Simple Chicken Alfredo Recipe (with Video)

Simple Chicken Alfredo Recipe: Chicken Alfredo is a classic Italian-American dish that combines tender chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and fettuccine pasta into a comforting and delicious meal. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or a special occasion, this easy recipe will help you make a restaurant-quality dish right at home.

Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to making Chicken Alfredo from scratch!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather all the necessary ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process.

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz fettuccine pasta
• Water for boiling
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Alfredo Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• ½ cup pasta water (reserved)

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
2. Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
4. Rest and Slice: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Water: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add 1 teaspoon of salt.
2. Cook the Pasta: Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions (usually 10-12 minutes for al dente).
3. Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency later.
4. Drain and Set Aside: Drain the pasta and set it aside while preparing the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

1. Melt the Butter: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the Cream: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes until it slightly thickens.
4. Incorporate the Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (optional). Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
5. Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

1. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained fettuccine pasta to the Alfredo sauce, tossing it gently to coat evenly.
2. Add Chicken: Place the sliced chicken on top of the pasta, mixing lightly to incorporate.
3. Final Touch: Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve your Chicken Alfredo hot with a side of garlic bread or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus.
• Pair it with a light salad for a complete and balanced meal.

Tips for the Best Chicken Alfredo

Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives the sauce a richer flavor.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Keep an eye on the internal temperature to ensure juicy, tender chicken.
Reserve Pasta Water: Adding pasta water helps maintain the creamy consistency of the sauce.
Customize the Dish: Add mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.

FAQs about Simple Chicken Alfredo Recipe

1. Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?

Yes! While homemade Alfredo sauce has a rich, fresh flavor, you can use store-bought sauce for convenience. Just add extra garlic, Parmesan, or seasonings to enhance the taste.

2. What type of pasta works best with Alfredo sauce?

Fettuccine is the classic choice, but you can also use linguine, penne, or even spaghetti for a delicious twist.

3. How do I make my Alfredo sauce thicker?

To thicken the sauce, let it simmer longer, add extra Parmesan cheese, or stir in a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water).

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Store the cooked chicken Alfredo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream to restore the creamy texture.

5. What can I add to enhance the flavor?

For extra flavor, try adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or a pinch of red pepper flakes. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also brighten the dish.

6. Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Shrimp, salmon, or even grilled tofu make excellent substitutes for chicken in this Alfredo recipe.

7. Is Chicken Alfredo healthy?

Chicken Alfredo is a rich dish, but you can lighten it up by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, reducing the cheese, or opting for whole wheat pasta.

8. Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and make sure your Alfredo sauce ingredients are gluten-free.

Conclusion

Making homemade Chicken Alfredo is easier than you think! With simple ingredients and a few steps, you can create a delicious and creamy dish that your whole family will love. Try this recipe today, and enjoy a restaurant-style meal in the comfort of your home!