Classic Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless Chicken Breasts
• 1 batch of Homemade Alfredo Sauce (see recipe below)
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan Cheese
• 12 ounces Fettuccine Pasta
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• Dried Oregano for seasoning
• Fresh Parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Homemade Alfredo Sauce:

• ½ cup unsalted Butter
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 cups Heavy Cream
• 1 cup Sour Cream
• 1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan Cheese
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready when you’re done preparing the chicken.
• Trim any visible fat from the chicken breasts using kitchen shears or a sharp knife. This helps ensure the chicken cooks evenly and prevents excess grease.
• Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Seasoning both sides ensures each bite is flavorful.
• Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese over both sides of the chicken. Using freshly grated parmesan provides the best flavor and melts beautifully.
• Place the seasoned chicken breasts on a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Make sure there’s some space between each breast so they cook evenly.
• Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken to check for doneness.
• Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest on the cutting board for about 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.

2. Cook the Alfredo Sauce:

• While the chicken is baking, prepare the Alfredo sauce on the stovetop.
• In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent burning or scorching.
• Add minced garlic to the melted butter and cook until fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. This infuses the butter with garlic flavor.
• Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the melted butter and garlic, stirring constantly until well combined. This creates a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
• Gradually pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Adding the cream slowly helps create a smooth sauce.
• Allow the mixture to heat through, but avoid letting it boil. Boiling can cause the sauce to break or curdle.
• Once the heavy cream is hot, whisk in the sour cream, grated parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Whisking continuously ensures the cheese melts evenly and incorporates smoothly into the sauce.
• Lower the heat to medium-low and continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Cooking the sauce gently helps develop its flavor and consistency.
• Cook the sauce for an additional 5 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking or burning. This helps thicken the sauce slightly and meld the flavors together.

3. Cook the Pasta:

• While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
• Add the fettuccine pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Al dente pasta is tender yet still slightly firm to the bite.
• Stir the pasta occasionally while cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
• Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it briefly with warm water to remove excess starch. This helps prevent the pasta from sticking together.

4. Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce:

• Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked and drained fettuccine pasta to the saucepan with the Alfredo sauce.
• Use tongs or a pasta fork to toss the pasta in the sauce until it’s evenly coated. Tossing the pasta ensures each strand is coated in creamy sauce.
• Serve the Alfredo pasta on individual plates or in a large serving dish. Arrange the sliced chicken breasts on top of the pasta.
• Garnish the dish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish.

By following these detailed steps, you’ll be able to create a delicious and comforting classic Chicken Alfredo pasta dish that’s perfect for any occasion