Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta

 

Introduction: Chicken Alfredo is a classic Italian-American pasta dish loved for its rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken. This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to preparing a delectable Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta that's perfect for a special dinner or a comforting weeknight meal.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)

For the Alfredo Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• A pinch of ground nutmeg (optional but adds a delightful depth of flavor)

For the Pasta:

• 12 ounces (about 340g) fettuccine or your choice of pasta
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, if desired.
• In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil.
• Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes.
• Slice the chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.

2. Cook the Pasta:

• In a large pot of salted, boiling water, cook the fettuccine (or pasta of your choice) according to the package instructions until al dente.
• Drain the pasta and set it aside.

3. Prepare the Alfredo Sauce:

• In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
• Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer, stirring constantly.
• Reduce the heat to low and gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
• Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg to taste.

4. Combine the Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce:

• Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce.
• Gently toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken with the creamy sauce.

5. Serve:

• Divide the Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta among serving plates.
• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese.

Pro Tips:

• For extra flavor, you can add sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or fresh spinach to your Alfredo sauce.
• You can adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more or less heavy cream.
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese offers the best flavor, but pre-grated Parmesan works as well.

Enjoy your homemade Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta! This indulgent dish is best served with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.