This delightful variation of the classic Chicken Alfredo Pasta features the addition of fresh, crisp broccoli. The tender chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta come together with the bright and nutritious crunch of broccoli, making this dish not only delicious but also a bit healthier.
You’ll love Chicken Alfredo Pasta for its comforting, creamy texture and deliciously savory taste. It’s the ultimate comfort food that combines the richness of Alfredo sauce with the heartiness of chicken and pasta, making it a go-to meal for busy nights or when you want to treat yourself to something special.
Chicken Alfredo Pasta offers a satisfying balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, making it a filling and energy-boosting meal. The chicken provides lean protein, while the creamy sauce and pasta offer a comforting, indulgent treat. It’s a versatile dish that can be easily adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.
Ingredients for a Perfect Chicken Alfredo Pasta
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Skinless Chicken Breasts: Lean cuts of chicken with no skin, offering a mild flavor and tender texture when cooked. They are a great source of protein and essential nutrients.
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Fettuccine Pasta: Flat, thick pasta commonly used in creamy sauces like Alfredo. Its wide surface area makes it perfect for holding the rich sauce.
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Olive Oil: A heart-healthy oil with a mild, slightly fruity flavour, it is used to cook the chicken and enhance the overall dish’s richness.
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Garlic: Fresh or minced garlic adds a savory, aromatic flavor that complements the creamy Alfredo sauce.
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Cream: Heavy cream provides the rich, velvety sauce base, adding a smooth texture and indulgent flavor.
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Parmesan Cheese: A sharp, nutty cheese that’s finely grated and added to the sauce for flavor and a creamy texture. It’s essential for creating the classic Alfredo taste.
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Butter: Adds richness and a silky texture to the sauce, balancing the flavors and helping to create a smooth consistency.
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Ingredients
For a creamy and flavorful Chicken Alfredo Pasta, you will need the following ingredients:
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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8 oz fettuccine pasta
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
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1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for a hint of warmth)
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1/2 cup chicken broth (to deglaze the pan)
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2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your own Chicken Alfredo Pasta at home:
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Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling water in a large pot with a pinch of salt. Once it’s boiling, add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to the package instructions (usually around 8-10 minutes). Drain the pasta and set it aside.
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Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
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Make the Alfredo Sauce: Melt the butter over medium heat in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and continue stirring until the sauce thickens, which should take around 3-5 minutes.
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Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it in the Alfredo sauce until fully coated. If you like extra creamy pasta, stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese. Add the sliced chicken to garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
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Serve and Enjoy: Plate the Chicken Alfredo Pasta and serve it hot. If you prefer more seasoning, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top.
Chicken Alfredo Pasta Variations
While the classic Chicken Alfredo Pasta is delicious on its own, there are plenty of variations you can try to customize the dish based on your preferences:
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Shrimp Alfredo: For a seafood twist, swap the chicken for shrimp. The rich, creamy sauce pairs wonderfully with the shrimp, making it an elegant dinner option.
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Vegetable Alfredo: For a healthier, lighter version, add vegetables like spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the Alfredo sauce. This will not only add flavor but also brighten up the dish.
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Baked Chicken Alfredo: For a comforting baked version, combine the pasta, sauce, and chicken in a casserole dish. Top with shredded mozzarella and bake until golden and bubbly.
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Spicy Chicken Alfredo: Add some heat to your dish by incorporating red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce into the Alfredo sauce for a spicy kick.
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Chicken Alfredo with Bacon: Sprinkle crumbled bacon on top of the pasta for an added crunch and smoky flavour. Bacon’s rich taste perfectly complements the creamy sauce.
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Gluten-Free Chicken Alfredo: For those who are gluten intolerant, you can substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta. The Alfredo sauce remains just as creamy and delicious.
How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Serving Chicken Alfredo Pasta is an art in itself. Here are a few ideas to elevate the presentation and experience:
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Classic Plating: Serve the pasta in a large bowl or plate with the sliced chicken on top or gently tossed through. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan for a beautiful touch.
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Family-Style: For a more communal vibe, serve the Chicken Alfredo Pasta in a large serving dish. Let everyone help themselves to a generous portion, topped with extra Parmesan and perhaps a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for those who prefer a little heat.
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With Garlic Bread: For an additional indulgent side, serve the pasta alongside a warm slice of garlic bread or toasted baguette.
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With a Side Salad: Pair the dish with a fresh green salad or Caesar salad to balance the richness of the Alfredo sauce and add some freshness to the meal.
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Wine Pairing: Chicken Alfredo Pasta pairs wonderfully with a glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, which complements the creamy sauce without overpowering it.
FAQs About Chicken Alfredo Pasta
What is Chicken Alfredo Pasta?
Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a classic Italian-American dish that consists of pasta (typically fettuccine) topped with a creamy Alfredo sauce made from butter, heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. It’s often paired with grilled or pan-fried chicken for added flavor and protein.
Can I use different types of pasta for Chicken Alfredo?
Yes! While fettuccine is the traditional pasta used for Chicken Alfredo, you can substitute it with other types of pasta, such as penne, spaghetti, or rigatoni, depending on your preference.
How can I make Chicken Alfredo healthier?
To make Chicken Alfredo healthier, you can substitute heavy cream with a lighter option like half-and-half or milk, use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta, and add more vegetables, such as spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms, for added nutrition.
Can I prepare Chicken Alfredo in advance?
Yes, Chicken Alfredo can be prepared in advance. However, the sauce may thicken as it cools. To reheat, you may need to add milk or cream to restore its creamy consistency.
What can I serve with Chicken Alfredo Pasta?
Chicken Alfredo pairs well with a variety of sides, such as garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or steamed vegetables. To complete the meal, you can also serve it with a light soup like tomato basil or minestrone.
