Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a classic pasta dish featuring grilled or pan-seared chicken served with a creamy Alfredo sauce. The sauce, rich in flavor, is made from butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese.

The pasta is usually fettuccine, a broad, flat noodle that holds the creamy sauce well. It’s a popular comfort food that can be customized with vegetables, herbs, or spices for added depth of flavor. Indulgent yet straightforward, this dish is a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredient Notes for Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Making Chicken Alfredo Pasta requires simple ingredients to create a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken Breasts: Tender chicken breasts are the main protein in this dish. Cooked to perfection, they add a savory base to the pasta.
• Pasta: Fettuccine is the classic choice for Alfredo, but you can use any pasta you prefer, such as penne or spaghetti.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking the chicken and giving it a light, healthy fat that complements the richness of the sauce.
• Butter: Adds a smooth, creamy texture to the sauce, making it rich and indulgent.
• Cream: Heavy cream is the key to creating that velvety Alfredo sauce, giving it that creamy, luxurious feel.
• Milk: To balance the cream and create a smooth consistency in the sauce.
• Garlic: Minced garlic brings a warm, aromatic depth of flavor to the sauce, enhancing the overall taste.
• Cheese: Parmesan cheese is the traditional choice, providing a salty, nutty flavor that ties the dish together.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning, they help bring out the ingredients’ flavors and make the dish perfectly balanced.

How to Make Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this rich and creamy dish:

• 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, sliced
• 12 oz fettuccine pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking chicken)
• 4 tbsp butter (for the sauce)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring salted water to a boil in a large pot. Add the pasta and cook it according to the package instructions for about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain and set aside.
2. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Make the Alfredo sauce: Melt butter over medium heat in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring constantly. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the cheese: Lower the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens, about 3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
5. Combine: Add the cooked pasta into the Alfredo sauce, tossing until the pasta is well coated. Slice the cooked chicken and place it on top.
6. Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Chicken Alfredo Pasta Variation

There are many ways to make Chicken Alfredo Pasta unique to your taste. Here are a few variations you can try:

• Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli: Add steamed broccoli for a pop of color and a nutritious vegetable twist—the green veggie balances out the richness of the sauce.
• Spicy Chicken Alfredo: To spice things up, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce. This is a perfect option if you enjoy a bit of heat with your creamy pasta.
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Alfredo: For an extra flavor, add more garlic to the sauce and top the pasta with additional Parmesan cheese.
• Chicken Alfredo with Mushrooms: Sauté mushrooms in butter and add them to your Alfredo sauce for an earthy depth of flavor.

How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Pasta

When serving Chicken Alfredo Pasta, presentation is key. Here’s how to make it look as good as it tastes:

Plate the Pasta: Place the pasta in a large bowl or on individual plates after cooking. Ensure the pasta is evenly spread so it can be coated well with the sauce.

Top with Chicken: Slice the cooked chicken breasts and arrange them on top of the pasta. This allows you to enjoy a perfect balance of chicken and sauce in every bite.

Garnish: For a burst of color and a hint of freshness, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese will enhance the flavor.

Side Dish: Pair with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers or want to prepare this dish in advance, here are some storage tips:

Refrigeration: Store Chicken Alfredo Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. Ensure the pasta is thoroughly cooled before storing it to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing: While you can freeze Chicken Alfredo Pasta, the cream sauce may change texture once reheated. To freeze, place the pasta and sauce in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. You can keep it frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a pan over low heat, adding a bit of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently to prevent the sauce from separating. If reheating from frozen, allow the pasta to thaw in the fridge overnight before warming.

FAQs About Chicken Alfredo Pasta