Hey pasta lovers! Treat yourself to this rich and creamy Fettuccine Alfredo, perfect for a cozy dinner night. This easy recipe will make you feel like a gourmet chef, delivering indulgent, buttery flavors that will satisfy all your comfort food cravings! Here is the ingredients, directions and more details.
Ingredients:
For the Fettuccine Alfredo:
– 12 oz fettuccine pasta
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Grilled Chicken:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Olive oil (for grilling)
Directions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
– Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.
2. Grill the Chicken:
– While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat and lightly coat with olive oil.
– Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Slice the grilled chicken into strips and set aside.
3. Prepare the Alfredo Sauce:
– In a large skillet, warm the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
– Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the Alfredo sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
4. Serve:
– Plate the creamy fettuccine Alfredo and top with the sliced grilled chicken. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese if desired, and enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
More details
Cooking the Pasta: The foundation of any great fettuccine Alfredo starts with perfectly cooked pasta. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. This step is crucial, as the salt enhances the pasta’s flavor. Once boiling, add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. This firmness allows the pasta to hold up well when coated with the creamy Alfredo sauce. After cooking, drain the pasta but be sure to reserve a bit of the pasta water. This starchy water will help you achieve the perfect sauce consistency later on.
Grilling the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, it’s time to prepare the grilled chicken. Season your boneless, skinless chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. A grill pan over medium-high heat is ideal for achieving those beautiful grill marks. Lightly coat the pan with olive oil to prevent sticking and add the chicken breasts. Grill each side for about 6-8 minutes, depending on thickness, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. This method locks in the juices and imparts a smoky, charred flavor to the chicken. Once grilled, slice the chicken into strips and set it aside for later use.
Creating the Alfredo Sauce: The star of this dish is undoubtedly the Alfredo sauce, which only requires two simple ingredients: heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. In a large skillet, warm the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Avoid boiling, as this could cause the cream to separate. Once it reaches a gentle simmer, gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese. As you stir, the cheese will melt, transforming the mixture into a rich, velvety sauce. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small amount of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you achieve the perfect creamy consistency.
Bringing it All Together: Now, it’s time to marry the pasta and sauce. Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce, tossing it gently to ensure each strand is thoroughly coated. The result is a luxuriously creamy pasta that’s hard to resist. For a final touch, top the fettuccine Alfredo with the sliced grilled chicken. This combination of tender pasta, savory sauce, and smoky chicken creates a comforting, satisfying meal that’s as elegant as it is easy.
Serving Suggestions: This Fettuccine Alfredo with Grilled Chicken is delightful on its own, but you can elevate the dish further with a few simple garnishes. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top enhances the flavors, while a touch of freshly ground black pepper adds a hint of spice. Serve alongside a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete, restaurant-quality meal that you can enjoy in the comfort of your own home.