This is the dish if you need comforting, creamy, and easy. It is a straightforward, simple chicken alfredo recipe suitable for both amateur and experienced cooks. Classic Italian-American fuses tender chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and well-cooked pasta to bring forth an appealing yet quick dish that would be sure to impress your family or guests.
Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this is sure to become the talk of the evening. Let’s review the steps and some helpful hints for the most perfect chicken Alfredo ever.
Simple Chicken Alfredo Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying panÂ
- Large pot for boiling pastaÂ
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Knife and Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt (Adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup whole milk (optional)
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces fettuccine pasta
- 1 tsp salt (for boiling water)
- fresh parsley and extra parmesan for garnish (optional)
Why You’ll Love This Simple Chicken Alfredo Recipe
Alfredo sauce is known for its rich and velvety texture, making it a favorite among pasta lovers. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:
- Easy to Make: No complicated steps or fancy equipment.
- Minimal Ingredients: You only need a few pantry staples.
- Quick Cooking Time: Ready in under 30 minutes!
- Restaurant-Quality Taste: Creamy, cheesy, and delicious.
Cook the Chicken to Perfection
A great chicken alfredo starts with juicy, flavorful chicken. Here’s how to cook it perfectly:
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and garlic powder evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat olive oil (or butter) over medium heat.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. (Internal temperature should reach 165°F.)
- Rest and Slice: Remove from heat, let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
Cooking the Alfredo Pasta
While the chicken is resting, it’s time to cook the pasta. Fettuccine is the classic choice for chicken alfredo, but you can use any pasta you like.
- Boil the Water: Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring it to a boil.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the fettuccine to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. You want the pasta to be al dente, which means it’s tender but still has a slight bite.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining the pasta, save about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water. This will help thicken the Alfredo sauce later.
- Drain the Pasta: Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Make the Creamy Alfredo Sauce
The Alfredo sauce. This simple chicken alfredo recipe uses a rich and creamy sauce that’s easy to make from scratch.
- Melt the Butter: In the same pan used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat.
- Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Cream and Seasonings: Pour in the heavy cream, salt, and black pepper. Stir and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Melt the Cheese: Gradually add Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and smooth.
- Adjust the Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water or whole milk.
Bringing It All Together
Once the chicken is cooked, the pasta is ready, and the sauce is prepared, it’s time to mix everything.
- Combine the Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Mix the pasta until it’s evenly coated.
- Add the Chicken: Gently mix the shredded chicken, making sure it’s well distributed throughout the dish.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the chicken Alfredo to a serving plate or a large bowl. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness.
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Alfredo Recipe
To enhance your meal, consider pairing your Chicken Alfredo with these delicious sides:
- Garlic Bread: A crispy, buttery garlic bread perfectly complements the creamy pasta.
- Side Salad: A fresh Caesar or garden salad adds a refreshing balance to the rich dish.
- Roasted Vegetables: Lightly roasted broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini bring extra texture and nutrition.
- White Wine: A glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs wonderfully with Alfredo sauce.
Tips for Perfecting Your Chicken Alfredo Recipe
Here are some additional tips to ensure your chicken alfredo turns out perfectly every time:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese and minced garlic make a big difference in flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta holds up better in the creamy sauce.
- Customize It: Add vegetables like broccoli or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Double the Recipe: This dish reheats well, so feel free to make extra for leftovers.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Alfredo Recipe
Got leftovers? Here’s how to store and reheat your chicken alfredo.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: While you can freeze chicken alfredo, the sauce may separate slightly when thawed. Stir well while reheating to combine.
Reheating
- Stovetop: Add a splash of milk and heat over low heat, stirring until creamy again.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.
Conclusion Enjoy Your Homemade Chicken Alfredo
Congratulations! You’ve just made a delicious, simple chicken alfredo recipe from scratch. This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a special treat for yourself.
Remember, cooking is all about having fun and experimenting. Don’t be afraid to tweak the recipe to suit your taste. Enjoy your creamy, comforting chicken alfredo!
Nutrition
Total Fat: 67g | Saturated Fat: 35g | Cholesterol: 315mg | Sodium: 829mg | Total Carbohydrate: 88g | Dietary Fiber: 4g | Total Sugars: 4g | Protein: 53g | Vitamin A: 1915lU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 428mg | Iron: 3mg | Potassium: 857mg
FAQ
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken works great. Just heat it before adding it to the pasta.
Can I make Alfredo sauce without heavy cream?
Absolutely! You can use whole milk, half-and-half, or a mix of milk and cream cheese for a lighter option.
What can I add to this dish for more flavor?
Try adding mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth and variety.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the fettuccine for gluten-free pasta and check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
What’s the best cheese for Alfredo sauce?
Parmesan is the classic choice, but you can also use Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.