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Easy chicken fettuccine alfredo in a white bowl garnished with fresh parsley and cracked black pepper

Easy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

Tender chicken tossed in a silky Parmesan cream sauce with fettuccine, a crowd-pleasing classic ready in just 40 minutes.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 720

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts sliced thinly into 2-inch strips
  • sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp canola oil
  • 0.5 lb fettuccine pasta cooked al dente
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream do not substitute
  • 1 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese freshly shredded from a block for best results
  • chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Large deep skillet
  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • whisk
  • Pasta tongs or ladle

Method
 

  1. Sprinkle the chicken strips with a pinch each of sea salt and freshly ground pepper.
  2. Heat canola oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. When shimmering, add chicken and cook stirring often for about 5 minutes until cooked through to 165 degrees F internal temperature. Scoop out and set aside.
  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook fettuccine according to package directions to al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
  4. In the same skillet over medium heat, melt the butter without cleaning the pan. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Add the finely shredded Parmesan and whisk steadily until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
  6. Keeping the sauce at a low simmer, add the cooked chicken and any accumulated juices. Toss to coat.
  7. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss until every strand is coated in the creamy sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen.
  8. Divide among warmed plates, garnish with freshly ground pepper and chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

Pasta substitute: Use linguine, spaghetti, or any sturdy pasta. Avoid angel hair. Chicken substitute: Boneless thighs work great. Cream: Heavy cream is essential, do not use milk or half-and-half. For extra thickness: Simmer cream 1 to 2 minutes longer before adding Parmesan. Do not freeze leftovers as cream sauce will separate.
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