Chicken Alfredo pasta recipe
Chicken Alfredo pasta recipe
Table of Contents
Chicken Alfredo pasta recipe
This Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta recipe is a delicious, rich, and comforting dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Featuring tender chicken breast, a smooth and creamy Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal or preparing it for guests, this easy to follow recipe will leave everyone coming back for more. It’s simple, indulgent, and packed with flavor that will please the entire family.
Description:
Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta recipe is a classic Italian American dish known for its indulgent flavors and creamy texture. The base of this dish is made from a velvety Alfredo sauce, which is typically made from butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese. In this Chicken Alfredo Pasta recipe, we enhance the flavor by adding tender, seasoned chicken breasts, which provide a hearty element to the dish. Served over fettuccine pasta, this meal is a satisfying comfort food choice that can be made in less than 30 minutes.
The dish begins by pan searing chicken breasts until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Then, the pasta is cooked in a separate pot, ensuring it’s al dente to hold up to the rich sauce. The Alfredo sauce comes together quickly by simmering heavy cream, butter, and garlic in a pan, and then stirring in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Once the sauce is ready, it’s combined with the cooked pasta and chicken, creating a creamy, flavorful dish that’s hard to resist.
While this Chicken Alfredo Pasta recipe is simple, it’s versatile enough for customization. You can swap the chicken for shrimp, add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, or even use whole wheat or gluten free pasta to suit your dietary preferences. This Chicken Alfredo Pasta recipe is not only rich and creamy but also offers plenty of opportunities for variation, allowing you to adjust it to your tastes.
Whether you are hosting a dinner party, cooking a weeknight meal, or preparing lunch for the family, Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta recipe will always impress. It’s a meal everyone will love, with its comforting texture, deliciously cheesy sauce, and the added goodness of protein from the chicken. This dish is great for those who crave a warm, filling meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to the package directions, typically about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Prepare the chicken:
While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C). Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips or cubes. - Make the Alfredo sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once the butter melts, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cook until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Combine the pasta, chicken, and sauce:
Add the drained pasta into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce. Add the sliced chicken on top and stir gently to combine. - Serve and garnish:
Divide the pasta among serving plates. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes:
- Substitute Chicken: If you prefer a different protein, you can easily swap out the chicken for shrimp, sausage, or even crispy bacon.
- Make it Veggie Friendly: To add more vegetables to the dish, consider incorporating spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli. Sauté them with the garlic before adding the cream.
- Gluten Free Option: Use gluten free fettuccine pasta if you need a gluten free version of this recipe.
- Cheese Variations: If you’re not a fan of Parmesan, you can experiment with other cheeses like Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Storing Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream to restore the sauce’s consistency.
Chicken Alfredo pasta recipe
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to the package directions, typically about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C). Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips or cubes.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once the butter melts, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cook until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the drained pasta into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce. Add the sliced chicken on top and stir gently to combine.
- Serve and garnish:
- Divide the pasta among serving plates. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Substitute Chicken: If you prefer a different protein, you can easily swap out the chicken for shrimp, sausage, or even crispy bacon.
- Make it Veggie Friendly: To add more vegetables to the dish, consider incorporating spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli. Sauté them with the garlic before adding the cream.
- Gluten Free Option: Use gluten free fettuccine pasta if you need a gluten free version of this recipe.
- Cheese Variations: If you’re not a fan of Parmesan, you can experiment with other cheeses like Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Storing Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream to restore the sauce’s consistency.