Chicken Alfredo

Chicken Alfredo is a easy Italian recipe that serves 4. 620 calories per serving. Recipe by Cooking with Manual Focus on YouTube.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 28 min | Total: 48 min

Cost: $9.53 total, $2.38 per serving

Ingredients

  • 12 oz Fettuccine Pasta (dry)
  • 2 pieces Chicken Breast (butterflied, skinless, boneless, about 1 lb total)
  • 2 Tbsp Olive Oil (for searing)
  • 2 Tbsp Unsalted Butter (cut into cubes)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream (full‑fat for richness)
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1/4 cup Pasta Water (reserved from cooking pasta)
  • 2 Tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped, optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken

    Pat the butterflied chicken breasts dry, then season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.

    Time: PT2M

  2. Cook Pasta

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook until al dente, about 9‑10 minutes. Reserve 1/4 cup of the hot pasta water, then drain in a colander.

    Time: PT12M

    Temperature: 212°F

  3. Sear the Chicken

    Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear 4‑5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Remove from pan and let rest.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: Medium‑high

  4. Make the Alfredo Sauce

    In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add 2 Tbsp butter and let melt. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whisk, and bring to a gentle simmer for 3‑4 minutes. Stir in the grated Parmesan until melted and the sauce thickens.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium

  5. Slice the Chicken

    While the sauce simmers, slice the rested chicken breasts into bite‑size strips.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce

    Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss to coat, adding the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches a silky consistency.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: Medium

  7. Finish the Dish

    Stir the sliced chicken strips into the pasta, heat through for 1 minute, then transfer to serving plates. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
620
Protein
35g
Carbohydrates
55g
Fat
25g
Fiber
2g

Dietary info: Contains dairy, Contains gluten, Not vegan, Not vegetarian

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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Chicken Alfredo

Recipe by Cooking with Manual Focus

A quick and creamy Chicken Alfredo made with seared chicken breast, heavy whipping cream, garlic, and Parmesan tossed with al dente pasta. Perfect for a weeknight dinner.

EasyItalianServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
4m
Prep
32m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
46m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$9.53
Total cost
$2.38
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Season the chicken properly before searing.
  • Achieve a good sear on the chicken without overcooking.
  • Create a smooth Alfredo sauce without boiling the cream too hard.
  • Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot skillet and boiling water with care to avoid burns.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Chicken Alfredo in Italian-American cuisine?

A

Chicken Alfredo originated in the United States as an adaptation of the classic Italian Fettuccine Alfredo, which was created by chef Alfredo di Lelio in Rome. Adding chicken turned the dish into a protein‑rich, family‑friendly main course that became popular in Italian‑American restaurants during the mid‑20th century.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Chicken Alfredo in Italian-American cooking?

A

In Italian‑American kitchens, variations include using shrimp instead of chicken, adding sun‑dried tomatoes, or swapping heavy cream for a lighter milk‑based sauce. Some regions also incorporate garlic‑infused olive oil or a splash of white wine for extra depth.

cultural
Q

How is Chicken Alfredo traditionally served in the United States?

A

Chicken Alfredo is typically served hot over fettuccine or other long pasta, topped with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. It is often accompanied by a simple green salad and crusty bread to mop up the creamy sauce.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Chicken Alfredo traditionally associated with in American cuisine?

A

Chicken Alfredo is a popular choice for family dinners, weekend gatherings, and casual celebrations such as birthdays or potlucks because it is quick to prepare yet feels indulgent and comforting.

cultural
Q

What makes Chicken Alfredo special or unique in Italian-American cuisine?

A

The dish combines the richness of a classic cream‑based Alfredo sauce with the lean protein of chicken, creating a balanced, hearty meal that appeals to a wide audience. Its simplicity and reliance on pantry staples also make it a go‑to comfort food.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Chicken Alfredo?

A

Common pitfalls include overcooking the chicken, letting the cream boil too vigorously (which can cause curdling), and not using enough pasta water to emulsify the sauce. Following the sear‑then‑sauce method helps prevent these issues.

technical
Q

Why does this Chicken Alfredo recipe use heavy whipping cream instead of milk?

A

Heavy whipping cream provides the necessary fat content to create a velvety, stable sauce that clings to the pasta. Milk alone would result in a thinner sauce that may separate when heated.

technical
Q

Can I make Chicken Alfredo ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and sear the chicken up to two hours in advance. Keep them in separate containers in the refrigerator, then combine and reheat gently over low heat before serving.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when making Chicken Alfredo?

A

The sauce should be glossy and coat each strand of pasta without pooling. The chicken slices should be juicy, tender, and lightly browned on the outside. A final sprinkle of Parmesan adds a slightly granular finish.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Cooking with Manual Focus specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Cooking with Manual Focus specializes in clear, step‑by‑step home cooking tutorials that focus on technique, timing, and practical tips for everyday cooks, often featuring classic comfort dishes and quick weeknight meals.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Cooking with Manual Focus's approach to Italian cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Cooking with Manual Focus emphasizes minimal equipment, straightforward seasoning, and visual cues like sear color and sauce consistency, making Italian dishes accessible without requiring professional kitchen tools, unlike many channels that rely on elaborate setups.

channel

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