Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) Fettuccine or Linguine
- 4 qt (3.8L) Water
- 2 tbsp (30g) Salt
- 1/2 cup (115g) Unsalted butter
- 3 cloves (15g) Garlic, minced
- 2 cups (480ml) Heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups (150g) Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup (20g) Fresh basil leaves, chiffonade
- 1/2 tsp (3g) Black pepper
- 1/4 tsp (1.5g) Ground nutmeg
- 1 lb (450g) Boneless skinless chicken breast, cubed and pan-seared
Instructions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add the pasta and cook for 1-2 minutes less than the package directions (al dente).
- Reserve 1 cup (240ml) of the starchy pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Over medium heat, melt the butter in a skillet until it begins to foam.
- Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Pour in the heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer (do not let it reach a hard boil) for 3-5 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Reduce heat to low. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese one handful at a time, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and glossy.
- Stir in the black pepper and nutmeg.
- Add the cooked pasta and seared chicken to the skillet.
- Toss vigorously, adding reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until the sauce reaches a velvety consistency that clings to the noodles.
- Remove from heat immediately and fold in the fresh basil chiffonade.