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Chicken Alfredo Recipe





Creamy Chicken Alfredo Recipe

Description of the Recipe

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our rich and creamy Chicken Alfredo recipe. Perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner. Indulge in the rich, creamy delight of Chicken Alfredo, a beloved pasta dish that perfectly balances tender chicken with a luscious Alfredo sauce.

This recipe elevates the traditional Alfredo by incorporating flavorful chicken, making it a hearty and satisfying meal. The creamy sauce, made with butter, garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, clings to every strand of fettuccine, ensuring every bite is a luxurious experience. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this Chicken Alfredo recipe is sure to impress your family and guests.

Ingredients – Chicken Alfredo Recipe

  • For the Chicken:
    • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
    • Salt and pepper, to taste
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • For the Alfredo Sauce:
    • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
    • 4 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 cup heavy cream
    • 1 cup whole milk
    • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
    • 1/2 cup freshly grated Romano cheese
    • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • For the Pasta:
    • 12 ounces fettuccine pasta
    • Salt, for pasta water
  • For Garnish:
    • Fresh parsley, chopped
    • Extra grated Parmesan cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Creamy Chicken Alfredo Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  1. Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
  3. Rest and slice: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice the chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

  1. Boil the pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

  1. Melt the butter: In the same skillet used to cook the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
  2. Add the cream and milk: Pour in the heavy cream and whole milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
  3. Incorporate the cheeses: Gradually whisk in the Parmesan and Romano cheeses until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

  1. Combine the pasta and sauce: Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
  2. Add the chicken: Gently fold in the sliced chicken, ensuring it is well-distributed throughout the pasta.
  3. Garnish and serve: Transfer the Chicken Alfredo to a serving platter or individual plates. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Tips and Variations for Creamy Chicken Alfredo Recipe

  • Add vegetables: For a nutritional boost, add steamed broccoli, peas, or sautéed spinach to the pasta.
  • Protein alternatives: Substitute chicken with shrimp or scallops for a seafood variation of this dish.
  • Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce for a subtle heat.
  • Lighter version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream to reduce the richness of the sauce.
  • Make it ahead: Prepare the Alfredo sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently before combining with pasta and chicken.

Preparation and Cooking Time

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

Nutritional Information (per serving)

  • Calories: 720
  • Protein: 32g
  • Carbohydrates: 56g
  • Fat: 42g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 750mg

Curiosities and Historical Facts about Chicken Alfredo Recipe

Chicken Alfredo, though commonly associated with Italian cuisine, has an interesting history that intertwines with American culinary traditions. The dish is an adaptation of “Fettuccine Alfredo,” created by Alfredo di Lelio in the early 20th century in Rome. The original recipe, however, did not include chicken.

Alfredo di Lelio invented Fettuccine Alfredo to satisfy his pregnant wife’s cravings and to provide her with a nourishing meal. The dish quickly gained popularity in Italy, and soon after, American tourists brought the recipe back to the United States. It wasn’t long before variations of the dish emerged, with the addition of ingredients like chicken and heavy cream, catering to the American palate.

In its traditional form, Fettuccine Alfredo is made with just pasta, butter, and Parmesan cheese. The rich and creamy version known today, often enhanced with cream and garlic, was popularized in American Italian restaurants. The inclusion of chicken not only adds protein but also transforms the dish into a more substantial and satisfying meal.

Today, Chicken Alfredo is a staple in many households and restaurants, beloved for its creamy sauce and comforting flavors. It represents a blend of Italian tradition and American innovation, making it a perfect example of how culinary practices evolve and adapt across cultures.