Chicken Alfredo

Ingredients

• 16 oz dry fettuccine pasta
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (for chicken)
• 0.75 tsp kosher salt (for chicken)
• 0.25 tsp pepper (for chicken)
• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter (for pan-frying chicken)
• 0.5 cup butter (cut into large cubes or slices; for sauce)
• 2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 garlic (clove, minced)
• 0.75 tsp garlic powder
• 0.75 tsp Italian Seasoning (for sauce)
• 0.25 tsp salt (for sauce)
• 0.25 tsp pepper (for sauce)
• 2 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)

Steps

1. 1

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. 2

   Add the fettuccine and cook until al dente according to package directions, usually 10 minutes.

3. 3

   Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water, then drain well. Set aside.

4. 4

   Season chicken breasts with the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

5. 5

   Warm the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large nonstick skillet. Once it’s shimmering, swirl the pan to evenly distribute.

6. 6

   Add the chicken and leave it undisturbed for 5-7 minutes, until the bottom is golden-brown.

7. 7

   Flip over and add in 1 tablespoon of butter between them, picking up the pan to give it a gentle swirl to distribute. Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes (or until an internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.)

8. 8

   Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let rest for 3 minutes. Cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Tent with foil while you prepare the sauce.

9. 9

   In the same pan, over medium-low heat, add the butter and cream; whisk until butter has melted.

10. 10

    Add in the minced garlic, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; whisk until combined and smooth.

11. 11

    Bring to a gentle simmer (do not boil) and cook for 3-4 minutes, whisking constantly, until it starts to thicken.

12. 12

    Stir in the parmesan cheese just until melted and the sauce is smooth. (If the sauce ends up too thick, add some of the reserved pasta cooking water, a few tablespoons at a time, to thin it out.)

13. 13

    Take sauce off the heat and immediately toss with the cooked fettuccine noodles.

14. 14

    Divide the pasta among serving bowls and top with a few slices of chicken. Garnish with parsley, more Parmesan, and black pepper if desired.

Notes

Avoid pre-shredded cheese; use real Parmigiano-Reggiano off the block for better melting. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F without overcooking. If the sauce is too thin, simmer for a few extra minutes or let it sit for a minute before tossing with pasta. Variations mentioned: can add broccoli or substitute shrimp for chicken.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• dinner
• pasta
• chicken
• alfredo
• creamy
• comfort food
• pan-fried