On my busiest nights, I reach for a comforting classic, and this easy one-skillet Chicken Alfredo Recipe Creamy Skillet Fettuccine always delivers. Just imagine that rich, velvety sauce coating tender fettuccine and succulent chicken, all from one pan. This easy dinner idea is perfect for families seeking a hearty, satisfying meal without the usual cleanup fuss, truly a family-friendly solution.
What You’ll Need (Ingredients and Key Roles)
For a truly delicious and easy Chicken Alfredo Recipe Creamy Skillet Fettuccine, gathering your ingredients is key. Preparing this hearty Chicken Alfredo Recipe Creamy Skillet Fettuccine begins with selecting the right components for flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need to create this creamy delight:
- Chicken breasts (1.5 lbs / 680g), cut into 1-inch pieces (lean protein, quickly sears golden).
- Fettuccine pasta (12 oz / 340g) (classic flat noodles to soak up creamy sauce; use whole wheat for a healthier twist).
- Heavy cream (2 cups / 480ml) (for that luxurious, velvety Alfredo texture).
- Parmesan cheese (1 cup / 110g), freshly grated (the salty, umami heart of the sauce; use Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor).
- Garlic (3-4 cloves), minced (aromatic base for deep flavor).
- Butter (2 Tbsp / 28g), unsalted (for searing and sautéing).
- Olive oil (1 Tbsp / 15ml) (for searing chicken).
- Chicken broth (1.5 cups / 360ml), low sodium (adds depth and helps thin the sauce).
- Salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning (1 tsp each, to taste) (for balanced flavor).
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish).
Choose organic chicken and quality Parmesan for the best flavor. Fresh garlic and herbs make a difference; opt for local when possible for this kind of family-friendly Chicken Alfredo Recipe Creamy Skillet Fettuccine.
Pasta Options
For a different spin on your Chicken Alfredo Recipe Creamy Skillet Fettuccine, consider these pasta variations. Whole wheat fettuccine offers a more wholesome option, or try other shapes like penne or linguine.
Protein Alternatives
While chicken is classic, you can easily swap it out. Try shrimp for a quick-cooking seafood option, or sliced mushrooms for a flavorful vegetarian alternative in your creamy skillet dish.
Veggie Boost
Add vibrant color and nutrients by stirring in fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or peas at the very end. I often toss in a handful of fresh spinach right before serving; it’s an easy way to sneak in greens for my family.
Step-by-Step Cooking Method
This easy Chicken Alfredo Recipe Creamy Skillet Fettuccine comes together beautifully in one pan with our clear steps.
- Prep the Chicken: Cut 1.5 lbs (680g) chicken into 1-inch pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until well coated.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil and 1 Tbsp butter in a large 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken; sear 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove to a plate.
- Sauté Garlic: Add 1 Tbsp butter to the skillet. Sauté 3-4 cloves minced garlic for 1 minute until wonderfully fragrant.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in 1.5 cups chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up all browned bits from the bottom.
- Add Pasta: Place 12 oz (340g) dry fettuccine into the skillet, ensuring noodles are mostly submerged in broth.
- Cook Pasta: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is al dente. If pasta looks dry, add a splash of broth.
- Create the Alfredo: Stir in 2 cups heavy cream and 1 cup grated Parmesan. Cook gently 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and coats a spoon. Do not boil. I find that keeping the heat low and stirring prevents clumping when adding cheese, crucial for a smooth Chicken Alfredo Recipe Creamy Skillet Fettuccine.
- Combine: Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together until chicken is coated and heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. For even faster prep, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Remember, don’t boil the heavy cream, as it can curdle. Cook pasta just until al dente in the sauce for perfect texture. Mastering this Chicken Alfredo Recipe Creamy Skillet Fettuccine makes weeknights a breeze.
Perfect Occasions and Pairings
This hearty Skillet Chicken Alfredo is incredibly versatile, fitting seamlessly into various family scenarios.
- The ultimate weekday dinner solution for busy evenings.
- Perfect for casual gatherings or relaxed potlucks with friends.
- A satisfying and cozy option for family movie nights at home.
Complement your creamy pasta with simple, fresh sides.
- Crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Garlic bread or warm, cheesy breadsticks.
- Steamed broccoli or tender asparagus for added greens.
Store leftover Skillet Chicken Alfredo in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For freezing, I often separate the sauce and chicken from the pasta to help maintain texture. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to restore its creamy consistency. You can also use a microwave, heating in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each.
Wellness and Everyday Benefits of Chicken Alfredo Recipe Creamy Skillet Fettuccine
This easy Chicken Alfredo Recipe Creamy Skillet Fettuccine provides a good source of lean protein for muscle health and satiety. It also offers satisfying energy from carbohydrates, fueling your day or evening with a truly hearty meal. For a healthy boost, I often serve it with a generous side of fresh, steamed vegetables.
- A satisfying and hearty option for family dinners.
- Excellent for quick meals when time is short but quality is a must.
- Can be adapted into easy meal prep recipes by focusing on added veggies.
Customizing the Recipe for Your Needs
Small tweaks can elevate the flavor or speed up your prep for this family-friendly dish. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end for brightness and to cut through the richness. For a subtle kick, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust the creaminess by adding a bit more chicken broth or heavy cream until it reaches your desired consistency.
Gluten-Free
Swap traditional fettuccine for your favorite gluten-free pasta. The cooking time might vary slightly, so always check package directions for the best results.
Dairy-Free
Use a plant-based cream alternative, like unsweetened cashew cream or full-fat coconut milk, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a similar savory depth in your creamy skillet fettuccine.
Vegetarian
Skip the chicken entirely and enhance your Skillet Fettuccine with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or extra fresh spinach for a delicious vegetarian option.
Always ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety. Be mindful of dairy allergies and potential cross-contamination if preparing for guests with dietary restrictions.
Common Questions Answered
Is Chicken Alfredo Recipe Creamy Skillet Fettuccine a healthy option?
Our version focuses on lean chicken and fresh ingredients, making it a good choice for family dinners. You can boost its health factor even more by adding extra veggies and opting for whole wheat pasta. This makes it a great candidate for healthy meal prep too.
Can I freeze Chicken Alfredo Recipe Creamy Skillet Fettuccine for later?
Yes, but the pasta texture might become softer upon reheating, which is why I prefer to freeze the sauce and chicken separately. For best results, freeze the sauce and chicken, then cook fresh pasta when you’re ready to serve. This ensures the best texture for your easy dinner.
What’s the best substitute if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half with a tablespoon of cornstarch slurry (mixed with a bit of milk) to thicken it, or try a full-fat milk for a lighter sauce. Keep in mind the richness will be slightly different, but still delicious for your Chicken Alfredo.
How do I prevent my Skillet Chicken Alfredo sauce from being too thin or thick?
If your sauce is too thin, simply simmer it gently a bit longer to reduce. If it becomes too thick, stir in a splash of chicken broth or milk, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. This simple adjustment keeps your creamy skillet fettuccine perfect.
Can I make Chicken Alfredo Recipe Creamy Skillet Fettuccine without chicken?
Absolutely! You can make a delicious vegetarian Alfredo by adding sautéed mushrooms, broccoli florets, or vibrant bell peppers instead of chicken. It’s a great way to enjoy this hearty dish while focusing on plant-based ingredients for healthy eating.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover Skillet Chicken Alfredo?
Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream and a tiny bit of water to restore its creamy texture and prevent it from drying out. Stir frequently until warmed through. For small portions, a microwave works too, heating in short bursts.
Why is my Chicken Alfredo sauce lumpy?
Lumpy sauce can happen if the cream boils too vigorously or if the Parmesan cheese is added too quickly or at too high a heat. Always stir constantly and keep the heat low when adding dairy to your Chicken Alfredo Recipe Creamy Skillet Fettuccine for a smooth, velvety finish.
Conclusion
This easy Skillet Chicken Alfredo Recipe Creamy Skillet Fettuccine is a comforting weeknight hero my family loves. Save this delicious recipe to your Pinterest board tonight for simple meal planning!
Chicken Alfredo Recipe Creamy Skillet Fettuccine
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: General
Description
This easy one-skillet Chicken Alfredo with Creamy Skillet Fettuccine features tender chicken and fettuccine coated in a rich, velvety sauce. It’s a hearty, satisfying family-friendly meal perfect for busy nights with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp salt, to taste
- 1 tsp black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning, to taste
- fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep Chicken: Cut 1.5 lbs (680g) chicken into 1-inch pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until well coated.
- Sear Chicken: Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil and 1 Tbsp butter in a large 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate.
- Sauté Garlic: Add 1 Tbsp butter to the skillet. Sauté 3-4 cloves minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze Skillet: Pour in 1.5 cups chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up all browned bits from the bottom.
- Add Pasta: Place 12 oz dry fettuccine into the skillet, ensuring noodles are mostly submerged in broth.
- Cook Pasta: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is al dente. If pasta looks dry, add a splash of broth.
- Create Alfredo Sauce: Stir in 2 cups heavy cream and 1 cup grated Parmesan. Cook gently 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and coats a spoon. Do not boil.
- Combine and Serve: Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together until chicken is coated and heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
For a healthier twist, use whole wheat fettuccine. Consider shrimp or sliced mushrooms as protein alternatives, or add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or peas for a veggie boost. For faster prep, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Do not boil the heavy cream, as it can curdle; keep heat low and stir constantly when adding cheese. Cook pasta just until al dente for perfect texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, One-Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups (approx 250 g)
- Calories: 650 calories
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 25 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
Keywords: one-skillet, chicken alfredo, creamy fettuccine, easy dinner, family-friendly, pasta, weeknight meal, skillet pasta, chicken