Name: Creamy Chicken Alfredo with Parmesan Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed; 8 oz. fettuccine or linguine pasta; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper; 1/4 tsp. salt (or to taste)

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Pasta lovers, prepare to be enchanted! This Pasta with Chicken Alfredo and Parmesan Cheese recipe is the ultimate comfort food that’s sure to delight your taste buds. Imagine a creamy, indulgent sauce enveloping perfectly cooked pasta and tender chicken, all topped with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It’s a dish that’s both satisfying and irresistible.

💖 The Magic Behind This Dish

What sets this Pasta with Chicken Alfredo and Parmesan Cheese recipe apart is the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. The velvety Alfredo sauce, made with heavy cream, butter, and Parmesan, provides a rich and luxurious backdrop for the juicy chicken. The pasta, cooked al dente, adds a delightful chewiness that contrasts with the creamy sauce. And the crowning touch? The sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, which adds a savory, nutty essence that ties the whole dish together.

Ingredients

1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
8 oz. fettuccine or linguine pasta
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
1/4 tsp. salt (or to taste)

The beauty of this Pasta with Chicken Alfredo and Parmesan Cheese recipe is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of juicy chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and nutty Parmesan creates a truly delightful and comforting flavor profile.

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic, black pepper, and salt. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the noodles evenly with the Alfredo sauce.
Step 5: Serve the Pasta with Chicken Alfredo and Parmesan Cheese warm, with additional Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.

Timing Overview

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes

Compared to traditional Chicken Alfredo dishes which can take up to 45 minutes to prepare, this Pasta with Chicken Alfredo and Parmesan Cheese recipe saves you 45% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 633
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 43g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 594mg

These Pasta with Chicken Alfredo and Parmesan Cheese provide approximately 76% of your daily protein requirements and 19% of your daily carbohydrate needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.

🥬 Make It Even Healthier

• Reduced-fat option: Use low-fat or reduced-fat cream cheese instead of heavy cream, and opt for a lower-fat Parmesan cheese blend.
• Lower-carb version: Substitute zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles for the pasta to reduce carbohydrates.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Use a dairy-free cream cheese or cashew cream in place of the heavy cream, and choose a vegan Parmesan cheese alternative.
• Added protein: Toss in some cooked and shredded chicken breasts or thighs for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Add sautéed spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms to the dish for added nutrition and fiber.

These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Pasta with Chicken Alfredo and Parmesan Cheese.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Pair with a crisp white wine or a light and fruity rosé for a perfect pairing.
• Complement the dish with a side of roasted asparagus or a Caesar salad for a well-rounded dinner.

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the pasta: Be sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to soften in the creamy sauce. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and unappealing.
• Using low-quality Parmesan: Splurge on a good-quality Parmesan cheese, as it will provide a much richer and more authentic flavor to the Alfredo sauce.
• Letting the sauce boil: Keep the heat low when making the sauce to prevent the cream from curdling or the cheese from becoming stringy.

🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe

These Pasta with Chicken Alfredo and Parmesan Cheese retain their quality remarkably well:

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the dish up to the point of baking, then cover and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as usual.
• Freezing baked: Allow the dish to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a 350°F oven until heated through.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook.

❓ FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This Pasta with Chicken Alfredo and Parmesan Cheese is a great make-ahead dish. You can prepare the entire recipe up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, simply thaw (if frozen) and bake as directed.

Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Yes, you can easily swap out the chicken for other proteins, such as shrimp, sliced steak, or even tofu or plant-based meat alternatives. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed for the different protein you choose.

Is there a way to make this recipe more keto-friendly?

To make this dish more keto-friendly, you can substitute the pasta with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles, and use a low-carb Parmesan cheese blend. You can also reduce the amount of heavy cream and use a higher ratio of cream cheese or a dairy-free cream substitute.

What if the Alfredo sauce becomes too thick?

If your Alfredo sauce becomes too thick, simply add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water or a bit more heavy cream to thin it out. Stir the sauce continuously over low heat until it reaches your desired consistency.

Can I add any extra vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! This Pasta with Chicken Alfredo and Parmesan Cheese is highly versatile. You can easily add sautéed spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to the dish for extra nutrition and flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed for the vegetables you choose.

🎉 Final Thoughts

These Pasta with Chicken Alfredo and Parmesan Cheese represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a comforting family dinner or an elegant dinner party dish, they’re sure to impress with their creamy texture and rich, indulgent flavors. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these Pasta with Chicken Alfredo and Parmesan Cheese demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the cooking process. So go ahead, indulge in this delectable dish, and let your taste buds be transported to a world of creamy, cheesy bliss!