Chicken Alfredo pasta is a classic Italian-American dish that combines pasta, chicken, and a creamy Alfredo sauce made with butter, garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. It’s a rich and indulgent meal that’s perfect for a special occasion or a comforting weeknight dinner.
To make Chicken Alfredo pasta, you will need the following ingredients:
- 8 ounces pasta (such as fettuccine or penne)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups cooked, diced chicken
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cooked pasta and diced chicken to the saucepan and toss to coat with the sauce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
This recipe makes enough for four servings, so you can enjoy it with your family or save leftovers for lunch the next day.
There are many variations of Chicken Alfredo pasta, so feel free to get creative and add your own twist to the recipe. For example, you can use a different type of pasta, such as spaghetti or linguine, or add some vegetables, such as broccoli or bell peppers, to the dish. You can also switch up the protein by using shrimp or tofu instead of chicken. Whatever you choose, this creamy and delicious Chicken Alfredo pasta is sure to be a hit!
Chicken alfredo pasta tips
Alfredo pasta is a creamy, indulgent dish that combines pasta, a rich and buttery Alfredo sauce, and your choice of protein (such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu). Here are some tips to help you make the perfect Alfredo pasta:
- Choose the right pasta: The type of pasta you use can greatly affect the final outcome of your Alfredo pasta. Long, flat noodles like fettuccine or linguine work best, as they can hold onto the sauce better. Short, sturdy noodles like penne or rigatoni are also a good choice.
- Cook the pasta properly: It’s important to cook the pasta according to the package instructions, making sure not to overcook or undercook it. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and fall apart, while undercooked pasta will be too firm and not absorb the sauce properly.
- Make the sauce: Alfredo sauce is made with butter, garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. To make the sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan, add minced garlic, and cook for a minute until fragrant. Then, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Add the protein: Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce is made, it’s time to add your protein of choice. If you’re using chicken, make sure it’s cooked and diced into bite-sized pieces. Shrimp can be added directly to the saucepan and cooked until pink. Tofu can be pan-fried or baked until crispy, then added to the saucepan.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish your Alfredo pasta with some chopped parsley or fresh basil for added flavor and a pop of color. Serve the pasta hot and enjoy!
With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to making the perfect Alfredo pasta. Happy cooking!
What to eat with chicken alfredo pasta?
Alfredo pasta is a rich and creamy dish that pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas for what to eat with Alfredo pasta:
- Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing goes well with Alfredo pasta. You can also add some diced tomatoes, cucumbers, or other vegetables for added crunch and flavor.
- Garlic bread: Garlic bread is a classic side dish for Alfredo pasta, as the buttery, garlicky flavors complement the creamy sauce perfectly. You can make your own garlic bread by spreading butter and minced garlic on slices of bread and toasting them in the oven.
- Roasted vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers, provide a crunchy and healthy contrast to the creamy Alfredo pasta. Simply toss the vegetables in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven until they are tender and slightly caramelized.
- Sauteed spinach: Sauteed spinach is a quick and easy side dish that goes well with Alfredo pasta. Simply saute some spinach in a pan with a little bit of olive oil and garlic until it’s wilted and tender.
- Garlic roasted potatoes: Garlic roasted potatoes are another flavorful and hearty side dish that pairs well with Alfredo pasta. Simply toss some diced potatoes in olive oil, minced garlic, and salt, and roast them in the oven until they are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
With these side dish ideas, you’ll have plenty of options for what to eat with Alfredo pasta. Enjoy!