Description

A quick and easy creamy chicken Alfredo recipe made with just five simple ingredients, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that feels indulgent without the fuss.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound (450 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
1 cup (about 100 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter
8 ounces (225 grams) fettuccine pasta
Optional: pinch of freshly ground black pepper
Optional: 2 minced garlic cloves

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of fettuccine and cook according to package instructions, usually 10-12 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup (120 ml) of pasta water. Do not rinse the pasta.
While pasta cooks, season 1 pound (450 grams) of boneless skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons (28 grams) of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Remove chicken and set aside to rest for a few minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
In the same skillet, lower heat to medium-low. Pour in 1 cup (240 ml) of heavy cream. Stir and scrape up any browned bits left from the chicken. Warm gently for 2-3 minutes without boiling. Gradually add 1 cup (100 grams) of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly to melt and combine. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to loosen.
Add cooked fettuccine and sliced chicken back into the skillet. Toss gently to coat evenly with sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook together for 1-2 minutes to meld flavors.
Serve immediately, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper.

Notes

Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy. Add Parmesan gradually while stirring to avoid clumps. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Cook sauce on low to medium heat to prevent curdling. Multitask by cooking chicken while pasta boils. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and meltability.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4
Calories: 650
Sugar: 2
Sodium: 550
Fat: 30
Saturated Fat: 18
Carbohydrates: 45
Fiber: 2
Protein: 40

Keywords: chicken alfredo, creamy chicken pasta, easy dinner, 5-ingredient recipe, quick chicken dinner, fettuccine alfredo