Chicken Alfredo

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (225g) fettuccine pasta
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth
• 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
• 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the sliced chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until they are browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
4. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant.
5. Pour in the chicken broth, and using a wooden spoon, scrape the bottom of the skillet to deglaze and incorporate any browned bits.
6. Add the heavy cream, whole milk, and unsalted butter to the skillet. Stir until the butter is melted and the mixture is well combined.
7. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, dried parsley, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens slightly.
8. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and let it simmer in the sauce for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
9. Add the cooked fettuccine pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy Alfredo sauce and chicken.
10. Remove the skillet from the heat.
11. Garnish the Chicken Alfredo with chopped fresh parsley.
12. Serve the Chicken Alfredo hot and enjoy!

History:

Chicken Alfredo is a popular Italian-American pasta dish known for its creamy and indulgent sauce.

The dish's exact origins are somewhat disputed, but it is believed to have been created by Alfredo di Lelio, an Italian chef, in Rome. Alfredo originally prepared the dish with only fettuccine, butter, and Parmesan cheese for his pregnant wife, who had lost her appetite. It became a hit among his restaurant's patrons and eventually became known as "Fettuccine Alfredo."

When the dish made its way to the United States, variations were introduced, including the addition of chicken to create the Chicken Alfredo that is widely enjoyed today.

Chicken Alfredo has become a beloved comfort food and a favorite in Italian-American restaurants around the world.

Interesting Facts:

- The original Fettuccine Alfredo recipe consisted only of fettuccine, butter, and Parmesan cheese. However, over time, the addition of heavy cream, garlic, and various seasonings became common in the American version of the dish.

- Chicken Alfredo is often served with fettuccine pasta, but you can use other types of pasta like penne or linguine, depending on your preference.

- To enhance the flavors, you can add other ingredients to the dish, such as sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or broccoli.

- While Chicken Alfredo is undoubtedly delicious, it's a rich and indulgent dish, so it's best enjoyed in moderation.

Note: For an extra touch of luxury, you can garnish the Chicken Alfredo with shaved Parmesan cheese and a dash of freshly ground black pepper.