Ah, chicken alfredo – the ultimate comfort food superstar that makes even sweatpants feel fancy!
Born in early 1900s Rome by a chef named Alfredo di Lelio (what a name!), this dish was actually created to help his pregnant wife who wasn’t feeling well.
Talk about relationship goals!
Who knew that tossing some pasta with butter, Parmesan, and cream would become such a global sensation?
It’s like a warm hug in pasta form, and let’s be honest – when those tender pieces of chicken meet that silky, creamy sauce, it’s basically poetry on a plate.
Even better?
It’s one of those rare dishes that’s both sophisticated enough for date night and cozy enough for a Netflix marathon in your PJs.
Classic Chicken Alfredo
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 1 lb fettuccine pasta
- 6 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish:
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Black pepper
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Slice chicken breasts horizontally to create 4 thinner cutlets
- Season both sides with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
- Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through
- Remove from pan, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips
- Set aside and keep warm
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil
- Cook fettuccine according to package directions until al dente
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining
- Drain pasta but do not rinse
Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet used for chicken, melt butter over medium heat
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer
- Reduce heat to medium-low
- Gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth
- Add nutmeg if using
- Season with salt and pepper to taste
- If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time
Combine:
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce
- Toss gently until pasta is well coated
- Add sliced chicken and toss to combine
- If needed, add more reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency
Serve:
- Divide pasta among plates
- Top with additional grated Parmesan cheese
- Garnish with chopped parsley and fresh black pepper
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 40 minutes
This classic chicken alfredo recipe comes together in under an hour, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. The prep work is relatively quick, with just a bit of chopping and seasoning the chicken.
The chicken itself cooks up fast in a hot skillet, taking about 4-5 minutes per side to get a nice golden brown sear. While the chicken rests, you’ll have time to get the alfredo sauce going on the stovetop. The key to the creamy, dreamy sauce is slowly incorporating the Parmesan cheese, which takes a few minutes of steady stirring.
Once the pasta is cooked al dente and the sauce is silky smooth, it’s just a matter of tossing everything together. The total cook time for the entire dish is around 25 minutes, meaning you can have this restaurant-quality meal on the table in under an hour.
So whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests or satisfy your own craving for comfort food, this classic chicken alfredo is the perfect solution. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll be dining in delicious style in no time!
Tips:
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese, not pre-grated, for the smoothest sauce
- Don’t let the sauce boil after adding the cheese to prevent it from becoming grainy
- The sauce will thicken as it cools
- For best results, serve immediately
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s consistency
Conclusion
Now that you’ve mastered this classic chicken alfredo, you’re basically an honorary Italian (okay, maybe not, but your taste buds definitely got their passport stamped!).
Whether you’re cooking to impress a date, feed a hungry family, or just treating yourself to some well-deserved comfort food, this recipe is your ticket to pasta paradise.
Remember: the key to great alfredo is patience with the sauce and generous love with the Parmesan.
And hey, if anyone asks why you’re making this for the third time this week, just tell them you’re doing “important sauce research.” Buon appetito!
