Easy Grilled Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

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Grilled Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is a classic dish that combines the smoky flavor of grilled chicken with the rich creaminess of Alfredo sauce.

Pasta lovers rejoice! This chicken alfredo recipe is super easy to make and this dish comes together in no time.

For the best results, I highly recommend using real Parmesan cheese and the freshest ingredients. This is an easy dinner recipe and you’ll have a creamy Alfredo sauce that the whole family will enjoy. 

Ingredients At A Glance (Full Printable Recipe Card Down Below)

For The Grilled Chicken:

• garlic powder
• onion powder
• salt
• black pepper
• 4 boneless and skinless chicken breasts 

For The Fettuccine Alfredo:

• minced garlic
• unsalted butter
• salt
• heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• reserved pasta water
• dried fettuccine pasta
• fresh chopped parsley

Equipment

• Grill
• Medium Mixing Bowl
• Tongs
• Saucepan
• Whisk or Spoon
• Large pot
• Colander

Preparation Steps Overview 

Combine garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Evenly coat the chicken breasts.

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and grill the chicken breasts.

Cook the fettuccine noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve the pasta water before draining.

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, 30 seconds to one minute. 

Pour in the heavy cream, parmesan, and pasta water and bring it to a gentle simmer. Cook, stirring, until the cheese melts and you have a smooth and creamy sauce. 

Toss cooked fettuccine in the rich Alfredo sauce, ensuring everything is well-coated.

To serve: 

• Add the pasta to a serving bowl and top with sliced chicken.
• Garnish the dish by sprinkling fresh parsley on top of the pasta, if desired. 

Side Dish Ideas To Serve Alongside Grilled Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

I usually serve Grilled Chicken Alfredo with a side of garlic bread and a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. 

Here are some more side dish ideas:

• Steamed Broccoli 
• Italian Salad
• Green Beans
• Breadsticks
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts
• Asparagus

Helpful Tips

Make sure your grill is properly preheated before placing the chicken on it. This helps to sear the chicken, locking in its juices and creating those delicious grill marks.

For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-packaged grated cheese. The fresh cheese will melt more smoothly into the Alfredo sauce.

If your Alfredo sauce becomes too thick, you can adjust the consistency by adding more reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired thickness.

Cooking the fettuccine al dente is crucial to the dish’s overall texture. It should be tender but still have a slight bite when you chew it.

Variations

• Add blanched or grilled broccoli florets to the Alfredo sauce for a classic combination.
• Crumble crisp bacon and mix it into the Alfredo sauce.
• Add a blend of three cheeses, such as mozzarella, fontina, and Asiago, along with Parmesan.

Storage

To store leftovers in the refrigerator, place the grilled chicken and Alfredo sauce in an airtight container. I like to place the fettuccine in one container and the chicken in another. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

If you want to extend the storage time, consider storing it in the freezer. Place the pasta in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. Store in the freezer for  2-3 months.

While freezing is an option, remember that pasta dishes with cream-based sauces can undergo textural changes upon thawing and reheating.

Important Notes On Preparing Grilled Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo 

Heavy cream is the base of the Alfredo sauce, providing richness and a velvety texture. It is essential to use heavy cream for the sauce to achieve the desired thickness and creaminess.

Adding reserved pasta water to the sauce helps achieve the perfect consistency. The starch in the water helps bind the sauce and pasta together. I recommend adding the pasta water a Tablespoon at a time until you get the perfect consistency. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Keep in mind that thighs may have a slightly different cooking time on the grill.

2. What if I don’t have a grill?

If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken on a stovetop grill pan or in the oven. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

3. Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?

While homemade Alfredo sauce offers the best flavor, you can use also store-bought sauce for convenience.

4. How can I prevent the Alfredo sauce from separating?

To prevent separation, make sure the heat is low to medium when simmering the sauce, and stir continuously.

5. Can I use a different type of pasta?

While fettuccine is traditional, you can use other pasta varieties like penne, linguine, or spaghetti.

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