01 -
First things first, get those chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces. I like mine about 1-inch cubes so they cook evenly and quickly. Then, boil your fettuccine according to package directions, but pull it a minute or two before it's fully al dente. This is where I always forget to salt the water, but don't you! A good pinch of salt in the pasta water makes a world of difference. Drain it, but save about a cup of that starchy pasta water – it's liquid gold for our sauce, trust me.
02 -
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a bit of olive oil. Once hot, add your seasoned chicken. You want a nice golden-brown sear on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Don't overcrowd the pan, or it'll steam instead of sear. I've definitely made that mistake, ending up with pale, sad chicken. Work in batches if you need to. Once cooked through, remove the chicken and set it aside. We'll add it back later.
03 -
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the unsalted butter to the same skillet, letting it melt. Then, toss in all that glorious minced garlic. Sauté it for just about a minute, until it's fragrant and slightly golden. Don't let it brown, or it'll turn bitter – a mistake I've made when distracted by a podcast! The smell at this stage? Divine! It fills the whole kitchen with warmth.
04 -
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring often. Let it bubble lightly for about 3-5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. This is where the sauce really starts to come alive. You'll see it transform into that beautiful, luscious consistency. Add in your Parmesan cheese now, stirring until it's fully melted and incorporated. It'll get even thicker and silkier.
05 -
Now for the fun part! Add your cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss in those slightly undercooked noodles. Stir everything gently, making sure every strand is coated in that amazing creamy garlic butter sauce. If the sauce seems a little too thick, add a splash or two of that reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. This step is where kitchen chaos sometimes reigns, but it’s worth it!
06 -
Taste and adjust your seasonings. A little more salt? A crack of fresh pepper? Go for it! Ladle generous portions into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. The final result should be a glistening, rich, and utterly comforting bowl of Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Noodles that smells as good as it looks. It's truly a sight for sore eyes after a long day.