Creamy Dreamy Alfredo Chicken: A Simple Recipe for Comfort Food
This recipe will guide you through making a delicious and creamy Alfredo chicken dish, perfect for a cozy night in or a casual dinner party. We'll focus on making it both incredibly flavorful and easy to prepare, even for beginner cooks.
What You'll Need:
This Alfredo chicken recipe utilizes simple, readily available ingredients. You'll need:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
- 1 lb pasta: Fettuccine, linguine, or even spaghetti work well. Choose your favorite!
- 4 tbsp butter: Unsalted butter is recommended for better flavor control.
- 4 cloves garlic: Minced for a pungent aroma and flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This is key for that rich and creamy Alfredo sauce.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best, but pre-grated works in a pinch.
- 1/4 cup grated Romano cheese (optional): Adds a sharp, salty counterpoint to the Parmesan.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: For a pop of color and freshness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don't forget to season!
- Olive oil: For sautéing the chicken.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these steps to create your perfect Alfredo chicken dish:
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Sauté the Chicken:
- While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Alfredo Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and stir in the Parmesan and Romano cheese (if using), until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine and Serve:
- Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and toss to coat in the Alfredo sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and gently toss to combine. Stir in the fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley, if desired.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
- Add vegetables: Broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms would be delicious additions. Sauté them with the chicken or add them to the sauce at the end.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve with a side salad or crusty bread for dipping in the extra sauce.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This Alfredo chicken recipe is a surefire way to impress your family and friends. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta create a dish that is both satisfying and delicious. Enjoy!
