Why Make This Recipe
Chicken Alfredo is a beloved comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction with every bite. This dish combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and pasta, making it perfect for family dinners or special occasions. It’s simple to prepare and requires just a few ingredients, always sure to please both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a dish to impress your guests, Chicken Alfredo fits the bill every time.
How to Make Chicken Alfredo
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 10 oz (280g) fettuccine or linguine
- 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling water)
- 1 stick (8 tablespoons or 113g) unsalted butter
- 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/4 cups (125g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and slice it into strips.
Step 3: Boil the Pasta
In a pot, bring water to a boil and add 1 teaspoon of salt. Cook the fettuccine or linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Then, pour in the heavy cream and stir for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 5: Add the Parmesan Cheese
Lower the heat and stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the sauce. Serve hot.
How to Serve Chicken Alfredo
Chicken Alfredo is best served warm. You can plate it individually, garnishing with chopped fresh parsley for added color and flavor. Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread to complete the meal.
How to Store Chicken Alfredo
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Chicken Alfredo can be kept for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a little extra cream or milk to bring back the creamy texture.
Tips to Make Chicken Alfredo
- Don’t overcook the chicken; it should be juicy and tender.
- Grate your Parmesan cheese fresh for the best flavor and texture.
- You can add steamed vegetables like broccoli or spinach for additional nutrition.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Variation
Feel free to use shrimp or vegetables instead of chicken for a different twist on this classic dish. You can also try different pasta shapes to keep things interesting.
FAQs
Q: Can I make Chicken Alfredo ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken in advance. Just reheat and add the pasta right before serving.
Q: Is Chicken Alfredo suitable for freezing?
A: While you can freeze it, the cream sauce may separate when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but if you freeze it, reheat slowly and stir well.
Q: What can I use instead of heavy cream?
A: You may use half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream, but the sauce might be less rich and creamy.
Chicken Alfredo
Ingredients
Method
- Season the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and slice it into strips.
- In a pot, bring water to a boil and add 1 teaspoon of salt. Cook the fettuccine or linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Lower the heat and stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the sauce. Serve hot.