Description
Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta with juicy seared chicken and a glossy Parmesan-garlic sauce. This weeknight-friendly classic comes together in about 30 minutes with simple pantry staples and silky, restaurant-quality results.
Ingredients
CHICKEN
- 1 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), patted dry
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
PASTA & SAUCE
- 12 oz fettuccine (or linguine)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 3/4 cups heavy cream (room temperature)
- 1 cup finely grated Parmesan (plus more for serving)
- Pinch ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1–2 tsp fresh lemon juice, to taste
- 1/2–3/4 cup reserved pasta water
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (or basil)
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil.
2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high. Sear 4-6 minutes per side until golden and 165 F. Rest 5 minutes; slice or cube.
3. Cook fettuccine to al dente. Reserve 3/4 cup pasta water; drain.
4. In a wide pan, melt 4 tbsp butter over medium-low. Add garlic; cook 30-45 seconds until fragrant (do not brown).
5. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer (no boil). Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg.
6. Reduce heat to low. Whisk in Parmesan a handful at a time until smooth and glossy. Add 1-2 tsp lemon juice to brighten.
7. Add drained pasta, tossing and adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until sauce is silky and clings to noodles.
8. Fold in sliced chicken. Taste and adjust salt/pepper. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan (not pre-shredded) for the smoothest melt.
Keep heat low once dairy is added to prevent grainy sauce.
Add-ins: steamed broccoli or peas; sauteed mushrooms or spinach.
Reheat gently with a splash of milk/cream and water to loosen; avoid boiling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 1.5 cups
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 160mg