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Creamy Alfredo Pasta with Chicken

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A quick and easy creamy Alfredo pasta with tender chicken and a smooth sauce made with cream cheese and Parmesan. Perfect for a comforting and savory dinner ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 g) fettuccine pasta
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound / 450 g), sliced into strips
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 ounces (115 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml) whole milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
  • 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340 g) of fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve ½ cup (120 ml) of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add chicken to the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Lower heat to medium-low and stir in 4 ounces (115 g) softened cream cheese. Stir continuously until cream cheese melts and blends smoothly with the butter and garlic.
  5. Gradually whisk in 1 ½ cups (360 ml) whole milk, making sure to keep the sauce smooth. Allow the sauce to cook gently for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
  6. Stir in 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with black pepper and a pinch of nutmeg if using. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
  7. Add the cooked pasta and chicken strips back into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss well to coat everything evenly. If the sauce needs thinning, add a little more pasta water, a tablespoon at a time.
  8. Remove from heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top and serve immediately, with extra Parmesan cheese on the side.

Notes

Keep heat moderate when adding cream cheese to avoid curdling. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor. Toss pasta and chicken in sauce off heat to keep texture perfect.

Nutrition

Keywords: Alfredo pasta, creamy pasta, chicken pasta, easy dinner, quick meal, comfort food, fettuccine Alfredo

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/creamy-alfredo-pasta-with-chicken-recipe-easy-perfect-savory-dinner/