Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo – Creamy, Smooth Parmesan Sauce
Tender golden chicken and al dente fettuccine tossed in a smooth, creamy Parmesan Alfredo sauce for an easy homemade dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 900 kcal
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 12 oz fettuccine
- Salt for pasta water
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Extra grated Parmesan
Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine until al dente according to the package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
Season the chicken with kosher salt and black pepper. Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, or until the thickest part reaches 165°F. Transfer to a cutting board and rest for 5 minutes.
Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add the 3 tablespoons butter and garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Add the heavy cream, nutmeg, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes, until slightly reduced.
Reduce the heat to low. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan until smooth. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.
Add the drained fettuccine and toss until coated. Add more pasta water a little at a time if the sauce becomes too thick.
Slice the chicken and arrange it over the fettuccine. Finish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly into the sauce. Keep the sauce over low heat when adding the cheese, and use reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency rather than adding extra cream.