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
- Season chicken generously with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper
- Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat (375°F/190°C)
- Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C
- Remove chicken, let rest under foil
- Start pasta water – bring to rolling boil with 1 tbsp salt
- Cook fettuccine for 10-12 minutes until al dente [Test by biting – should have slight resistance]
- 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
- Slice chicken into strips
- 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.