Creamy Chicken Alfredo Skillet

$- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced I love using boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook quickly and stay tender. Olive oil adds richness and helps the chicken brown. Garlic gives the dish a lovely aroma and flavor. - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Heavy cream makes the sauce rich and smooth. Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty taste. Together, they create a creamy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. - 8 oz fettuccine pasta - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste Fettuccine pasta is the star here. It holds the sauce well, making every bite tasty. Italian seasoning adds a burst of flavor. Salt and pepper are key to balancing the dish. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. 2. Add the fettuccine and cook until al dente, as the package says. 3. Drain the pasta and set it aside. 1. Heat the skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. 2. Once hot, add the sliced chicken. 3. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. 4. Sauté the chicken until it turns golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. 5. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. 1. In the same skillet, lower the heat and add minced garlic. 2. Sauté for about 30 seconds until it smells good, but don't burn it. 3. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently. 4. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce is creamy. 1. Add the cooked fettuccine and chicken back into the skillet. 2. Toss everything well to coat the pasta with the Alfredo sauce. 3. Cook for 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through. 4. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. To cook chicken that is tender, remember to slice it thin. Thin slices cook faster and stay juicy. Sauté the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. Check that it turns golden brown and is no longer pink inside. This method helps avoid dryness. If you overcook it, the chicken can become tough. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F for safety. For a creamy sauce, melt the cheese slowly. After adding the heavy cream, lower the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese slowly. This helps it melt evenly. If your sauce feels too thick, add a bit more cream. You want it smooth and rich. Taste it to ensure the flavor is just right. Adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Pair your Alfredo with a fresh side salad or garlic bread. These sides balance the richness of the dish. For presentation, serve it in a large bowl. Garnish each plate with chopped parsley for color. This adds a nice touch and freshness. You can also sprinkle extra cheese on top for flavor. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and high-quality Parmesan cheese will elevate the flavor of your Alfredo sauce. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the fettuccine until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the sauce. Make It Creamy: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to achieve the desired consistency. Customize Your Seasoning: Feel free to add red pepper flakes or extra herbs to suit your taste preferences. {{image_2}} You can switch up the pasta in this recipe. Fettuccine is classic, but penne works well too. You can even try whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. They all cook similarly. For proteins, chicken is a favorite, but shrimp or tofu are great choices too. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice seafood twist. Tofu makes it vegan and keeps it filling. Adding veggies can boost flavor and nutrition. Spinach is a fresh option that wilts nicely. Mushrooms add a savory depth. You can toss them in with the garlic for a tasty mix. Herbs and spices can also change the dish. Fresh basil or oregano gives it a vibrant taste. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a kick if you like heat. If you need gluten-free options, look for gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great alternatives that cook just like regular pasta. For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for a cheesy flavor without dairy. These swaps keep the dish creamy and tasty. Store any leftover Creamy Chicken Alfredo Skillet in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh and tasty. Place it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. It can last for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you know when to use it. When reheating, use a skillet over low heat. This helps keep the cream smooth. Add a splash of milk or cream if the sauce looks thick. Stir often to prevent sticking. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This avoids hot spots and keeps the texture nice. Yes, you can freeze Alfredo dishes! To freeze, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top, as it will expand. For best results, use it within three months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Enjoy your meal later! If you lack heavy cream, don't worry! You can use whole milk mixed with butter. To make one cup of heavy cream, blend 3/4 cup of whole milk with 1/4 cup of melted butter. Another option is to use half-and-half. It will not be as thick but will still give you a creamy texture. To check if the chicken is done, look for a few signs. The meat should be white throughout with no pink spots. You can also use a meat thermometer. The chicken's internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If you cut into it, the juices should run clear. Yes, you can prep this dish in advance. Cook the chicken and pasta, then store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, warm them up and add the sauce. This keeps everything fresh and tasty. Just make sure to reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken. This recipe is not spicy at all. It has a mild flavor from Italian seasoning. If you want a kick, you can add red pepper flakes or some black pepper. Start with a little and taste as you go so you don’t overpower the dish. This blog post showed you how to make a simple and tasty Creamy Chicken Alfredo. We covered the main ingredients, including chicken, cream, and pasta. You learned step-by-step instructions for cooking and combining everything perfectly. Plus, I shared tips for a great meal and ways to change it up. In the end, you can enjoy a delicious dish that fits your needs. Remember, cooking is fun and lets you be creative in the kitchen. Enjoy every bite!$

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Skillet

A delicious and creamy chicken Alfredo pasta dish cooked in one skillet.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 oz fettuccine pasta
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste Salt and pepper
for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
Add the cooked fettuccine and the chicken back into the skillet, tossing everything to coat the pasta with the Alfredo sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for an added pop of color and flavor.

Notes

Garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor.

Keyword alfredo, chicken, creamy, pasta, skillet