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Quick and Easy Chicken Alfredo

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz fettuccine (or your favorite pasta)
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • ½ medium onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup reserved pasta water
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh Italian parsley
  • Fresh basil, chopped (optional)
  • Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain.
  • While the pasta cooks, season the chicken with salt, pepper, and the Italian seasoning.
  • Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
  • In the same skillet, add the onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  • Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
  • Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3–5 minutes, until the sauce begins to thicken.
  • Reduce the heat to low and gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. If the sauce is too thick, stir in the reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
  • Add the drained pasta and toss until evenly coated in the Alfredo sauce.
  • Garnish with chopped parsley, fresh basil if desired, and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
    • Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
    Add steamed broccoli, spinach, or sautéed mushrooms for extra vegetables.
    Serve with garlic bread and a crisp Caesar salad for a complete Italian-inspired meal.