Fettuccine Alfredo with chicken is a classic Italian dish that brings together creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors in one comforting bowl. This recipe elevates the traditional Alfredo sauce by adding tender chicken strips and fragrant tarragon, creating a meal that’s both satisfying and easy to make in just 25 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. Let’s dive into this mouth-watering recipe that combines simple ingredients with rich, bold flavors.
Ingredients
For the Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken:
- 200 g (7 oz) fettuccine
- Salt (for pasta water and seasoning)
- 300 g (10.5 oz) chicken breast fillets
- 1 garlic clove, finely diced
- 3 tbsp sunflower oil
- 100 g (3.5 oz) whipped cream
- 150 ml (2/3 cup) chicken stock
- 2 sprigs of fresh tarragon
- 20 g (1/4 cup) pine nuts
- 50 g (1/2 cup) Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Fettuccine
Begin by cooking the fettuccine in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. This typically takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, allowing it to drain completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the chicken breast fillets. Rinse the chicken under cold water, pat dry with paper towels, and cut into thin strips. This ensures that the chicken cooks quickly and evenly.
Peel and finely dice the garlic clove. Set it aside for later use.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken and Make the Sauce
In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the sunflower oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken strips, spreading them out in a single layer. Sear the chicken for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the strips are lightly golden on all sides but not fully cooked through.
Add the diced garlic to the pan and fry briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter.
Pour in the whipped cream and chicken stock, stirring to combine. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes. This will allow the chicken to cook through and the sauce to reduce slightly, becoming rich and flavorful.
Step 4: Prepare the Tarragon and Pine Nuts
While the sauce simmers, rinse the tarragon sprigs under cold water, dry them with a paper towel, and pick off the leaves. Finely chop most of the leaves, reserving a few whole ones for garnish.
In a small dry skillet, toast the pine nuts over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Remove from the heat and set aside.
Step 5: Combine and Finish the Dish
Once the sauce has thickened slightly, add the cooked fettuccine to the pan with the chicken and sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. Stir in the chopped tarragon and grated Parmesan, allowing the cheese to melt into the sauce and thicken it further, creating a luscious, creamy consistency.
Season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed, considering the saltiness of the Parmesan and chicken stock.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
To serve, divide the Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken among plates. Sprinkle each serving with the toasted pine nuts, a few whole tarragon leaves, and an extra grind of black pepper for a pop of freshness and crunch.
Tips for the Perfect Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken
- Chicken: Make sure the chicken strips are thinly sliced for quick and even cooking.
- Pasta: Do not overcook the pasta; aim for al dente as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot sauce.
- Sauce Consistency: If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Tarragon Substitute: If tarragon isn’t available, you can substitute with fresh parsley or basil for a different but equally delicious flavor.
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 2
- Calories: Approximately 650 per serving
- Total Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
- Sodium: 650mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 38g
This Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken recipe is a comforting and delicious dish that combines tender chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and fragrant herbs to create a meal that’s both hearty and satisfying. Enjoy it fresh and hot, and relish in the rich, creamy flavors that make this dish a beloved classic. Bon appétit!
