There’s something undeniably comforting about a plate of Creamy Chicken Alfredo. It’s one of those meals that brings everyone to the table, eagerly anticipating that first delicious bite. I remember the first time I made this dish for my family—everyone was quiet as they savored every mouthful, the ultimate compliment to any home cook. Since then, it has become a beloved staple in our dinner rotation, perfect for those evenings when we all need a little extra comfort.
Why You’ll Love This Pasta Dish
- Rich and Creamy: The luxurious sauce coats the pasta perfectly, creating a silky texture that’s pure indulgence. The blend of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese results in a luscious sauce that clings to each strand of pasta, ensuring that every bite is as flavorful as the last. The creaminess is balanced with the subtle sharpness of Parmesan, which adds depth to the overall flavor profile.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this dish. It’s a great way to introduce little ones to new flavors like fresh basil. Even the pickiest eaters will appreciate the familiar, comforting flavors of creamy sauce and tender chicken. Plus, it’s a dish that can easily adapt to a family’s specific tastes, making it a versatile favorite.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. The efficiency of this dish makes it a go-to recipe for when you crave something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. This quick preparation means you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying dinner with your loved ones.
- Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or switch up the protein for a new twist every time. Consider adding mushrooms, spinach, or even sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrients. Substitute shrimp or tofu for the chicken to cater to different dietary needs. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to tailor the dish to whatever ingredients you have on hand.
- Impressive Yet Simple: With minimal ingredients, you’ll look like a pro chef without breaking a sweat. The simplicity of preparation does not compromise the sophistication of the dish, making it perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet dinner at home. Its elegant presentation and robust flavors make it an ideal choice for a dinner party or a simple family meal.
The Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 650 per serving
Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta: The flat shape of fettuccine makes it perfect for holding the creamy Alfredo sauce, ensuring that every bite is flavorful. It’s a classic choice for Alfredo dishes due to its sturdy texture that holds up well under the rich sauce.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This healthy fat is used to cook the chicken, offering a subtle, fruity flavor and helping to keep the chicken moist. Olive oil is also a staple in Italian cooking, adding authenticity to the dish.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced: Lean and protein-rich, chicken breasts provide a hearty base for the dish. They are quick to cook and absorb the flavors of the sauce beautifully, making them a versatile protein choice.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the dish with a pungent yet sweet aroma, essential in creating depth of flavor. Its aromatic qualities are enhanced as it cooks, providing a foundational flavor that complements the creaminess of the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This is the heart of the Alfredo sauce, providing a rich and smooth texture. It contributes to the dish’s luxurious mouthfeel, making every bite satisfying.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a salty, nutty flavor that enhances the sauce. For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan for maximum meltability and flavor. Freshly grated cheese melts more evenly and incorporates seamlessly into the sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste: These seasonings bring out the flavors of the other ingredients, allowing the dish to taste balanced. Adjusting these simple seasonings can make a big difference in highlighting the natural flavors of the dish.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of color, enhancing both the flavor and presentation of the dish. Basil’s aromatic freshness provides a bright contrast to the rich sauce.
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook fettuccine according to package instructions; drain well. Be sure to reserve a cup of pasta water before draining, as it can be used to adjust the sauce consistency later. The starchiness of the pasta water helps bind the sauce to the pasta, enhancing the dish’s creaminess.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Add to the skillet and cook until golden, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside. This step ensures the chicken is juicy and flavorful, providing a savory complement to the rich sauce. Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking helps retain its juices, making it more tender.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add more cream as needed until desired consistency is reached. You can also add a splash of reserved pasta water to achieve a creamy, smooth sauce. This step ensures that the sauce is rich enough to coat the pasta without being overly heavy.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet and toss to combine. Stir in basil and season with salt and pepper to taste. This step ensures that every component of the dish is well-coated in the luxurious sauce. Tossing the ingredients together allows the flavors to meld, creating a harmonious dish.
- Serve: Garnish with additional Parmesan and basil, if desired. The finishing touches of Parmesan and basil not only enhance the flavor but also elevate the visual appeal of the dish. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper adds a final touch of flavor sophistication.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot: Essential for cooking the pasta evenly and efficiently. A large pot ensures that the pasta has enough space to cook without sticking together.
- Large skillet: Used to cook the chicken and make the sauce, ensuring that all the flavors meld together perfectly. A skillet with high sides is ideal for tossing the pasta and sauce together.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for slicing the chicken and chopping the basil. A sturdy cutting board makes prep work easier and safer.
- Knife: For precise cutting of chicken and herbs, ensuring uniformity in cooking. A sharp knife makes slicing chicken and herbs quick and efficient.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors in the sauce. Precise measurements ensure consistency in the dish’s flavor profile.
- Tongs or pasta spoon: Useful for tossing the pasta with the sauce and chicken, ensuring even distribution of ingredients. These tools help incorporate the sauce into the pasta without breaking the strands.
The Benefits of Each Ingredient
- Fettuccine Pasta: Its flat shape is ideal for holding onto the rich Alfredo sauce, ensuring that each bite is coated in creamy deliciousness. The texture of fettuccine complements the velvety sauce, making it a classic choice for this dish.
- Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that’s quick to cook and keeps the dish filling. Chicken is a versatile ingredient that absorbs the flavors of the sauce beautifully. Its mild flavor allows the other ingredients to shine.
- Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic flavor that’s essential in Italian cooking. Garlic’s pungency mellows when cooked, infusing the dish with warmth. Its presence is subtle yet essential in building the sauce’s complexity.
- Heavy Cream: Provides the creamy base that makes Alfredo sauce so irresistible. It adds a luxurious texture to the sauce, making it rich and smooth. The cream’s richness is the cornerstone of the dish’s comforting quality.
- Parmesan Cheese: Offers a salty, nutty flavor that enhances the sauce. Parmesan is a hard cheese that melts beautifully, creating a cohesive, flavorful sauce. Its umami qualities enrich the overall taste of the dish.
- Fresh Basil: Brings a pop of color and fresh, herbaceous notes that brighten the dish. Basil’s aromatic qualities add a fresh contrast to the rich sauce. Its presence lifts the dish, adding a layer of freshness.
What to Serve With This Pasta Dish
Pair this Creamy Chicken Alfredo with a crisp green salad topped with a simple vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables. A side of garlic bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce on your plate. For a refreshing drink, try a chilled glass of white wine like a Pinot Grigio or a light lemonade for the non-wine drinkers. These accompaniments complement the richness of the Alfredo, creating a balanced and satisfying meal. Additionally, a side of steamed asparagus or sautéed green beans can add a nutritious and colorful element to your meal.
Storage & Leftover Tips
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to help revive the sauce. Stirring occasionally will help the sauce re-emulsify, maintaining its creamy texture. Unfortunately, this dish doesn’t freeze well due to the cream sauce, but it’s so delicious that it’s unlikely you’ll have much left to store! If you do find yourself with leftovers, consider transforming them into a new meal by tossing in some fresh veggies or serving over a bed of greens. Another idea is to use the leftover pasta as a filling for a creamy chicken Alfredo bake, topped with breadcrumbs and baked until golden.
Cooking at home brings a special kind of joy, and this Creamy Chicken Alfredo is a testament to that. It’s a dish that brings warmth, comfort, and a sense of togetherness to any table. I hope your family enjoys it as much as mine does. Happy cooking!
Chef John’s Classic Macaroni Salad
This deli-style macaroni salad will always be a crowd-pleaser, whether it’s sitting next to some smoky ribs or just a humble hot dog.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Whisk mayonnaise, vinegar, Dijon, salt, black pepper, and cayenne together in a bowl until well blended. Whisk in sugar, then stir in celery, bell pepper, carrot, green onions, jalapeño pepper, and poblano pepper. Cover and refrigerate until macaroni is ready.
- Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender but firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain but do not rinse.
- Let macaroni drain in a colander for about 5 minutes, shaking out the moisture from time to time. Pour macaroni into a large bowl; toss to separate and let cool to room temperature, 10 to 15 minutes. Macaroni should be sticky.
- Pour dressing over macaroni and stir until evenly distributed. Cover and refrigerate until macaroni absorbs the dressing, at least 4 hours or overnight if possible.
- Stir salad before serving. Mix water and remaining mayonnaise into salad for a fresher look.
Nutrition
Calories: 295kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 5gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 508mgPotassium: 170mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin C: 17mgCalcium: 19mgIron: 2mg
Notes
Top with sliced green onions if desired. This salad is perfect for picnics or barbecues and can be made ahead of time.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!