Chicken Alfredo – With its creamy, luscious sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, this classic Italian-American favorite is both hearty and satisfying.
What is Chicken Alfredo?
Chicken Alfredo is a rich and creamy pasta dish made with fettuccine, grilled or pan-seared chicken, and a decadent Alfredo sauce. Traditionally, Alfredo sauce is a simple combination of butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, though modern variations often include garlic and additional seasonings for added flavor.
Ingredients for the Best Chicken Alfredo
To achieve restaurant-quality Chicken Alfredo, here’s what you’ll need:
- Fettuccine pasta: The wide, flat noodles hold onto the sauce beautifully.
- Chicken breast or thighs: Seasoned and cooked to juicy perfection.
- Unsalted butter: Forms the base of the Alfredo sauce.
- Heavy cream: Ensures a rich, velvety texture.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharpness and depth.
- Garlic: For a subtle aromatic kick.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing flavors.
- Olive oil: For cooking the chicken.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chicken Alfredo
- Fresh Ingredients: Use freshly grated Parmesan and real heavy cream for the best flavor and texture.
- Pasta Water Magic: The starchy pasta water helps the sauce cling to the noodles.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked at 165°F (75°C).
- Keep the Sauce Smooth: Stir the sauce continuously to prevent curdling.
Delicious Variations to Try
While the classic Chicken Alfredo is timeless, there are plenty of ways to mix it up:
- Shrimp Alfredo: Swap the chicken for sautéed shrimp.
- Vegetable Alfredo: Add broccoli, mushrooms, or spinach for a healthy twist.
- Spicy Alfredo: Kick up the heat with red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning.
- Bacon Alfredo: Crumbled crispy bacon adds a smoky, savory element.
How to Serve Chicken Alfredo
- Pair it with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a balanced meal.
- For a complete Italian feast, serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a Caprese salad.
- A glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
How to Store and Reheat Chicken Alfredo
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: While Alfredo sauce can separate upon freezing, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Reheat gently and whisk the sauce to restore its consistency.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to prevent the sauce from drying out.
Recipe FAQs
Q: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
A: While heavy cream yields the best results, you can use whole milk or a mix of milk and cream cheese for a lighter alternative.
Q: What’s the best pasta for Alfredo?
A: Fettuccine is traditional, but penne, linguine, or even spaghetti work well.
Q: How do I keep the sauce from curdling?
A: Avoid high heat and ensure the cream is at room temperature before adding it to the skillet.
Q: Can I make Chicken Alfredo ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prepare the components separately and combine just before serving for the freshest flavor.
Chicken Alfredo
Chicken Alfredo - With its creamy, luscious sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, this classic Italian-American favorite is both hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- ¾ tsp kosher salt, ¼ tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp butter
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- ½ cup butter (cubed)
- ¾ tsp garlic powder, 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- ¾ tsp Italian seasoning, ¼ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper
- 16 oz dry fettuccine
Instructions
- Bring salted water to a boil, cook fettuccine to al dente (about 10 minutes). Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining. Set aside.
- Season chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, adding 1 tbsp butter halfway. Cook until golden and the internal temp hits 165°F. Let it rest, then slice.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat. Stir in cream, garlic, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently (don’t boil!) for 3–4 minutes. Add Parmesan and stir until smooth. If it’s too thick, thin it with reserved pasta water.
- Toss the fettuccine with the Alfredo sauce. Plate the pasta, top with sliced chicken, and garnish with parsley, extra Parmesan, and a dash of black pepper.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 1012Total Fat 64gSaturated Fat 36gTrans Fat 2gUnsaturated Fat 22gCholesterol 228mgSodium 1075mgCarbohydrates 64gFiber 3gSugar 4gProtein 45g
Dinnerfocus.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Alfredo is a dish that brings warmth, comfort, and indulgence to the table. With the tips, tricks, and variations shared here, you can elevate this classic recipe to suit any occasion. Whether you stick to tradition or get creative with your own spin, Chicken Alfredo is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
