Creamy Chicken Alfredo Made Easy with Jar Sauce
This recipe delivers a restaurant-quality Chicken Alfredo using jarred Alfredo sauce, saving you time and effort without sacrificing flavor. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 ounce) jar Alfredo sauce (choose your favorite brand!)
- 1 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the jarred Alfredo sauce and heavy cream (if using). Stir well to combine and heat through. This step allows the sauce to warm up nicely and the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken evenly in the creamy Alfredo sauce.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
While the sauce simmers, cook the fettuccine pasta according to package directions. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the chicken and sauce.
Step 6: Toss and Serve
Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the Alfredo sauce. Stir in the Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
Tips and Variations for a Delicious Chicken Alfredo:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick.
- Add some veggies: Incorporate sauteed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Make it richer: Use a combination of heavy cream and milk for a lighter, yet still creamy, sauce.
- Boost the flavor: Add a tablespoon of lemon juice at the end for a touch of brightness.
- Cheese please: Experiment with different cheeses like Asiago or Romano for a unique flavor profile.
- Grill the chicken: For a smoky flavor, grill the chicken before adding it to the sauce.
Why This Recipe is a Winner:
This easy Chicken Alfredo recipe utilizes readily available ingredients and requires minimal cooking skills. The use of jarred Alfredo sauce drastically cuts down on prep time, making it ideal for busy weeknights. However, don't let the simplicity fool you – this dish is packed with rich flavor and satisfying creamy texture. Enjoy!
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