This dish comes from the city’s heart, conceived by Alfredo di Lelio in the 20th century. Di Lelio made the Chicken Alfredo Recipe to appease his wife’s palate during her pregnancy. He quickly made it part of his local restaurant. The original recipe, a simple mix of butter and cheese called “Fettuccine Al Burro,” changed when it crossed the Atlantic. American diners craved a richer version. The heavy cream in today’s soup has become a defining ingredient.
International cuisine has long loved its creamy taste. Restaurants and home kitchens love its buttery, creamy texture and delicious, nutty flavor. The harmony of tender poultry strips draped in a luxuriously soft topping and served over a bed of perfectly cooked pasta exemplifies comfort food. This delicious Chicken Alfredo Recipe honors the simple Roman dish. It has become an icon for both foodies and casual diners.
How to Make the Best Chicken Alfredo Recipe: Creamy and Delicious
Key Ingredients for a Delicious Chicken Alfredo Recipe
The key ingredients for our Chicken Alfredo Recipe include fresh chicken breasts, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and a selection of herbs and spices to enhance the flavor. Chosen for their ability to meld into a creamy, rich sauce and tender, flavorful chicken, these components are foundational to creating an authentic and satisfying Alfredo dish.
Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Seasoning: ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 TBSP olive oil for cooking
Alfredo Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 TBSP unsalted butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
- Salt and white pepper to taste
Pasta:
- 8 ounces of fettuccine
- Water and salt for boiling
Optional Ingredients:
- Gluten-free spaghetti for a gluten-free version
- Low-fat dairy alternatives for a lower-fat version
- Add vegetables like broccoli for a vegetarian option
- Red pepper flakes for extra spice
Be sure to prepare and measure all your ingredients before cooking, as the process can move quickly once the macaroni is boiled. Adjust the quantities as needed for more or fewer servings, and don’t hesitate to get creative with the optional additions to suit your palate!
Step-Step Cooking Instructions for Chicken Alfredo Recipe Preparation:
The instructions for our recipes are carefully crafted to guide both novice and experienced cooks through a seamless cooking process. They are detailed and clear, ensuring that every step is easy to follow and results in a dish that meets high culinary standards.
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until golden and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Set aside and slice.
Make the Alfredo Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add heavy cream, bring to a boil, and let it thicken slightly.
- Gradually whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until smooth. Season with nutmeg, salt, and white pepper.
Cook the Pasta:
- In a large pot, boil water with salt. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions until done
- Drain, reserving a cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency.
Combine and Serve:
- Toss the cooked pasta with Alfredo sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve an ideal sauce consistency.
- Add the sliced chicken and mix well.
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley or extra Parmesan if desired.
Cooking Tips and Tricks for Chicken Alfredo Recipe:
- Avoid rinsing spaghetti to maintain the taste hold.
- Maintain a medium-low temperature when making the slaw to prevent separation.
- Cook it to an internal temperature of 165°F and let it rest before slicing for juiciness.
- Salt the water for flavor; it should taste like seawater.
- Warm cream gently and add Parmesan in increments, stirring for the correct consistency.
- Use some water to adjust the thickness and consistency if needed.
- Pound breasts for even cooking and infuse cooking oil with aromatics for flavor enhancement.
Nutritional Information for Classic Italian Pasta (Per Serving):
The nutritional information provided with each recipe offers a comprehensive breakdown of calories, protein, fat, and other key nutrients. This data ensures that readers can make informed dietary choices.
- Calories: 800-900 per serving
- Protein: 35-40 grams
- Fat: 45-55 grams, including 25-30 grams saturated fat
- Carbohydrates: 70-80 grams
- Fiber: 3-4 grams
- Sugars: 3-5 grams
- Cholesterol: 150-170 mg
- Sodium: 700-900 mg
These values are based on a single serving and can vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.