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Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

This is the creamy pasta dish that most American Italian restaurants serve - rich, cheesy, and way better than anything from a jar. Making it at home means you control the cheese quality and can get that silky sauce texture right.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 1 1/2 lbs boneless about 3 large, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 3/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 Tbsp unsalted butter

For the Pasta & Sauce

  • 18 oz fettuccine pasta
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter 12 Tbsp, divided
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp grated nutmeg
  • 3 cups heavy cream room temperature
  • 2 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain and toss pasta with a splash of oil.
  • Cut chicken breasts in half lengthwise to make 6 thin cutlets. Combine Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Season both sides of chicken.
  • Heat olive oil and 3 Tbsp butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook undisturbed for 4-6 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165F. Remove to a plate, tent with foil, and slice into strips.
  • Reduce heat to medium and add remaining 9 Tbsp butter to the same skillet. Add minced garlic, garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly and scraping up browned bits.
  • Whisk in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let bubble for 2 minutes to thicken slightly, then reduce heat to low.
  • Remove pan from heat and whisk in Parmigiano-Reggiano in handfuls until melted. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
  • Add cooked fettuccine to sauce and toss well with tongs. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  • Divide pasta among bowls and top with sliced chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Notes

Serve immediately as sauce thickens as it cools. Add pasta water to adjust consistency if needed.
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment below & let me know!