Imagine twirling your fork into a luxurious plate of perfectly cooked fettuccine, draped in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce, studded with golden-brown chicken and tender, earthy mushrooms. This isn't just another pasta dish - it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece right in your own kitchen. Whether you're looking to impress your dinner guests or treat yourself to a decadent weeknight meal, this Mushroom Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo promises to elevate your cooking game and tantalize your taste buds with every single bite.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and slicing chicken breasts into thin strips, cleaning and slicing mushrooms, and grating Parmesan cheese.
- Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Add fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken strips with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet.
- Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add sliced mushrooms and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they release their moisture and become lightly browned.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in heavy cream, stirring continuously. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until cream starts to thicken.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese into the cream sauce, stirring until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
- Drain cooked pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water. Add pasta and cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sauce.
- Gently toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water if needed to achieve desired sauce consistency.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
- Plate the fettuccine in warm dishes, ensuring an even distribution of chicken and mushrooms. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- For the most flavorful chicken, pat the meat dry before seasoning to ensure proper browning and crispy edges.
- Don't overcook your mushrooms - they should be lightly browned but still retain some texture. Overcooking can make them rubbery.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining - its starchy consistency helps create a smoother, silkier sauce and helps ingredients bind together.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melting and flavor. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect sauce texture.
- Keep the heat low when adding cream to prevent separation and ensure a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Serve immediately after combining all ingredients to enjoy the pasta at its peak creaminess and temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 650kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Cholesterol: 180mg
