Creamy Chicken Alfredo Brief Backstory
Creamy chicken Alfredo is a beloved Italian-American dish that has become a staple in many households and restaurants. It is believed to have originated in the United States rather than Italy and has since gained popularity worldwide for its creamy, comforting flavors. Traditionally made with fettuccine pasta, baked or sautéed chicken, and a rich Alfredo sauce made from butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese, this dish is a favorite for family dinners and special occasions.
Creamy Chicken Alfredo
This creamy Chicken Alfredo recipe is more than just a dish, it's a warm hug on a plate. Follow our step-by-step instructions to create this indulgent dish.
Ingredients
- 8 oz 225g Fettuccine pasta about a half packet
- 2 Chicken breasts. boneless, skinless
- 5-6 Swiss brown mushrooms optional
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 tbsp Unsalted butter
- 2 cloves Garlic minced or crushed garlic for convenience
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- Salt and pepper, to taste.
- Freshly chopped parsley or thyme optional
Instructions
- 1. Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water, add the fettuccine pasta, and cook until al dente. Drain the pasta, saving some of the cooking water, and set aside. Toss the pasta in olive oil to stop it from clumping and sticking together.2. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.3. Make the Alfredo Sauce: Melt the butter over medium heat in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.4. Add the Cheese: Once the cream is simmering, gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring constantly, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with some reserved pasta cooking water.5. Mushrooms: If you're using mushrooms, add the sliced mushrooms now.6. Slice the Chicken: Slice the cooked chicken breasts into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.7. Combine the Sauce and Pasta: Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce, tossing until the pasta is evenly coated. Add the sliced chicken to the skillet and gently toss to combine, ensuring the chicken is heated.8. Serve: Divide the Chicken Alfredo among serving plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
CREATIVE TWISTS AND MODERN ADAPTATIONS Add Vegetables: For extra flavor and nutrition, incorporate sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes into the sauce. Explore Protein Variations: Don’t limit yourself to chicken. This recipe is versatile enough to accommodate shrimp, grilled steak strips, or crispy bacon. So, feel free to swap and experiment! Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicy kick. Try Different Pasta Shapes: For a unique twist on chicken Alfredo, experiment with pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or even farfalle. Use Lighter Ingredients: For a healthier version, consider substituting half cream and half whole milk for the heavy cream. Use less butter and cheese, or substitute olive oil. This way, you can enjoy a guilt-free Chicken Alfredo.
