A quick and comforting dish featuring fettuccine pasta tossed in a rich, garlicky cream sauce with seared chicken.
Prep Time 10 minutesminutes
Cook Time 20 minutesminutes
Total Time 30 minutesminutes
Serving Size 4servings
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
2pieceschicken breastsBoneless and skinless
8ozfettuccine pastaCook until al dente
1cupheavy creamFor a lighter sauce, use half-and-half
1/2cupgrated Parmesan cheeseFreshly grated for best melt and flavor
2tablespoonsbutterFor sautéing
2clovesgarlic, mincedAdds flavor to the sauce
Salt and pepper to tasteFor seasoning
Chopped parsley for garnishAdds freshness and color
Instructions
Preparation
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter. When the butter foams, add the minced garlic and cook for 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Increase heat to medium-high and add the chicken to the skillet. Pan-sear for 4–6 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the exterior is golden. Remove the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour the heavy cream into the same skillet, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Bring the cream to a gentle simmer.
Whisk in the grated Parmesan until it melts completely and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
Add the cooked fettuccine and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together so the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the sauce. Heat just until warmed through.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
For a lighter sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoother than pre-grated blends. Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.