Easy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

There’s something incredibly comforting about the rich and creamy flavors of Easy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo. I still remember the first time I made it for my friends on a cozy Friday night in. The aroma of savory chicken sizzling in the pan mingled with the enticing scent of garlic, creating an atmosphere of anticipation. As we gathered around the table, I couldn’t help but feel proud serving that luscious pasta dish, which quickly turned into a favorite. It’s the kind of meal that warms your heart and brings smiles to everyone’s faces. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself on a quiet evening, Easy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is always a hit, and it’s so easy to whip up!

What Goes Into Easy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

The ingredients for Easy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo are straightforward yet essential for creating that creamy and indulgent sauce. The star of the dish is undoubtedly the fettuccine, which pairs beautifully with the rich, buttery sauce. The chicken adds substance and protein, making this a hearty meal. Together, these ingredients create a symphony of flavors that are both comforting and satisfying.

• 2 tablespoons butter, divided – This rich ingredient adds creaminess and flavor to the dish.
• 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips – Juicy and tender, the chicken is a perfect protein to complement the pasta.
• Kosher salt – Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing the overall flavor.
• Freshly ground black pepper – Adds a hint of spice and depth to the dish.
• 4 cloves garlic, pressed – This aromatic ingredient provides a savory punch to the sauce.
• 1 cup chicken stock – Adds moisture and flavor to the dish.
• 4 ounces fettuccine – The quintessential pasta choice for creamy sauces.
• ½ cup heavy cream – Creates the luscious, creamy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese – This cheese contributes a salty, nutty flavor to the sauce.
• Minced parsley – A fresh garnish that adds color and brightness to the dish.

Cooking Instructions for Easy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

Cooking Easy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is quite a rewarding experience. You’ll find that each step builds upon the last to create a thoroughly enjoyable dish. Follow along, and soon you’ll have a plate of creamy pasta ready to devour!

1. Preheat the Instant Pot pressure cooker on sauté mode and add ½ tablespoon of butter to melt. As it melts, the rich aroma fills the air, making your stomach rumble.
2. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial for achieving a nice sear. Season both sides with Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. You want to enhance the chicken’s natural flavors.
3. Carefully add the seasoned chicken to the pot in two batches. Allow them to cook undisturbed for approximately 1 to 2 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step is essential for locking in the juices, leaving you with tender, succulent pieces.
4. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside. This ensures it doesn’t overcook while you prepare the rest of the dish.
5. Add 4 cloves of pressed garlic to the pot and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Make sure to stir it constantly to prevent burning, as burnt garlic can ruin the flavor of your sauce.
6. Next, pour in 1 cup of chicken stock, using a wooden spatula to deglaze the pot. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom to incorporate all that delicious flavor into your sauce.
7. Break the fettuccine noodles in half and lay half of them flat in the pot, then layer the other half in the opposite direction. This technique helps ensure even cooking.
8. If needed, add more water to cover the noodles. Then, return the cooked chicken strips on top of the noodles.
9. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 3 minutes. Then, allow the pressure to naturally release for about 5 minutes. This gradual release helps keep your chicken tender.
10. Open the vent and carefully remove the lid. Press cancel and switch back to sauté mode.
11. Using tongs, extract the chicken from the pot and set it in a bowl. Next, use the tongs to separate any noodles that may have clung together.
12. Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter, ½ cup of heavy cream, and ½ cup of Parmesan cheese into the fettuccine in the pot. Cook until the sauce begins to thicken. This is where the magic happens!
13. Season the sauce with more salt and pepper to taste. Finally, return the chicken to the pot, tossing it in the luscious Alfredo sauce to coat evenly.
14. Serve warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of minced parsley. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
15. For stovetop cooking: Follow the same steps as above but use a large, high-sided skillet instead. Cook the chicken for about 5 minutes or until cooked through. Cook the fettuccine in the chicken stock for about 10 minutes until al dente. Then, add the butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese and stir to combine. Add in the reserved chicken, reduce the heat to medium, and cook until the sauce thickens. Finally, adjust seasoning and serve!

Pro Tips and Tweaks

Here are some pro tips to elevate your Easy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo experience. These tweaks can help you make the dish your own while ensuring a delicious outcome.

• Storage: Make sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for about three days but are best enjoyed fresh.
• Freezing: While it’s best to enjoy this dish fresh, you can freeze it for up to a month. When reheating, add a splash of cream to restore its original creamy texture.
• Pairing: This dish pairs excellently with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread to soak up the sauce.
• Extra flavor: For an added flavor boost, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving. It brightens up the rich Alfredo sauce.
• Vegetable addition: You can toss in some steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach for a nutritious twist!
• Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like basil or thyme to add a unique touch to your dish.

Perfect Matches for Easy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

When it comes to serving Easy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo, there are countless delightful options that complement its creamy richness.

• Garlic Bread: There’s nothing like a slice of warm, buttery garlic bread to accompany this dish. It’s perfect for dipping into that luscious sauce!
• Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad with crunchy romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons makes for a refreshing contrast.
• Roasted Vegetables: Consider roasting seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus to add some color and nutrition to your meal.
• Wine Pairing: For those who enjoy wine, a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Special Occasions: This dish is perfect for date nights, family gatherings, or even a cozy night in watching your favorite movie.
• Meal Prep: Prepare the components ahead of time, storing the cooked chicken and sauce separately. Reheat and serve when you’re ready!

FAQ

Conclusion

In conclusion, Easy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is a delightful dish that brings comfort and satisfaction with every bite. Its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta make for a meal that you’ll crave time and time again. I encourage you to try it for your next family dinner or cozy night in. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it becomes a staple on your table, loved by all!

Easy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

The ultimate comfort food, Easy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo brings creamy richness to your plate. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is a hit with everyone. Make it tonight for a satisfying and delicious meal!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 minutes mins

Total Time 13 minutes mins

Servings: 2 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 tablespoons butter divided
• 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts cut into strips (2 breasts)
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 4 cloves garlic pressed
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 4 ounces fettuccine
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese
• Minced parsley

Equipment

• Wooden Spoon
• Skillet
• Instant Pot

Method

 

1. Preheat the Instant Pot pressure cooker on sauté mode and add ½ tablespoon of butter to melt. Pat the chicken dry with paper towel. Season with Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, and add the chicken to the pot in 2 batches (use the additional ½ tablespoon butter for the second batch), and cook undisturbed for 1 to 2 minutes on each side. Transfer to a plate, and set aside.
2. Add the garlic to the pot and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be sure to stir so it doesn't burn. Add the chicken stock to the pot and scrape the pot with a wooden spatula to deglaze.
3. Break the fettuccine noodles in half and lay half of them flat in the pot, then top with the other half in the other direction. Add water if needed to cover the noodles. Add the chicken strips back to the pot, on top of the noodles.
4. Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 3 minutes, then allow the pressure to naturally release for about 5 minutes. Open the vent and remove the lid. Press cancel and select sauté.
5. Use tongs to remove the chicken from the pot and set in a bowl, then set aside. Use the tongs to separate any noodles that may have clung together. Stir the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter, the heavy cream, and the Parmesan cheese into the fettuccine in the pot and cook until the sauce begins to thicken. Season with more salt and pepper to taste, and return the chicken to the pot, tossing in the alfredo sauce.
6. Serve with more Parmesan cheese and sprinkle with parsley.
7. Follow the same directions as the Instant Pot, but use a large, high-sided skillet for the stovetop. Cook the chicken for 5 minutes or until cooked through, and set aside. Cook the noodles in the chicken stock for 10 minutes or until al dente. Then, add the butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese and stir to combine. Add the reserved chicken, reduce the heat to medium, and cook until the sauce thickens. Adjust seasoning and serve with more Parmesan cheese and minced parsley.

Notes

• Tip 1: After browning the chicken, add it back to the pot with the liquid and noodles to cook all at one time to become a creamy, buttery, cheesy sauce.
• Tip 2: Swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half if you'd like, and cook down a bit longer to thicken.

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