1. Cook the Pasta
Step 1
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and season it with salt. Cook the fettuccine for approximately 1 minute less than the package instructions, leaving it slightly firm.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Fettuccine combines pan-seared chicken breasts with tender pasta and a rich homemade Parmesan cream sauce. Garlic, butter and freshly grated Parmesan create a smooth sauce that coats every strand of fettuccine, while the sliced chicken turns it into a complete and satisfying meal. Ready in approximately 35 minutes, it is perfect for weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and season it with salt. Cook the fettuccine for approximately 1 minute less than the package instructions, leaving it slightly firm.
Before draining, reserve approximately 100 ml of the starchy cooking water. Drain the fettuccine without rinsing it.
When the chicken breasts are particularly thick, slice them horizontally or gently pound them to an even thickness. Season both sides with paprika, garlic powder, salt and black pepper.
Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Allow the butter to begin foaming without letting it burn.
Place the chicken breasts in the hot pan. Cook for approximately 4–5 minutes on each side, depending on their thickness, until golden on the outside and fully cooked in the centre.
Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate. Allow it to rest for approximately 5 minutes before slicing so it retains its juices.
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the same pan. Add the finely chopped or crushed garlic and cook over medium-low heat for 30–45 seconds. Do not allow the garlic to brown.
Slowly pour the cream into the pan. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the browned chicken pieces from the bottom and incorporate them into the sauce.
Once the cream is warm, reduce the heat to low. Gradually add the grated Parmesan while stirring continuously. Continue mixing until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
Add the black pepper and taste the sauce before adding any additional salt. When the sauce is too thick, gradually stir in some of the reserved pasta water.
Transfer the drained fettuccine to the pan. Toss with kitchen tongs until every strand is evenly coated in the garlic Parmesan sauce.
Slice the rested chicken breasts diagonally into strips. Arrange the chicken over the creamy pasta.
Spoon some of the remaining cream sauce over the sliced chicken. Finish with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan when desired.
Serve while the pasta is hot and the Parmesan sauce is still smooth and creamy.