There’s something irresistible about a plate of creamy chicken Alfredo – tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a velvety sauce that’s rich with flavor. While it may seem like a dish reserved for fancy Italian restaurants, mastering homemade chicken Alfredo is easier than you think. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to create a restaurant-quality creamy chicken Alfredo right in your own kitchen.
1. Ingredients:
For the Chicken Alfredo:
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
2. Cooking the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
3. Cooking the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
4. Making the Sauce:
- In the same skillet used to cook the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Allow the cream to reduce slightly, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Slice the cooked chicken breasts into thin strips and add them back to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the sauce.
5. Assembling the Dish:
- Add the cooked fettuccine pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Season the chicken Alfredo with additional salt and pepper to taste, if needed.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
6. Serving Your Chicken Alfredo:
- Divide the creamy chicken Alfredo among plates or bowls and serve immediately.
- For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
With all being said, confidently master the art of making creamy chicken Alfredo at home!
From perfectly cooked chicken breasts to a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, every bite is sure to transport you to pasta paradise. So gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. Buon appetito!
