Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Introduction
This Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a classic Italian dish featuring creamy homemade Alfredo sauce and tender grilled chicken. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's perfect for a quick yet impressive weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- For the pasta:
- 14 oz fettuccine (or your favorite pasta)
- Salt for boiling water
- For the chicken:
- 10.5 oz chicken breast (thinly sliced)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- For Alfredo sauce:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tbsp butter
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- Season chicken slices with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make Alfredo Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly.
- Add nutmeg and parmesan cheese, stirring until cheese melts.
- If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water 1 tbsp at a time.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Add cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce, tossing gently to coat.
- Garnish with extra parmesan and fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately with garlic bread.
Pro Tips
- Use high-fat heavy cream for the creamiest sauce
- Don't boil the sauce after adding cheese to prevent clumping
- For a lighter version, substitute half the cream with whole milk
- Add sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 650 kcal |
Protein | 35g |
Carbohydrates | 45g |
Fat | 38g |
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FAQ
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Heavy cream gives the best results, but you can use half-and-half. The sauce will be thinner.
How to store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add milk when reheating.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely! Omit the chicken or replace it with mushrooms or spinach.
Conclusion
This Chicken Alfredo Pasta delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. The creamy sauce paired with tender chicken makes it a family favorite. Don't forget to share your cooking results in the comments!