In the realm of comfort foods, few dishes hold as cherished a place as Chicken Alfredo. With its creamy, velvety sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, Chicken Alfredo is both simple to make and utterly satisfying. Let's dive into a recipe that not only captures this Italian-American classic but elevates it to new heights of deliciousness.
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to whip up an exquisite Chicken Alfredo:
- 400 grams of pasta (preferably fettuccine or linguine)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup of milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A pinch of nutmeg (optional, but recommended for depth of flavor)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and has a golden brown color. Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
Make the Alfredo Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, careful not to burn it.
- Pour in the heavy cream and milk, then stir to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer gently, letting the cream reduce slightly.
- Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce. If the sauce thickens too much, add a little of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg for added depth.
Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta to the Alfredo sauce, tossing well to ensure each strand is coated evenly. If the sauce is too thick, again, use the reserved pasta water to adjust its consistency.
- Stir in the sliced chicken, allowing it to warm through in the sauce.
Garnish and Serve
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or basil, and perhaps an extra sprinkle of Parmesan for that final touch of decadence.
🍽 Note: Alfredo sauce can thicken significantly upon cooling. If preparing in advance, you might want to keep a bit of pasta water or milk on hand to thin the sauce out before serving.
There you have it! With this Easy Chicken Alfredo Recipe, you're set to impress at dinner with little effort. Its creamy, rich sauce enveloping tender pasta and succulent chicken slices creates a dish that's as comforting as it is delicious. Whether it's a special occasion or a casual family dinner, this Alfredo is bound to become a favorite. Enjoy crafting and savoring each bite of this homemade comfort!
Can I use a different type of pasta?
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Yes, while fettuccine or linguine are traditional, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. However, flat or broader noodles work best to hold the sauce.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
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Simply omit the chicken or replace it with vegetables like mushrooms, broccoli, or roasted red peppers. The sauce’s richness will still deliver the classic Alfredo taste.
What can I serve with Chicken Alfredo?
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A simple salad with a vinaigrette dressing can provide a nice contrast to the richness of the Alfredo sauce. Garlic bread is also an excellent side to soak up any leftover sauce.
