Creamy Chicken Alfredo

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Recipe - Italian Cuisine

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Creamy Chicken Alfredo is a classic Italian-American dish that combines tender chicken with a rich and creamy Alfredo sauce. This indulgent dish is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.

History

The origins of Chicken Alfredo are a bit murky, but it is believed to have been created in the early 20th century by Alfredo di Lelio, an Italian chef in Rome. The dish was originally made with fettuccine noodles, butter, and Parmesan cheese, but over time, variations with chicken and other ingredients have become popular.

Ingredients

0.25 cup flour
6 boneless chicken breast halves
0.5 tsp salt
2 tbsp + 1 tsp olive oil, divided
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp minced onion
1.5 cups whipping cream
0.33 cup parmesan cheese
0.5 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp parsley

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
Place the flour in a shallow baking dish or pie plate.
Sprinkle the chicken with salt and coat it with flour.
Heat 2 tsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
Add the chicken and cook, turning once, until golden, for 2 – 4 minutes per side.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it in a 9x13 baking dish.
Heat the remaining olive oil in the same skillet over medium heat until hot.
Add the garlic and onion and cook until the garlic and onion are tender, for 1 – 2 minutes.
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the whipping cream, Parmesan, and pepper.
Cook until the sauce is bubbly and slightly thickened, for 2 – 3 minutes.
Spoon the sauce over the chicken in the dish.
Bake the chicken until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center of the chicken registers 180°F, for 8 – 12 minutes.
Sprinkle with parsley.

Variations

Add cooked bacon or mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor.
Use shrimp or salmon instead of chicken for a seafood twist.
Substitute zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lower-carb option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to coat the chicken in flour before cooking to help create a crispy exterior.

- Use a high-quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor in the sauce.

- Don't overcook the chicken in the skillet, as it will continue to cook in the oven.

- Be sure to let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Creamy Chicken Alfredo with a side of garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 180°F to ensure it is fully cooked.

- Use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of the chicken.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use half-and-half or milk instead of whipping cream for a lighter sauce.

- Use any type of hard cheese, such as Romano or Asiago, in place of Parmesan.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time and assemble the dish just before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Creamy Chicken Alfredo with fresh parsley or additional Parmesan cheese for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Creamy Chicken Alfredo with a crisp white wine, such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Creamy Chicken Alfredo contains approximately 500 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Creamy Chicken Alfredo contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Creamy Chicken Alfredo contains approximately 35 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Creamy Chicken Alfredo contains approximately 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Creamy Chicken Alfredo is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

Alergens

Creamy Chicken Alfredo contains dairy (cream and Parmesan cheese) and wheat (flour).

Summary

Creamy Chicken Alfredo is a rich and indulgent dish that is high in protein and fat, making it a satisfying meal.

Summary

Creamy Chicken Alfredo is a decadent and delicious dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in. With a rich and creamy sauce and tender chicken, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Creamy Chicken Alfredo. It was a warm summer day, and I was organizing my collection of cookbooks in the kitchen when I stumbled upon an old, tattered notebook tucked away in the back of the shelf. As I flipped through the pages, my eyes landed on a handwritten recipe for Creamy Chicken Alfredo. The ingredients and instructions were simple, yet the dish sounded like a gourmet meal fit for a king.

I had always been a curious cook, eager to try new recipes and experiment with different flavors. So, without hesitation, I decided to give this recipe a try. I gathered all the necessary ingredients - chicken breasts, fettuccine pasta, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and butter - and set to work in the kitchen.

As I sautéed the chicken in butter and garlic, the aroma wafted through the air, making my mouth water in anticipation. I cooked the pasta until it was al dente and then combined it with the creamy Alfredo sauce, made from a decadent mixture of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. The dish came together beautifully, with the chicken perfectly cooked and the sauce velvety smooth.

When I took my first bite, I was transported to a place of culinary bliss. The flavors were rich and indulgent, the chicken tender and flavorful. I knew right then and there that this recipe was a keeper, one that I would make again and again for my family and friends.

But where did this recipe come from? I wondered as I savored each delicious bite. Who had passed down this culinary gem to me, and what was the story behind it? I decided to do some digging and see if I could uncover the origins of this delectable dish.

I reached out to my sister, who was always the family historian, and asked her if she had any information about the Creamy Chicken Alfredo recipe. To my surprise, she told me that it had been passed down from our great-grandmother, who had learned it from a friend many years ago.

According to my sister, our great-grandmother had been an avid cook, always eager to try new recipes and techniques. She had a talent for creating delicious meals out of simple ingredients, and her Creamy Chicken Alfredo was one of her most famous dishes.

I was fascinated by this new information and felt a deep connection to my great-grandmother, whom I had never met but who now seemed to be guiding me from beyond the grave. I vowed to honor her memory by perfecting the recipe and sharing it with others, just as she had done.

In the following weeks, I made the Creamy Chicken Alfredo countless times, tweaking the ingredients and methods until I had perfected it to my liking. I shared the recipe with my friends and family, who all raved about it and begged for more.

As time went on, the recipe became a staple in my kitchen, a go-to dish for special occasions and weeknight dinners alike. It brought me joy to prepare it, knowing that I was carrying on a family tradition and honoring the memory of my great-grandmother.

And so, the story of the Creamy Chicken Alfredo recipe became a cherished part of my culinary repertoire, a reminder of the power of food to connect us to our past and bring us together in the present. I may never know the full story behind the recipe, but I do know that it will always hold a special place in my heart and on my dinner table.