Chicken Alfredo

Ingredients

• 12 ozfettuccine pasta$1.41
• 1.5 lbboneless chicken breasts$6.18
• 1.5 cupheavy cream$2.38
• 4 tbspunsalted butter$0.39
• 1 cupParmesan cheese, grated$4.28
• 3 eachgarlic cloves, minced$0.32
• 2 tbspolive oil$0.32
• 1 tspkosher salt$0.02
• 0.5 tspblack pepper$0.05
• 2 tbspfresh parsley, chopped$0.18
• Total for 4 servings$15.53

Most of the cost is boneless chicken breasts ($6.18) and parmesan cheese, grated ($4.28). With oil, spices and staples already at home, the shop drops to about $13.78. Prices are estimated for the amount used, at average US grocery prices (November 2026).

Steps

1. Pat the boneless chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides evenly with half of the kosher salt and half of the black pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the chicken and sear for 6 to 8 minutes per side until golden brown and an internal thermometer inserted in the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C) with no pink remaining.
3. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board to rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
4. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat, add the fettuccine pasta, and boil for 10 to 12 minutes until al dente; reserve 0.5 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
5. In the skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter, stir in the minced garlic cloves, and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant without browning. Pour in the heavy cream along with the remaining kosher salt and black pepper, and gently simmer over medium-low heat for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly reduced.
6. Remove the skillet from direct heat, gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese, until smooth and fully melted, then add the cooked fettuccine pasta and sliced chicken, tossing for 1 to 2 minutes over low heat while splashing in reserved pasta water as needed until the sauce clings silkily to the pasta.
7. Divide the fettuccine and chicken among four warm bowls and garnish with the chopped fresh parsley, before serving immediately.