Chicken Alfredo is a classic Italian-American dish loved for its creamy texture and rich flavors. This indulgent pasta dish, made with tender chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked fettuccine, is a favorite among pasta lovers. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing guests, this Chicken Alfredo recipe will satisfy your cravings. In this guide, we’ll cover everything from ingredients to step-by-step preparation, nutritional value, and more!
What Is Chicken Alfredo Recipe?
Chicken Alfredo is a rich pasta consisting of fettuccine pasta, pan-fried chicken, and creamy buttery Alfredo sauce cooked in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. The recipe has been modified in infinite numbers of ways to satisfy every taste bud. With its silky creamy texture and cheesy taste, it is one of the comfort foods to indulge in.
Origin of Chicken Alfredo
The Alfredo sauce originally was developed in Rome, Italy, in the early 1900s by Alfredo di Lelio. It was perfected into our Chicken Alfredo Recipe today that became a hit in America when we introduced proteins like chicken or shrimp and cream.
Ingredients Needed for Chicken Alfredo
To make the best Chicken Alfredo, you will be needing the following ingredients:
For the Chicken:
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Alfredo Sauce:
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup pasta water (optional, in case of thickness needed)
For the Pasta:
• 12 oz fettuccine pasta
• Water to boil
• 1 teaspoon salt
Ingredient Substitutions
If some of the ingredients are not available, the substitute is as given below:
- Chicken: You can use shrimp, tofu, or mushrooms in lieu of chicken to create a vegetarian meal.
- Heavy Cream: A lower-cost option can be produced using half-and-half or evaporated milk substitute.
- Parmesan Cheese: Use Asiago cheese or Romano cheese in substitute.
- Fettuccine Pasta: Substitute with Spaghetti, penne, or linguine.
Kitchen Tools
To make Chicken Alfredo efficiently, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:
- Large skillet or frying pan – for cooking the chicken and making the sauce
- Medium pot – for boiling the pasta
- Tongs or spatula – for flipping the chicken
- Whisk – for blending the Alfredo sauce smoothly
- Grater – for fresh Parmesan cheese
- Knife and cutting board – for slicing the chicken and mincing garlic
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient portions
How to Cook Chicken Alfredo
1. Prepare the Pasta
- Boil water in a large pot and add salt.
- Boil fettuccine pasta as per the instructions on the package.
- Save ½ cup of water from the pasta before draining.
2. Prepare Chicken
- Chicken is seasoned with pepper, salt, and garlic powder.
- Sear olive oil in a pan and cook chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until browned.
- Takes it out of the pan and lets it rest before cutting.
3. Prepare the Alfredo Sauce
- Melts butter in the same pan and sautés garlic until aromaticly fragrant.
- Pours heavy cream and simmers for 2-3 minutes.
- Mixes in Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Whips until smooth creamy sauce is obtained.
4. Assembles Everything
- Mixes cooked pasta into the sauce and tosses until very well coated.
- If too thick, mixes reserved pasta water to thin the sauce.
- Slices cooked chicken and plates on pasta.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Tops with additional Parmesan and parsley.
- Serve warm, immediately.
Chicken Alfredo Benefits & Side Effects
Benefits of Chicken Alfredo
- Rich in Protein: Chicken contains buckets of muscle-building required protein.
- Excellent Calcium Source: Parmesan cheese promotes bones strong with a lifetime supply.
- Comfort Food Satisfaction: Creamy texture makes this comfort food option all-around.
Side Effects of Chicken Alfredo
- Extremely Calorie-Dense: Cheese and cream are calorie material in and of themselves.
- Can Cause Lactose Sensitivity: Milk products can be stressful for some individuals.
- Saturated Fat: Consume sparingly.
Chicken Alfredo Nutrition
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 700-900 kcal
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Calcium: 25% Daily Value
Conclusion
Chicken Alfredo is a delectable, rich, and creamy pasta which can be prepared with ease in your home. With the use of proper quantities of ingredients and proper methods, you can produce restaurant-style food in your home. Whether you are consuming it as comfort food or presenting it as party food, this Chicken Alfredo recipe will never let you down to attempt!
FAQs
Yes, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. You can store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat with a splash of milk to restore the creamy texture.
Fettuccine is the traditional choice, but you can use penne, spaghetti, or linguine.
Yes, but it won’t be as creamy. Use whole milk with a little butter for a richer texture.
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