Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe is a creamy and comforting recipe, which is made with tender chicken breast and sautéed mushrooms. It’s a classic, feel-good family dinner, ready in about 40 minutes.
Pioneer Woman Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe Ingredients
- 2 lbs Chicken Breast
- 3/4 lbs fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb white mushrooms, thickly sliced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 1/2 cups half-and-half*
- 1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped, plus more for garnish
- 1 tsp sea salt, or to taste, plus more for pasta water
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste
- 3 Tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 Tbsp unsalted butter *To substitute half-and-half, use equal parts of milk and heavy cream.
How To Make Pioneer Woman Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: While the pasta cooks, slice the chicken breasts into strips and season them all over with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sauté for about 5 minutes, until lightly golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and cover it to keep warm.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet over medium-high heat, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the butter. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3 minutes until soft. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are soft and have released their liquid. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more until fragrant.
- Make the Alfredo sauce: Pour the half-and-half into the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Combine and serve: Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Stir in the 1/4 cup of chopped parsley and season the sauce to taste with salt and pepper. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and stir everything together to coat the noodles. Let it heat through for another minute, then turn off the heat, cover, and let it rest for 10-15 minutes for the sauce to thicken further. Garnish with more fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Recipe Tips
- How to get a creamy sauce? The key is to let the half-and-half simmer and reduce. This thickens it naturally without needing a lot of heavy cream. For an even richer, thicker sauce, you can substitute the half-and-half with heavy whipping cream.
- How to prevent dry chicken? Be careful not to overcook the chicken strips in the initial step. Cook them just until they are no longer pink inside. They will finish heating through when you add them back to the sauce.
- Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes! While fettuccine is classic, this creamy sauce is also delicious with other pasta shapes like linguine, pappardelle, or even a short pasta like penne or rotini.
- How to get the best flavor from mushrooms? Don’t overcrowd the pan when sautéing the mushrooms. Cook them in a single layer if possible, which allows them to brown nicely rather than just steam.
What To Serve With Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
This is a rich and satisfying meal. It pairs perfectly with simple sides that cut through the creaminess.
- Warm, crusty garlic bread for soaking up the sauce
- A simple green salad with a tangy Italian or balsamic vinaigrette
- Steamed or roasted broccoli or asparagus
- A glass of a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
How To Store Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken considerably as it cools. Reheat: For the best results, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or half-and-half to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy consistency. Microwaving can sometimes cause cream sauces to separate.
Pioneer Woman Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 650kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 45g
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 8g
Nutrition information is estimated per serving and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, easily. Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth if you were to use it. To make it more substantial, you could add other vegetables like steamed broccoli florets or sautéed spinach to the sauce.
Why is my Alfredo sauce thin?
If your sauce is too thin, it likely just needs more time to simmer and reduce. Let it cook for a few more minutes, stirring, until it has thickened to your liking. The final 10-15 minute rest period off the heat is also crucial for the sauce to thicken up.
Can I add Parmesan cheese?
Absolutely! While this recipe creates a creamy sauce without it, stirring in about 1/2 to 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese at the end (off the heat) will make the sauce even richer and more flavorful.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
Pioneer Woman Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
Description
A classic and creamy chicken fettuccine alfredo with tender chicken and sautéed mushrooms in a light yet rich sauce, perfect for a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook fettuccine according to package directions; drain.
- In a large skillet, sauté the seasoned chicken strips in 2 Tbsp of olive oil until cooked through. Remove from pan.
- In the same skillet, add 1 Tbsp olive oil and the butter. Sauté the onion for 3 minutes, then add the mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes until soft. Stir in the garlic.
- Pour in the half-and-half and simmer for 8-10 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Return the chicken to the pan, stir in the parsley, and season the sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta and stir to combine. Let it rest, covered, for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- u003cliu003eThe final 10-15 minute rest is a key step that allows the sauce to thicken and cling to the pasta perfectly.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eFor an extra rich sauce, use heavy cream instead of half-and-half.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eDon’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken or mushrooms to ensure they brown nicely.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThis recipe is a family favorite and easily adaptable.u003c/liu003e
