Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

Prep and season

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with 1 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp garlic powder.

Cook chicken

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken and sear without moving 4–5 minutes until golden. Flip and cook another 4–6 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a cutting board, let rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.

Bring 4 liters (approximately 16 cups) of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 1 tbsp kosher salt. Add 12 oz fettuccine and cook stirring occasionally according to package instructions for al dente (usually 8–10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Begin sauce

In a medium saucepan or the same skillet wiped clean, melt 6 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté 30–45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.

Thicken

Sprinkle 1 tbsp all-purpose flour over the butter and garlic and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly, to remove raw flour taste.

Add dairy

Slowly whisk in 1 cup whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Continue whisking to keep the sauce smooth.

Finish sauce

Simmer the sauce 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and gradually whisk in 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg if using. If the sauce is too thick, whisk in up to 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time to reach desired consistency.

Combine pasta and sauce: Add drained fettuccine to the sauce in the skillet or saucepan and toss gently to coat, using reserved pasta water (up to 1/2 cup) to loosen as needed so sauce clings to the pasta.

Add chicken: Nestle the sliced chicken into the pasta and toss lightly to combine and warm through for 1–2 minutes.

Garnish and serve: Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan (about 1 tbsp) before serving. Serve immediately.