Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

Quick and easy meals are a must during a busy week and this Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo recipe is definitely one that will help get dinner on the table in no time! Not only is it easy to make it is also packed with a ton of flavor.

However instead of grabbing a jar of sauce from the grocery, this recipe includes an easy to make homemade Alfredo sauce that is rich and smooth.  It pairs well with tender, juicy strips of chicken and perfectly cooked fettuccine pasta. Easily, one of our top comfort foods or special occasion meals. 

Whenever we’re in need of a great meal that is a breeze to make, this chicken recipe is one that is at the top of the list. Whether we’re making dinner for family or friends or making a small serving for two, it always hits the spot – plain and simple.

Full of Flavor:  Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

But what isn’t plain here is the flavor!  It’s so important to not only have a rich, velvety sauce but seasoning the chicken with Italian seasoning is what really makes the flavor pop. 

Dried Italian seasoning is such a versatile ingredient that can quickly and easily elevate any dish.  Whether it’s an entree like our chicken fettuccine Alfredo, a zesty Italian pasta salad or part of a flavorful marinade, this is a time saving ingredient that levels up your dishes in seconds!

In addition, the process of slicing the chicken before cooking, guarantees more of the seasoning and eventually the sauce coats every surface of the chicken.

Italian Seasoning vs. Herbs de Provence

Typically a simple Italian seasoning is a simple yet delicious mixture of dried herbs such as parsley, sage, oregano, marjoram, rosemary, thyme and basil. Dried herbs often heighten in flavor once their moisture is no longer present.  Which is why using smaller amounts of dry seasonings is preferable when compared to using fresh herbs.  

Although dried Italian seasoning may sound similar to Herbs de Provence, it’s important to note that they are actually two separate things.  One small ingredient makes quite a big difference here.

While Italian seasoning is more savory, Herbs de Provence is known to have more floral notes in the mixture. The addition of lavender makes this spice more complementary to dishes such as fish and bread.  

But when it comes to our creamy chicken fettuccine Alfredo, the savory Italian seasoning is what makes the smooth sauce and mouth watering chicken so irresistible. 

Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Sauce

Most traditional Alfredo sauces have a rich base of butter, flour, milk, garlic and parmesan cheese. Those simple ingredients are what creates such a rich sauce.

However for this recipe what makes all the difference is the addition of Italian seasoning added to the sauce mixture. Just be sure to stir the sauce frequently so that the seasoning can become evenly distributed.

Of course, there’s also another classic element we can’t forget, the pasta!  And for this recipe we use fettuccine pasta. 

It is another classic ingredient that is tender yet strong enough to hold the thick, cheesy sauce.  Then, top it with strips of warm, flavorful chicken and you have a delicious meal that you will want to make over and over again!

Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

*Specific measurements and complete recipe instructions are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to continue to read the tips and tricks to making this recipe below.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds chicken breast, boneless, skinless
• 2 tablespoons butter, unsalted
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 16 oz fettuccine pasta, cooked

Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups of milk
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Garnish

• ¼ cup fresh parsley
• ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese

Instructions

Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips. Then season with salt, pepper and Italian seasoning, set aside. 

Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 Tbsp. butter. Add the chicken breast pieces to the butter and cook for 6-8 minutes or until the chicken is completely cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Make The Sauce

In the same pan over medium heat, melt the remaining butter and add the garlic. Cook until fragrant, approximately 30-60 seconds.

Add half of the flour to the skillet with the garlic and stir until well blended. Add the remaining flour and stir until the dry flour is no longer visible.

Slowly pour in milk while constantly stirring until fully incorporated. The sauce will thicken, but be sure there are no more clumps of flour.

Add salt, pepper, Italian seasoning and stir. Add Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted.

Add the chicken and warm fettuccine pasta to the skillet. Toss until the sauce covers the pasta. 

Garnish with parsley and Parmesan cheese and serve immediately. 

Making The Best Pasta For Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

When cooking pasta, especially fettuccine, patience is key.  Be sure to wait until you have a pot of water that is at a rolling boil before adding the pasta.

Typically, for every pound of pasta, 4 quarts of water can be sufficient for preventing any noodles from sticking together.  However you do not need more than 6 quarts.  

To the boiling water, adding up to one tablespoon of salt is a great way to enhance the pasta flavor and also prevent any pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot or to each other.  

Once the salt water is at a rolling boil, add the fettuccine pasta to the pot.  Make sure to stir often to create movement and prevent any pasta from becoming one big clump.

Starches in pasta can easily create a texture that tends to stick to any surface it touches.  This is why adding enough water and salt is a crucial step.

Cook Time

Cook time is also a big factor when achieving the best texture for pasta. Once the pasta is in, let the water get back to a gentle boil and be sure to stir periodically. 

For most dried fettuccine pasta, cook time can be anywhere from 8-10 minutes.  You can also gently remove a small piece of a noodle, let it cool slightly and give it a taste test. 

If still not tender enough, check for the preferred tenderness every couple of minutes until it is just tender, but not mushy.

Serving Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

Now that your pasta is done, drain the water but reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta liquid. Then add the pasta to the Alfredo sauce. 

If the sauce is too thick, stir in a little of the pasta water. Not only will this help thin out the sauce a bit, but it will also help the sauce coat the noodles.

Then top with the chicken and stir everything well to make sure the sauce evenly coats the meat and fettuccine.  

Garnish with freshly parsley and grate some parmesan on top.  These two simple touches make for a beautiful presentation.  The parsley adds a pop of color and the parmesan adds more flavor and creaminess to the sauce.  

This easy, delicious meal might be too good to have any leftovers – but just in case, be sure to store any remaining Homemade Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo in a food safe container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Enjoy! Mary

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