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Chicken Alfredo





Creamy Chicken Alfredo Recipe

Description of the Recipe

Indulge in this creamy Chicken Alfredo recipe with tender chicken, rich sauce, and fettuccine pasta. Perfect comfort food! This creamy Chicken Alfredo recipe is the epitome of comfort food, combining tender pieces of chicken with a rich, velvety sauce made from heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and garlic.

Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress with its decadent flavor and creamy texture. The use of fresh ingredients and simple techniques ensures that this Chicken Alfredo will be a hit with your family and friends.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Alfredo

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 12 ounces fettuccine pasta
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Chicken Alfredo

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  1. Season the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
  2. Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce

  1. Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  2. Add the butter: Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt completely.
  3. Combine cream and milk: Pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, stirring to combine.
  4. Add the seasoning: Stir in the dried Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, if using.
  5. Incorporate the cheese: Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

  1. Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

  1. Slice the chicken: Slice the cooked chicken breasts into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
  2. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked fettuccine pasta to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
  3. Add the chicken: Add the sliced chicken to the skillet and toss again to combine.
  4. Garnish and serve: Serve the Chicken Alfredo hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Tips and Variations for Chicken Alfredo

  • Add vegetables: For a more colorful and nutritious meal, add steamed broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, or spinach to the Alfredo sauce.
  • Protein options: Substitute the chicken with shrimp, scallops, or even grilled tofu for a different take on the recipe.
  • Herb variations: Experiment with different herbs such as basil, oregano, or thyme to add different flavor profiles to the dish.
  • Make it lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and milk to reduce the calorie count, and use whole-wheat pasta for added fiber.
  • Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Preparation time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking time: 30 minutes
  • Total time: 45 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving)

  • Calories: 720
  • Protein: 36g
  • Carbohydrates: 56g
  • Fat: 38g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 670mg

Curiosities and Historical Facts about Chicken Alfredo

The origins of Alfredo sauce date back to early 20th century Rome. Alfredo di Lelio, a Roman restaurateur, created the dish “Fettuccine Alfredo” to help his wife recover her strength after childbirth. His original recipe consisted of fettuccine, butter, and Parmesan cheese. The dish gained international fame when Hollywood stars Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks visited his restaurant and brought the recipe back to the United States.

The American version of Alfredo sauce has evolved to include heavy cream, making it richer and creamier than the original Italian version. Chicken Alfredo, specifically, became popular in the United States as a heartier version of the dish, adding protein to the creamy pasta.

Today, Chicken Alfredo is a beloved dish worldwide, known for its comforting, indulgent flavors. Its versatility allows for endless variations, making it a staple in many households. From simple weeknight dinners to gourmet restaurant menus, Chicken Alfredo continues to be a favorite among pasta lovers.