Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is the ultimate comfort food with tender chicken breast perfectly seasoned and sautéed to golden brown perfection, then paired with silky fettuccine noodles smothered in a luscious homemade Alfredo sauce made with a blend of butter, cream, and Parmesan, perfect for weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
What is Fettuccine?
It is a flat, thick pasta traditionally made of egg and flour. Fettuccine means ribbons in Italian. It is very popular in Tuscan and Roman cuisine.
What is Fettuccine Alfredo?
Fettuccine Alfredo is a classic Italian pasta dish made of fresh fettuccine tossed with Parmesan cheese and butter. And this cheese forms a rich creamy sauce which coating for the pasta.
The dish is very popular in the United States, and now it is usually made with heavy cream and other ingredients to make it more commercialized. It is often served with grilled chicken, sauteed chicken or other ingredients as the main course dish.
Variations of Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
While the classic Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is a timeless dish, you can mix it up with a few variations to suit your preferences or dietary needs:
1. Add Vegetables:
Incorporate sautéed vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, broccoli, or peas for extra nutrition and color. You can stir them directly into the Alfredo sauce or toss them in with the pasta.
2. Make it Light:
For a lighter version, replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free option. You can also use a smaller amount of cheese or opt for a lower-fat Parmesan alternative.
3. Chicken Alfredo with Bacon:
If you’re a fan of smoky flavors, crispy bacon can be an amazing addition to Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo. Simply fry up some bacon until crispy and crumble it over the top of the dish before serving.
4. Grilled Chicken:
For a smoky, charred flavor, grill the chicken instead of pan-searing it. Grilled chicken will add a different dimension to your Alfredo, giving it a more robust flavor.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated Parmesan tends to be drier and less flavorful than freshly grated. Always opt for the real deal when making Alfredo sauce to ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Fettuccine should be cooked al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite when you taste it. Overcooking the pasta will make it mushy and less enjoyable.
- Add a Touch of Lemon: For a fresh and bright contrast to the creamy sauce, squeeze a little lemon juice over the dish before serving. This will cut through the richness and bring a burst of flavor.
- Make it Spicy: If you love a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce to give it an extra kick.
- Rest the Chicken: Allow your chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain the juices and makes for a tender, flavorful chicken.
How to Store Leftovers
Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo can be stored for later meals. Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:
- Refrigeration: Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: While it’s not ideal to freeze pasta dishes with creamy sauces (as the sauce can separate upon reheating), you can still freeze Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo if you plan to consume it within 1-2 months. Be sure to freeze the pasta and sauce separately for the best results.
- Reheating: To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to the pasta and sauce, and warm it on the stove over low heat while stirring to prevent the sauce from separating.
How to Serve Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is a hearty and filling meal, but there are a few ways to round it out and elevate your dining experience:
- Side Salad: A light side salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the rich, creamy sauce. A simple arugula or mixed greens salad with lemon dressing works perfectly.
- Garlic Bread: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread on the side to scoop up any extra Alfredo sauce—no one wants to waste that creamy goodness!
- Wine Pairing: A crisp, dry white wine such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo. The acidity of the wine helps balance the richness of the dish.
Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo: Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes! While fettuccine is traditional, you can substitute other pasta types like penne, linguine, or even rigatoni. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you use.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best to make Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo fresh, as the creamy sauce tends to thicken upon sitting. However, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and store them separately, then combine everything just before serving.
3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk, and use dairy-free Parmesan cheese. For a more robust flavor, consider adding nutritional yeast to the sauce.
4. How do I prevent the Alfredo sauce from separating?
To prevent the sauce from separating, make sure to cook it over low heat and stir continuously when adding the cheese. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add some pasta water to help emulsify the sauce.
Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is the ultimate comfort food with tender chicken breast perfectly seasoned and sautéed to golden brown perfection, then paired with silky fettuccine noodles smothered in a luscious homemade Alfredo sauce
Ingredients
- 1 pound fettuccine alfredo (fresh or refrigerated)
- 6 tbsp butter, salted
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 1/4 cups parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper
- fresh parsley (optional)
For the chicken
- 3 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp parsley
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2-1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over high heat. Add water and wait until it starts boiling. Add a little salt to the water then add the fettuccine and cook as per the package instructions.
- Heat a large skillet or pan over medium high heat. Add butter, once hot and melted, add minced garlic and stir cook for 1 to 2 minutes until soft. Stir in heavy cream and give it a good mix.
- Continue to cook for 5 to 8 minutes or until the heavy cream slightly reduced.
- Add half of the parmesan cheese and whisk well until smooth and cheese is melted.
- Meanwhile, heat another skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter let it melt. Add the chicken breasts, sprinkle with garlic powder, parsley, and season with salt.
- Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side or until no longer pink from inside. After its done cooking, let rest for 5 minutes before chopping.
- Toss alfredo sauce with the cooked fettuccine pasta and add half of the parmesan cheese.
- Garnish with the remaining parmesan cheese. You can add the pasta water from the pot if it's too thick.
- Slice the chicken breasts and place it over the pasta, garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy immediately.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
6Amount Per Serving Calories 736Total Fat 58gSaturated Fat 36gTrans Fat 2gUnsaturated Fat 18gCholesterol 214mgSodium 1009mgCarbohydrates 22gFiber 1gSugar 2gProtein 31g
dinnerbytes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although dinnerbytes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Still Hungry! Try These Other Delicious Chicken Recipes:
- Homemade Chicken Alfredo Pasta Penne
- Easy Homemade Chicken Nuggets
- Low Carb Chicken Patties
- Low Carb Chicken Pot Pie
Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is a comforting dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings for something creamy and indulgent. Whether you follow the classic recipe or experiment with different variations, this dish will undoubtedly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. So, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to this indulgent yet simple meal tonight!
