Description
Comfort meets elegance in this classic chicken alfredo pasta, blending creamy parmesan sauce with tender chicken over perfectly cooked noodles. Delightful flavors and simple ingredients combine to create a restaurant-quality meal you can quickly prepare at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breast, diced
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
Pasta and Seasonings:
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) cooked pasta (fettuccine or your choice)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1 cup (100 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water at high heat for 8-10 minutes until perfectly tender, achieving an al dente texture. Carefully drain using a colander and reserve.
- Select a large skillet and warm olive oil over medium-high temperature. Introduce diced chicken seasoned with salt and pepper, sautéing for 6-7 minutes until completely white throughout and golden-edged.
- Reduce heat and introduce minced garlic, stirring quickly to prevent burning. Allow aromatics to release for approximately 45-60 seconds, creating a fragrant base.
- Pour heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet, creating a smooth liquid foundation. Increase heat to medium and allow mixture to gently simmer, occasionally stirring to prevent scorching.
- Gradually sprinkle Parmesan cheese into the simmering liquid, whisking consistently until cheese melts completely and sauce transforms into a luxurious, creamy consistency.
- Enhance sauce with ground nutmeg, then taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as required. Fold cooked pasta and sautéed chicken into the creamy sauce, ensuring every ingredient receives thorough coating.
- Transfer to serving plates immediately. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant visual and herbal accent. Serve piping hot for optimal flavor and texture.
Notes
- Pasta Perfection Choose high-quality pasta like fettuccine or linguine for authentic texture and better sauce absorption.
- Chicken Tip Slice chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
- Sauce Rescue If sauce becomes too thick, thin it out with a splash of pasta water or additional chicken broth for silky consistency.
- Dietary Swap Use gluten-free pasta and lactose-free cream for celiac or dairy-sensitive diners without compromising flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 548 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 511 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 44 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg