a man named Alfredo di Lelio in the early 20th century. The dish was a simple concoction of butter and Parmigiano-Reggiano, made to please his pregnant wife. It wasn't until American silent film stars Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks ate at Alfredo's restaurant and brought the recipe back to the States that the dish began to evolve. It was in America that chicken and cream were added to the recipe, creating the rich and hearty Chicken Alfredo we love today. So, while we have Alfredo di Lelio to thank for the original concept, the dish has taken on a life of its own across the Atlantic.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.