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Creamy chicken Alfredo with fettuccine and fresh parsley on a white plate

Chicken Alfredo

A classic Italian-American favorite with golden pan-seared chicken, al dente fettuccine, and a velvety parmesan garlic cream sauce. Restaurant-quality results at home in just 45 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Calories: 870

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts sliced lengthwise into thin cutlets
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning for chicken
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp salt for chicken
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper for chicken
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 10 oz fettuccine or linguine
  • 1 tsp salt for pasta water
  • 8 tbsp unsalted butter 1 stick
  • 2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning for sauce
  • 0.5 tsp salt for sauce
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper for sauce
  • 1.25 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, optional garnish

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Large pot for pasta
  • Chef's knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Instant-read thermometer
  • Box grater

Method
 

  1. Slice chicken breasts lengthwise to create thinner, more even cutlets. Season both sides with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add seasoned chicken and cook 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Transfer to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes.
  3. While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add fettuccine and cook until al dente, 8 to 10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water before draining.
  4. In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and saute for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Pour in heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
  6. Remove skillet from heat. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan until fully melted and sauce is smooth and creamy. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen.
  7. Slice rested chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Add drained pasta to the Alfredo sauce and toss to coat. Plate the pasta, top with sliced chicken, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

Always use freshly grated Parmesan. Pre-grated cheese contains additives that cause a grainy sauce. Remove the pan from heat before adding cheese to prevent separation. Never let Alfredo sauce boil vigorously. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
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