This Easy Chicken Alfredo with Pasta is the perfect solution for a delicious and comforting dinner that doesn't require hours in the kitchen. The creamy Alfredo sauce is made from scratch with simple ingredients like heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of nutmeg, giving it a rich and velvety texture. Paired with tender, juicy chicken breast and your choice of pasta, this dish is both satisfying and versatile. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight meal or a dish to impress guests, this Chicken Alfredo will quickly become a family favorite. Serve it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
This Easy Chicken Alfredo with Pasta is a comforting dish that brings the creamy, rich flavors of Alfredo sauce to your table in a simple and quick-to-make recipe. Originating from Italian cuisine, Alfredo sauce has become a beloved staple in homes around the world, and when combined with tender chicken and pasta, it becomes an instant favorite. The dish is easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you're looking for a delicious meal without the fuss.
INGREDIENTS
- Pasta: 2 cups cooked (fettuccine or your choice), serves as the base for the Alfredo sauce and chicken.
- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp, used to cook the chicken and add flavor.
- Chicken Breast: 1 lb, diced, provides protein and a hearty texture.
- Salt: 1/2 tsp, enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Black Pepper: 1/4 tsp, adds a touch of spice.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced, infuses the sauce with aromatic flavor.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup, creates the rich, creamy base for the Alfredo sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, grated, melts into the sauce, adding flavor and thickness.
- Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup, adds depth to the sauce and helps to thin it out slightly.
- Ground Nutmeg: 1/4 tsp, adds a warm, subtle spice to the Alfredo sauce.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): 1 tbsp, chopped, for garnish, adds color and a fresh taste.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken, salt, and pepper. Cook until chicken is no longer pink in the center, about 5-7 minutes.
- Step 3:
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4:
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Step 5:
- Gradually add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce thickens.
- Step 6:
- Add ground nutmeg and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Toss in the cooked pasta and chicken, mixing until well coated with the sauce.
- Step 7:
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve immediately while the Alfredo sauce is creamy and the pasta is hot.
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce's consistency.
- Pair this dish with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad to complete the meal.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
Helpful Notes
- The key to a smooth Alfredo sauce is to gradually add the Parmesan cheese and stir continuously to prevent clumping.
- Feel free to add other ingredients like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
- If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken breast from scratch.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Mario suggests using freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated for the best flavor and texture.
- Chef Giada recommends adding a splash of pasta cooking water to the Alfredo sauce to help it adhere better to the pasta.
- Chef Lidia advises against letting the sauce boil after adding the Parmesan, as it can cause the cheese to separate and the sauce to become grainy.
Creamy Chicken Alfredo: A Comfort Food Classic
This Easy Chicken Alfredo with Pasta brings comfort and satisfaction to your dinner table with its rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken. The combination of flavors is sure to please everyone, from kids to adults, making it a perfect choice for family meals. The dish is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the seasoning to your taste. Serve it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color and a touch of freshness, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Why This Chicken Alfredo is Perfect for Any Night
This Chicken Alfredo is the ultimate go-to recipe when you need something quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. The creamy sauce comes together in just minutes, and with the addition of juicy chicken and your favorite pasta, it becomes a hearty meal that everyone will love. It's a dish that's elegant enough for special occasions yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner. Whether you're cooking for yourself or feeding a family, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti. Just be sure to cook it al dente.
How can I make the Alfredo sauce lighter?
To make a lighter version of the sauce, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or use a light cream instead.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli would be a great addition to this Chicken Alfredo.
How do I reheat the leftovers?
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to help restore the sauce's consistency.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
While it's best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken in advance, then combine everything just before serving.
Summary
This Easy Chicken Alfredo with Pasta recipe is a simple yet satisfying meal that combines the richness of a homemade Alfredo sauce with tender chicken and your favorite pasta. It's a quick dish to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you want a comforting meal without too much effort. The sauce, made from heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of nutmeg, is creamy and flavorful, perfectly complementing the juicy chicken pieces. Garnish with fresh parsley to add a burst of color and freshness. Whether you're cooking for yourself or a family, this Chicken Alfredo is sure to be a hit.