Easy Chicken Alfredo

Easy Chicken Alfredo Recipe - Authentic Italian Flavor in Minutes

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken Alfredo is a classic Italian-American dish that combines creamy Alfredo sauce with tender chicken and pasta. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight meal.

History

Alfredo sauce was created in Rome by Alfredo di Lelio in the early 20th century. The original recipe consisted of butter, Parmesan cheese, and pasta water. Over time, variations of the sauce were created, including the addition of cream and other ingredients like garlic and onion.

Ingredients

8 oz (227 g) of dry fettuccini
1 cup of milk
2 tbsp of all-purpose flour
1 cup of cottage cheese
0.5 tsp of garlic powder
3 tsp of minced onion
1 tsp of salt
1 tsp of freshly ground black pepper
0.5 cup of grated parmesan cheese
2 cups of diced cooked chicken breast

How to prepare

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta for 10 minutes, then set it aside.
In a food processor, combine the milk, flour, cottage cheese, garlic powder, onion, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Blend until smooth.
Transfer the blended mixture to a saucepan and place it over medium heat.
Mix in the chicken and cook until heated through.
Serve the sauce hot over the cooked pasta.

Variations

Use shrimp or mushrooms instead of chicken for a different twist.
Add in some sun-dried tomatoes or spinach for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the pasta until it is al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce.

- For a richer sauce, you can use heavy cream instead of milk.

- Feel free to add in extra vegetables like broccoli or peas for added nutrition and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Easy Chicken Alfredo with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to blend the sauce until smooth for a creamy texture.

- Cook the chicken until it is no longer pink in the center.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any type of pasta in place of fettuccini.

- Ricotta cheese can be used instead of cottage cheese.

Make Ahead Tips

You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just reheat it on the stove before serving.

Presentation Ideas

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

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Easy Chicken Alfredo contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this Easy Chicken Alfredo contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this Easy Chicken Alfredo contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of this Easy Chicken Alfredo contains approximately 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (milk, cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese) and wheat (fettuccini).

Summary

This Easy Chicken Alfredo is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

This Easy Chicken Alfredo is a simple and delicious meal that is perfect for any night of the week. With a creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, it is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was a chilly autumn day, and I had just finished browsing through a stack of old cookbooks at a yard sale. As I was about to leave, a faded, tattered recipe card caught my eye. It simply read "Easy Chicken Alfredo." Intrigued, I purchased the card along with a few other treasures and hurried home to try it out.

That evening, I gathered the ingredients listed on the card: chicken breasts, fettuccine pasta, heavy cream, butter, garlic, parmesan cheese, and a pinch of nutmeg. As I cooked, the scent of garlic and butter filled the air, bringing back memories of my own grandmother's kitchen. I could almost hear her voice guiding me through the recipe, even though she had passed away many years ago.

The dish came together easily, just as the recipe promised. The creamy alfredo sauce coated the tender chicken and pasta, creating a decadent, comforting meal that was perfect for a cozy night in. I savored each bite, feeling a sense of pride and nostalgia wash over me.

As I sat at the table, savoring my creation, I couldn't help but think about all the recipes I had collected over the years. Each one held a special story or memory, whether it was a family recipe passed down through generations or a new discovery that sparked my culinary curiosity.

This recipe for Easy Chicken Alfredo quickly became a favorite in my repertoire. It was simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough for entertaining guests. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and even for myself on those nights when I needed a comforting meal to soothe my soul.

Over time, I added my own twist to the recipe, experimenting with different herbs and spices to make it my own. I shared it with friends and loved ones, passing on the joy and comfort that a homemade meal can bring.

As the years passed, the Easy Chicken Alfredo recipe became a staple in my kitchen, a constant reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories. It became a symbol of my love for cooking and sharing that love with others.

Now, as I sit here writing this story, I can't help but feel grateful for the simple pleasures of life - a warm kitchen, a delicious meal, and the memories that come with them. And as I look back on that chilly autumn day when I first discovered the recipe for Easy Chicken Alfredo, I realize that sometimes the best recipes are the ones that find us when we least expect it.