Classic Chicken Alfredo

Classic Chicken Alfredo

Restaurant-quality creamy pasta that’s ready in under 45 minutes

Key Info

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4-6
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Diet: Contains gluten, dairy

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Large pasta pot
• Colander
• Cutting board & sharp knife
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Whisk [Alternative: Wooden spoon can replace whisk]

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 chicken breasts (about 2 pounds/900g)
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Pasta:

• 1 pound (450g) fettuccine [Alternative: linguine or penne]

For the Sauce:

• 4 tbsp (60g) butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream [Alternative: half & half for lighter version]
• 2 cups (200g) freshly grated Parmesan
• ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)

Method

1. Season chicken generously with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper
2. Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat (375°F/190°C)
3. Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C
4. Remove chicken, let rest under foil
5. Start pasta water – bring to rolling boil with 1 tbsp salt
6. Cook fettuccine for 10-12 minutes until al dente [Test by biting – should have slight resistance]
7. In the same skillet used for chicken:
   • Melt butter over medium heat
   • Add garlic, cook 30 seconds until fragrant
   • Pour in cream
   • Simmer 10-12 minutes until slightly thickened
   • Stir in Parmesan until melted
   • Add nutmeg if using
8. Slice chicken into strips
9. Toss cooked pasta with sauce, top with chicken

Crucial Tips

• Always reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining
• Grate Parmesan fresh – pre-grated won’t melt properly
• Don’t let cream boil – it will separate
• Taste and adjust seasoning before serving

Storage & Variations

Storage:

• Refrigerate up to 3 days
• Freeze up to 1 month (sauce may separate)

Scaling:

• Recipe easily halves or doubles
• Maintain sauce-to-pasta ratio

Variations:

• Add mushrooms or peas
• Spice it up with red pepper flakes
• Use shrimp instead of chicken

Common Mistakes:

• Using cold cream (brings down temperature)
• Overcooking pasta (becomes mushy)
• Not seasoning adequately

For best results, have all ingredients ready before starting and serve immediately while sauce is hot and creamy.