Chicken Alfredo

Ingredients

1. 1

   Step 1

   Cook pasta

   • Ingredients:
     • 8 ounces fettuccine
     • Salted boiling water
   • Action: Cook pasta to al dente, reserve 1/2 cups pasta water, then drain.
2. 2

   Step 2

   Sear chicken

   • Ingredients:
     • 1 pound chicken breast, sliced
     • 2 tablespoons olive oil
     • 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
     • 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
   • Action: Heat oil over medium-high and cook chicken 5–7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and tent with foil.
3. 3

   Step 3

   Start sauce

   • Ingredients:
     • 2 tablespoons butter
     • 2 cloves garlic, minced
   • Action: Reduce skillet to medium. Melt butter, add garlic, and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. 4

   Step 4

   Add cream and cheese

   • Ingredients:
     • 1 cup heavy cream
     • 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
     • 1 cup grated Parmesan
     • 1/4 cups pasta water (as needed)
   • Action: Pour in cream and remaining salt, simmer 2–3 minutes, then stir in Parmesan until smooth. Thin with pasta water if needed.
5. 5

   Step 5

   Toss pasta

   • Ingredients:
     • Cooked fettuccine
     • Alfredo sauce
   • Action: Add pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat. Adjust texture with more pasta water.
6. 6

   Step 6

   Finish

   • Ingredients:
     • Seared chicken
     • Parsley
   • Action: Return chicken, toss gently, and garnish with parsley before serving.

Step insights

• Pasta water contains starch that helps the sauce cling and smooth out.

• Lowering the heat before adding dairy prevents the sauce from separating.

Equipment

• Large pot

• Skillet

• Tongs

• Wooden spoon

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Colander