Classic Chicken Alfredo Recipe

Classic Chicken Alfredo Recipe: A Creamy Delight

Chicken Alfredo is the epitome of comfort food, a creamy, cheesy pasta dish paired with tender chicken that never fails to impress. It’s a go-to choice for a cozy family dinner, a romantic date night, or any occasion that calls for indulgence. While many people rely on store-bought sauces, nothing beats the taste of a homemade Chicken Alfredo prepared from scratch.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to make a restaurant-quality Chicken Alfredo at home.

Ingredients for Chicken Alfredo

For the Chicken:

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Alfredo Sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

  • 12 ounces fettuccine or your favorite pasta
  • 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)

Optional Garnish:

  • Chopped fresh parsley
  • Additional Parmesan cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
  3. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

  1. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. Cook the Chicken:
    • Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
    • Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).
    • Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

  1. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Add Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  3. Incorporate Cheese: Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese, one handful at a time, until fully melted and the sauce thickens. For a richer sauce, add shredded mozzarella cheese.
  4. Season: Taste the sauce and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 4: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce

  1. Toss the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly.
  2. Add Chicken: Arrange the sliced chicken on top of the pasta, allowing it to warm in the sauce.
  3. Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

  1. Transfer the Chicken Alfredo to a serving dish.
  2. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese for a touch of elegance.
  3. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, comforting goodness!

Tips for the Best Chicken Alfredo

  1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and enhances the sauce’s flavor. Avoid pre-grated cheese, which may contain anti-caking agents.
  2. Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Cooking chicken breasts to perfection ensures they remain juicy and tender. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
  3. Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water helps loosen the sauce and binds it to the pasta.
  4. Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slightly firm pasta holds up better in the rich sauce.

Variations

  1. Vegetarian Alfredo: Skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted vegetables for a hearty meat-free option.
  2. Seafood Alfredo: Replace chicken with shrimp, scallops, or even crab meat for a luxurious seafood version.
  3. Spicy Alfredo: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a kick of heat.
  4. Low-Carb Alfredo: Serve the sauce and chicken over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a keto-friendly meal.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: ~750
  • Protein: 40g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fat: 40g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sodium: 750mg

Make-Ahead and Storage

  1. Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  2. Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess.
  3. Freeze: Alfredo sauce can be frozen, but it may separate upon reheating. Stir vigorously while reheating to recombine.

Why Make Chicken Alfredo at Home?

Homemade Chicken Alfredo offers unparalleled freshness and flavor. By controlling the ingredients, you can customize the dish to suit your taste, whether it’s a lighter sauce, extra garlic, or a blend of cheeses. Plus, it’s more economical than dining out and perfect for impressing guests!

Conclusion

Chicken Alfredo is a timeless classic that brings comfort and elegance to the dinner table. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a dish that satisfies every time. By following this recipe, you can recreate the magic of restaurant-quality Chicken Alfredo in the comfort of your kitchen.

Try it tonight, and watch it become a family favorite!

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