Indulge in the rich and creamy delight of Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo without the guilt of heavy cream! This recipe delivers all the classic comfort and flavor you crave, but with a surprisingly light and healthy twist. We've unlocked the secret to achieving that luscious, velvety sauce without relying on excessive cream, using simple pantry staples to create a sauce that's both decadent and surprisingly easy to make. Say goodbye to complicated techniques and hello to a restaurant-quality meal you can effortlessly whip up at home.
This healthier take on a beloved classic is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that's as delicious as it is satisfying. Ready to create your own creamy masterpiece? Let's dive into the step-by-step process!
Tools Needed
- Large pot
- Deep pan or Dutch oven
Ingredients
- Fettuccine pasta: 12 ounces
- White mushrooms: 1 pound
- Onion: 1 small
- Garlic cloves: 3 large
- Chicken breasts: 2 pounds
- Salt
- Pepper
- Oil: 3 tablespoons
- Butter: 1 tablespoon
- Half and half: 3 1/2 cups
- Parsley: 1/4 cup
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients and Cook Chicken
- Cook fettuccine pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente.
- Slice mushrooms thickly, finely chop the onion, and mince the garlic.
- Slice chicken breasts into strips and season with salt and pepper.
- Sauté chicken in a deep pan or Dutch oven with 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat for 5 minutes until cooked through.
Step 2. Create the Creamy Sauce
- Remove chicken and set aside. In the same pan, sauté onion in 1 tablespoon of oil and 1 tablespoon of butter for 3 minutes until soft.
- Add mushrooms and sauté for 5-7 minutes until liquid evaporates and mushrooms are browned. Add garlic and stir for 30 seconds.
- Add half and half, bring to a light boil, and cook for 6-10 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 3. Combine and Simmer
- Add cooked chicken, parsley, salt, and pepper to the sauce. Stir in cooked pasta.
- Cover and let rest for at least 10 minutes to allow the sauce to coat the noodles.
Step 4. Serve
- Toss and serve.
Read more: Easy Basil Pesto Pasta: Simple, Cheap, & Delicious Recipe
Tips
- Don't skip the garlic; it elevates the sauce's flavor.
- Finely chopping the onion helps it blend seamlessly into the sauce.
- Letting the pasta rest helps it absorb the sauce and thicken.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While fettuccine is traditional, you can substitute with other long pasta shapes like linguine or tagliatelle.
2. How can I make this recipe even healthier?
Use whole wheat pasta, add more vegetables like spinach or broccoli, and reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese.
3. What if I don't have chicken broth?
Vegetable broth or even just water can be used as a substitute, though chicken broth adds more depth of flavor.
This creamy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo recipe proves that healthy and delicious can coexist. Enjoy this lighter, flavorful take on a classic comfort food, perfect for any occasion. Now go forth and create your own culinary masterpiece!