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The Easiest 30-Minute Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Close-up of creamy chicken alfredo pasta topped with sliced, seared chicken breast and parsley.
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Make restaurant-quality Chicken Alfredo at home in under 30 minutes. This recipe uses simple steps to create a rich, velvety Parmesan cream sauce that rivals your favorite Italian restaurant.

Ingredients

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  • 8 oz fettuccine pasta
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.
  2. Season the sliced chicken breasts lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
  4. Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Do not let it brown.
  5. Pour in the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat to low.
  6. Slowly whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and thick. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
  7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken in the sauce.
  8. Add the drained fettuccine to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce. Add more pasta water if needed to keep it loose.
  9. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  10. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley. This quick dinner is a great alternative to using meal planning services.

Notes

  • For a richer sauce, use whole milk instead of heavy cream, but simmer longer to reduce and thicken.
  • Always grate your own Parmesan cheese; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
  • If you want to add vegetables, sauté 1 cup of broccoli florets in the skillet after cooking the chicken, then proceed with the garlic.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cutcooktaste.com/easy-30-minute-creamy-chicken-alfredo/