Easy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo - Dinner
Easy homemade Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo recipe with creamy Parmesan sauce, tender pasta, and seasoned chicken. Ready in 45 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fettuccine pasta
- 1.75 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 7 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream, room temperature
- 1.75 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1.5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 0.25 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- Salt to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
Instructions
- 1
Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about three-quarters inch using a meat mallet, ensuring uniform cooking throughout.
- 2
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat, then add fettuccine and cook until al dente according to package directions, typically 8-10 minutes, reserving 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- 3
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper on both sides.
- 4
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add chicken breasts and sear for 6-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F), turning once halfway through.
- 5
Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let rest for 3-4 minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces or strips.
- 6
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low and melt 5 tablespoons of butter, then add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- 7
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer, cooking for 2 minutes to slightly reduce the liquid.
- 8
Slowly whisk in the room-temperature heavy cream while constantly stirring, combining until smooth and avoiding lumps.
- 9
Remove the skillet from heat and gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese in small handfuls, stirring continuously until fully melted and creamy.
- 10
Stir the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and lemon juice into the sauce, then season with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and the pinch of nutmeg.
- 11
Add the cooked fettuccine to the sauce and toss gently for 2-3 minutes until well coated, adding reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time to reach your desired consistency.
- 12
Divide the Alfredo pasta among serving bowls, top with sliced chicken, and garnish with fresh chopped parsley and additional cracked black pepper before serving immediately.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy cream | Half-and-half or light cream mixed with Greek yogurt (1.5 cups half-and-half + 0.5 cup plain Greek yogurt) | Reduces overall fat and calories while maintaining creaminess through Greek yogurt's protein content and tang |
| Butter (7 tablespoons) | Ghee or extra-virgin olive oil (5 tablespoons total) | Ghee has higher smoke point and cleaner flavor; olive oil adds Mediterranean flair while reducing saturated fat |
| Fettuccine pasta (1 pound) | Whole wheat fettuccine or chickpea-based pasta (1 pound) | Increases fiber content (4-8g additional per serving) and provides sustained energy with lower glycemic impact |
| Parmesan cheese (1.75 cups) | Pecorino Romano with Parmesan blend (1.5 cups Parmesan + 0.25 cup Pecorino) | Pecorino adds sharper, more complex flavor with slightly less sodium and fat per ounce |
| Salt to taste | Kosher salt combined with fresh herbs (thyme, sage) for seasoning | Fresh herbs add flavor complexity and anti-inflammatory compounds without additional sodium |
| Chicken breast | Wild-caught salmon or white fish fillets (1.75 pounds) | Provides omega-3 fatty acids for anti-inflammatory benefits and improved heart health |
Recommended Equipment
Tools that make this recipe easier
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 4)
| Calories | 756 |
| Total Fat | 36g |
| Saturated Fat | 18g |
| Cholesterol | 142mg |
| Sodium | 598mg |
| Carbohydrates | 71g |
| Fiber | 7g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Protein | 54g |
Nutrition Comparison
| Classic | Metabolic Health | Healthier | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 756 | 485 | 520 |
| Protein | 54g | 52g | 48g |
| Carbs | 71g | 18g | 42g |
| Fat | 36g | 22g | 16g |
| Fiber | 7g | 4g | 6g |
| Sugar | 2g | - | - |
| Health Scores | |||
| Gut Health | 6/10 | 9/10 | 8/10 |
| Anti-Inflammatory | 5/10 | 9/10 | 7/10 |
| Blood Sugar | 5/10 | 9/10 | 8/10 |
This recipe was extracted from the original video source using AI. Nutritional information is estimated and may vary. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice. As an Amazon Associate, AlmostChefs earns from qualifying purchases. Product links are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra but help support the site. Read full disclaimer
