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The Ultimate Creamy 30-Minute Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

Close-up of creamy chicken fettuccine alfredo pasta topped with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley.

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You can make this rich, velvety Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo at home in under 30 minutes. This recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with simple steps, making it perfect for your weeknight dinner rotation.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
  • Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the starchy 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 golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute 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 cook for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  5. Remove the skillet from the heat. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and velvety. Stir in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg, if using.
  6. Add the cooked chicken back to the sauce. Add the drained fettuccine to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated.
  7. If the sauce seems too thick, add the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired creamy consistency.
  8. Serve immediately. Top each serving with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

Notes

  • For the best, creamiest sauce, always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
  • To make this a quick chicken dinner, ensure your chicken is cut small so it cooks fast.
  • If you want a restaurant style chicken alfredo, use high-quality European-style butter for a richer flavor base.

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