Craving a restaurant-quality meal that you can whip up in the comfort of your own kitchen? Look no further than this Easy Creamy Chicken Alfredo! In just 30 minutes, you can indulge in a rich, velvety sauce that clings to perfectly cooked fettuccine, all while savoring the delightful flavors of tender shredded chicken and fragrant garlic. Whether it's a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this Italian classic is sure to impress your family and friends. Ready to elevate your culinary skills? Let's dive into this delicious recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of fettuccine pasta, 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons of butter, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and allow it to melt. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- After the garlic is fragrant, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to simmer for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Gradually add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the cream mixture, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of pasta cooking water to reach your desired consistency.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Add the drained fettuccine and the shredded chicken to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken evenly.
- Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb some of the sauce and heat through.
- Once everything is well combined and heated, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the creamy chicken Alfredo immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper if desired.
- Enjoy your Easy Creamy Chicken Alfredo with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal!
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: To achieve the best texture, make sure to cook your fettuccine until al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite, which will help it hold up against the creamy sauce.
- Quality Ingredients: Use fresh ingredients whenever possible. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will melt better and provide a richer flavor than pre-grated options.
- Don’t Rush the Sauce: Allow the garlic to sauté until fragrant before adding the cream. This step enhances the flavor of the sauce, making it more aromatic and delicious.
- Adjust Consistency: If your Alfredo sauce is too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of the reserved pasta water. This starchy water helps to loosen the sauce while also adding flavor.
- Garnish for Flavor: For an extra touch, finish your dish with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper and additional Parmesan cheese. A touch of parsley can also add a pop of color!
- Serve Immediately: Alfredo sauce tends to thicken as it cools, so serve your dish right away for the creamiest experience. Pair it with a crisp side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Cholesterol: 140mg
