Chicken Alfredo

Smart Cookie Score ●●○○○

A rich and creamy pasta dish made with tender sautéed chicken, silky Alfredo sauce, and fettuccine noodles. Perfect for a comforting dinner that feels like restaurant-quality at home.

Prep — 10 mins

Cook — 25 mins

Serves — 4

Ingredients

For the chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced or pounded thin)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp butter

For the Alfredo sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter

• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 ½ cups heavy cream

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated for best results)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• Optional: ¼ tsp nutmeg (for extra depth of flavor)

For the pasta:

• 12 oz fettuccine (or any pasta you prefer)

• Salt, for pasta water

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

• Extra Parmesan

Tips:

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother sauce.

• Don't overheat the cream or cheese—it can cause separation.

• Want veggies? Add broccoli or spinach with the pasta.

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

• Cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.

2. Cook the chicken:

• Season chicken with salt and pepper.

• Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Sear chicken until golden and cooked through (about 4–5 minutes per side depending on thickness).

• Remove from pan and let rest, then slice thinly.

3. Make the Alfredo sauce:

• In the same pan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.

• Add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

• Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly.

• Let it simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.

• Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

• Season with salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg.

• If sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.

4. Combine everything:

• Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat.

• Top with sliced chicken.

• Simmer for 1–2 minutes so everything is heated through.

5. Serve:

• Garnish with fresh parsley and more Parmesan.

• Serve immediately.