Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo is a classic Italian-American dish that combines tender pieces of chicken with rich, creamy Alfredo sauce served over fettuccini pasta. This hearty meal is perfect for dinner and is sure to satisfy your comfort food cravings.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons butter, divided

• 6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into cubes

• 4 cloves garlic, minced, divided

• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

• 1 (16 ounce) package fettuccini pasta

• 1 onion, diced

• 1 (8 ounce) package sliced mushrooms

• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon salt

• ¾ teaspoon ground white pepper

• 3 cups milk

• 1 cup half-and-half

• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 8 ounces shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese

• 3 roma (plum) tomatoes, diced

• ½ cup sour cream

Directions

1. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the cubed chicken, half of the minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

2. Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fettuccini and cook until al dente, approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.

3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter. Add the diced onion, sliced mushrooms, and the remaining minced garlic. Sauté until the onions become translucent and the mushrooms are tender.

4. Make the Sauce: Stir the flour, salt, and white pepper into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Gradually add the milk and half-and-half, stirring continuously. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 1 minute, ensuring the sauce thickens. Reduce the heat and stir in the Parmesan and Colby-Monterey Jack cheeses until they are melted and the sauce is smooth.

5. Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Add the diced tomatoes and sour cream, stirring to combine all ingredients thoroughly.

6. Serve: Serve the creamy chicken and sauce mixture over the cooked fettuccini pasta. Enjoy your homemade Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo!

Nutritional Facts

Per serving (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: Approximately 650 kcal

• Protein: 45g

• Carbohydrates: 60g

• Dietary Fiber: 3g

• Sugars: 8g

• Fat: 25g

• Saturated Fat: 14g

• Cholesterol: 130mg

• Sodium: 900mg

History of Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo

While many people associate Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo with Italian cuisine, the origins of Alfredo sauce and its famous pairing with fettuccini pasta are rooted in American adaptations of Italian flavors. The dish was invented by Italian restaurateur Alfredo di Lelio in the early 20th century at his restaurant in Rome. Originally, the Alfredo sauce was simply a mixture of butter and Parmesan cheese, designed to be a comforting dish for his wife, who had lost her appetite during pregnancy. The dish grew in popularity and made its way to the United States, where American chefs adapted the recipe, adding cream and other ingredients, which made it even richer and more indulgent.

Over time, the recipe evolved further, with the addition of chicken and various other proteins, making it a more hearty and satisfying meal. The version most familiar to people today is the one that includes a creamy sauce, often using heavy cream or half-and-half, mixed with cheese, garlic, and butter. In the U.S., Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo has become a widely known and loved dish, served in restaurants, homes, and as a quick, comfort food favorite.

The Key Components of Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo

Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo can be broken down into several essential components, each of which plays a role in delivering the dish’s signature taste. The fettuccini pasta serves as the base, providing a soft, satisfying texture that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce. Traditionally, fettuccini is used because its wide ribbons allow it to hold onto the rich sauce more effectively than thinner pasta varieties.

Variations of Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo

While Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo is traditionally made with chicken, there are many variations of the dish that cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. Some popular variations include:

1. Vegetarian Alfredo: For those who prefer a vegetarian version, the chicken can be omitted, and vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms can be used as the main ingredient. These vegetables not only add nutritional value but also enhance the flavor profile of the dish.

2. Seafood Alfredo: Seafood lovers can opt for shrimp, scallops, or crab meat in place of chicken. The delicate flavors of seafood pair beautifully with the rich, creamy Alfredo sauce, adding a luxurious touch to the meal.

3. Spicy Alfredo: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a spicy variation of Alfredo can be made by adding red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or hot sauce to the sauce. This creates a delightful balance of creamy richness and spicy kick.

4. Low-Carb or Keto Alfredo: For individuals following a low-carb or ketogenic diet, fettuccini can be replaced with zucchini noodles or other low-carb pasta alternatives. The sauce can also be made with lighter ingredients like cauliflower or almond milk to reduce the calorie count while still maintaining a creamy texture.

5. Vegan Alfredo: For vegan diets, traditional dairy ingredients can be replaced with plant-based options. Coconut milk, cashew cream, or nutritional yeast can be used to create a rich, vegan Alfredo sauce. Tofu or tempeh can be used as a protein substitute for chicken, making the dish both vegan and equally flavorful.

Preparation Tips for Perfect Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo

Making Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo requires a bit of technique to ensure that the pasta is perfectly cooked, the chicken is juicy, and the sauce is creamy. Here are some tips to help you prepare the dish like a pro:

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh garlic, freshly grated Parmesan, and high-quality cream can make a significant difference in the overall flavor of the dish. Fresh ingredients create a richer, more flavorful base for the sauce.

2. Cook the Pasta Al Dente: Cooking the fettuccini until it’s just al dente ensures that the pasta holds its shape and doesn’t become too soft and mushy once it’s coated in the sauce.

3. Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out easily if overcooked. Cook the chicken until it’s just done—juicy, tender, and full of flavor. Consider resting the chicken for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute.

4. Create a Creamy Sauce: To achieve the perfect Alfredo sauce, be sure to simmer the cream and butter gently. Stir constantly and avoid boiling it too quickly, which can cause the cream to separate. The sauce should be silky smooth.

5. Add the Cheese Gradually: When adding cheese to the sauce, do so slowly and stir continuously to ensure it melts evenly. Adding cheese too quickly can cause clumping.

Health Considerations of Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo

While Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo is undeniably delicious, it is also a dish that can be quite rich in calories and fat due to its cream-based sauce and generous portions of cheese. For those who are looking to make a lighter version of the dish, there are a few ways to reduce the calorie count without compromising on flavor.

1. Use Lighter Dairy Products: Substituting heavy cream for half-and-half or a combination of milk and cornstarch can reduce the overall fat content. Additionally, using less cheese or opting for lower-fat cheese options can help lighten the sauce.

2. Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta: If you’re looking to increase the nutritional value of your dish, consider using whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. These alternatives provide more fiber and essential nutrients compared to traditional refined pasta.

3. Add Vegetables: Incorporating vegetables into the dish not only increases its nutritional value but also adds fiber and antioxidants. Vegetables like spinach, zucchini, and broccoli are great additions that complement the creamy sauce and chicken.

4. Control Portion Size: Because this dish is rich and calorie-dense, consider serving smaller portions and pairing the meal with a side salad or a vegetable to balance out the meal.

Conclusion

Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo remains a staple in both home kitchens and restaurants because of its rich, creamy texture and comforting flavor. Whether you’re making it with chicken, seafood, or vegetables, this dish can be customized to suit various tastes and dietary preferences. While it’s traditionally a heavier dish, with a few adjustments, it can be made lighter without losing the indulgent qualities that make it so satisfying.