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Creamy Weeknight Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo (Ready in 30 Minutes)

Close-up of creamy chicken fettuccine alfredo pasta topped with grilled chicken pieces, Parmesan, and fresh parsley.
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Make restaurant-style, rich Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo at home quickly. This recipe focuses on a simple, creamy Parmesan sauce perfect for a fast weeknight meal.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound fettuccine pasta
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.
  2. Season the chicken pieces lightly with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
  4. Pour in the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly.
  5. Remove the skillet from the heat. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Stir in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg, if using.
  6. Add the cooked chicken and the drained fettuccine to the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • For a richer sauce, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese; pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
  • If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half the heavy cream with whole milk, but the sauce will be less thick.
  • To make this a Cajun Alfredo, season the chicken with Cajun spice blend before cooking and add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipesfleet.com/chicken-fettuccine-alfredo-recipe-30-min/