Chicken Alfredo is a classic Italian dish that has become a favorite for many people all over the world. Creamy, tender and flavorful, it’s no wonder it has become such a popular dish. But did you know that you can easily learn how to cook Chicken Alfredo at home? With just a few simple ingredients and some basic instructions, you can whip up a tasty batch of Chicken Alfredo in no time. In this article, we will guide you through the recipe and give you some tips and tricks to help you create a delicious meal that is sure to impress.
Gather Your Ingredients
The first step in cooking Chicken Alfredo is to gather all of your ingredients. Here’s what you will need:
- 1 pound of chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces.
- 1 pound of fettuccine pasta
- 2 cups of heavy cream
- 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley
Prepare Your Chicken
Season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides. In a large non-stick frying pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken to the pan and cook until it is lightly browned on both sides and fully cooked through, around 8 to 10 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Cook Your Pasta
Fill a large pot with water, add salt and bring it to a boil. Add your fettuccine and cook for around 12 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Make the Alfredo Sauce
In the same pan in which you cooked the chicken, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook it until it becomes fragrant, for around 30 seconds. Then pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook it for around 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the parmesan cheese and continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted.
Combine the Components
Add the cooked chicken to the Alfredo sauce and mix it well. Let the mixture simmer for another 5 minutes so the flavors can blend together. Then add the cooked fettuccine to the pan and toss it together with the sauce until everything is evenly combined. Continue cooking the mixture for another few minutes until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
Garnish and Serve
Chop some fresh parsley and sprinkle it over the top of your Chicken Alfredo. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks
- If your Alfredo sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a bit of milk or chicken broth
- Season your pasta water with salt to give the fettuccine some flavor
- Add some red pepper flakes to give the dish a little bit of heat.
- If you want to add some vegetables, try spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli. Simply add them to the sauce before you add your cooked chicken and fettuccine
- Cook the chicken in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and promote an evenly cooked batch.
FAQS
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute fettuccine with any other type of pasta. Linguine and spaghetti both work well. You can even use penne or rigatoni as well.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
While it’s possible to use milk instead of cream, it will change the overall consistency and flavor of the sauce. You can use half-and-half instead of cream which will hold better than milk.
How can I prevent the chicken from becoming dry?
One of the best ways to keep your chicken moist is to not overcook it. Cook chicken at medium heat, flipping occasionally until it has a golden brown look on both sides.
How long does the Chicken Alfredo stay fresh?
You can keep Chicken Alfredo fresh if you store it properly in a sealed container in the fridge for three to four days. When reheating, add a spoonful or two of water or milk to the dish before you microwave the leftovers to keep the pasta from becoming tough.
Can I use pre-shredded parmesan cheese?
You can use pre-shredded parmesan cheese, but it may not melt as smoothly as freshly grated cheese. Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese gives better results.
By following these simple steps, you can quickly prepare a genuinely delicious Chicken Alfredo dish for yourself, family and friends, and have them impressed in no time!