Chicken Alfredo


 Cuisine: American  Type: Entree

Chicken Alfredo : Entree in American cuisine - Recipe, Calorie Info, Healthy alternatives & more on EatM3
 Representative image. Recipe yield may differ

 Amounts


 Ingredient
 Amount (g)
Chicken
2 breasts (454)
Fettuccine Pasta
8 ounces (227)
Butter
4 tablespoons (56)
Garlic
3 cloves (9)
Heavy Cream
1 cup (240)
Parmesan Cheese
1 cup (100)
Salt
1 teaspoon (5)
Black Pepper
1 teaspoon (5)
Parsley
2 tablespoons (8)
 Totals
39 oz (1,104 g)

 Calories 


 Ingredient
 Calories (kcal)
Chicken
165
Fettuccine Pasta
210
Alfredo Sauce
150
Parmesan Cheese
110
Butter
102
Garlic
4
Salt
0
Pepper
0
Parsley
1
 Totals
742 kcal

 Steps 


1. Start by cooking your chicken breasts. Season them with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add some olive oil. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Set aside to rest.
3. In the same skillet, melt some butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Gradually add grated Parmesan cheese to the cream mixture, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.
6. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and any additional herbs or spices you prefer, such as dried basil or parsley.
7. Slice the cooked chicken breasts into thin strips and add them to the sauce. Stir gently to coat the chicken with the Alfredo sauce.
8. Meanwhile, cook your choice of pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the chicken and sauce.
9. Toss the pasta and chicken in the sauce until everything is well-coated and heated through.
10. Serve the Chicken Alfredo hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy!

 Substitutions 


Substitutions/Alterations for Chicken Alfredo:

1. Chicken breast:
- Substitute with cooked shrimp, sliced steak, or tofu cubes.
- Adjust cooking time accordingly.

2. Fettuccine pasta:
- Substitute with linguine, spaghetti, or penne pasta.
- Follow cooking instructions on the package.

3. Heavy cream:
- Substitute with half-and-half or whole milk.
- Increase the amount of butter (around 1-2 tablespoons) for a richer taste.

4. Parmesan cheese:
- Substitute with a mix of equal parts grated Romano and Asiago cheese.
- Adjust the amount to taste.

5. Garlic:
- Substitute with garlic powder or granulated garlic.
- Use approximately 1/4 teaspoon for every clove of garlic.

6. Butter:
- Substitute with margarine or olive oil.
- Adjust the amount according to taste and desired richness.

7. Salt and pepper:
- Adjust the amount to taste.

Note: These substitutions are suggestions and may alter the taste and texture of the final dish. Adjustments in cooking time, seasoning, and quantities may be required based on personal preference.

 Pairings 


- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Grilled asparagus
- Roasted vegetables
- Crusty bread rolls
- Caprese salad
- Bruschetta
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Steamed broccoli
- Tomato and mozzarella salad
- Grilled shrimp
- Roasted garlic mushrooms
- Parmesan-crusted chicken
- Lemon herb roasted potatoes
- Spinach and artichoke dip
- Grilled zucchini
- Bacon-wrapped scallops
- Roasted red peppers
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Cucumber and tomato salad

 Upgrades 


1. Improve presentation:
- Garnish the dish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a pop of color.
- Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top for an elegant touch.
- Serve the Chicken Alfredo in a shallow pasta bowl, allowing the creamy sauce to be showcased.

2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Sauté some mushrooms separately and add them to the dish for an earthy and savory flavor.
- Incorporate roasted garlic into the Alfredo sauce for a rich and slightly sweet taste.
- Add a splash of white wine or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

3. Elevate with luxurious ingredients:
- Use high-quality, free-range chicken breast for a more tender and flavorful meat.
- Substitute regular pasta with fresh homemade pasta or gourmet flavored pasta like spinach or tomato-infused.
- Replace regular heavy cream with a combination of heavy cream and a touch of truffle oil for a luxurious and earthy aroma.

 Diet Restrictions 


- Replace regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for individuals with gluten intolerance or those who prefer a healthier option.
- Use low-fat or skim milk instead of heavy cream to reduce the overall fat content.
- Substitute butter with olive oil or a healthier cooking oil to decrease saturated fat.
- Opt for lean chicken breast instead of dark meat or skin-on chicken to reduce the amount of saturated fat and calories.
- Increase the proportion of vegetables in the dish by adding spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms for added nutrients and fiber.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth or homemade broth instead of store-bought sauces or bouillon cubes to reduce sodium intake.
- Flavor the dish with herbs and spices like garlic, oregano, or basil instead of excessive salt to lower sodium content.
- Consider adding a small amount of grated Parmesan cheese instead of using excessive amounts of cheese to control calorie and fat intake.
- Serve smaller portion sizes or pair the dish with a side salad or steamed vegetables to promote a balanced meal and control calorie intake.
- For individuals with lactose intolerance, consider using lactose-free milk or dairy-free alternatives like almond or soy milk.
- For individuals with dairy allergies or vegan preferences, substitute milk and cheese with plant-based alternatives like cashew or almond milk and vegan cheese options.

 Healthy Choices 


- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta instead of regular pasta to increase fiber content.
- Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breast instead of dark meat or chicken with skin to reduce saturated fat.
- Replace heavy cream with low-fat milk or a combination of milk and Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce.
- Add more vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms to increase nutrient density.
- Use olive oil or avocado oil instead of butter for a healthier fat option.
- Season with herbs and spices instead of excessive salt to enhance flavor without adding sodium.
- Consider using a smaller portion size or serving the dish with a side salad to control calorie intake.

 Shortcuts 


1. Use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken: Skip the time-consuming step of cooking and shredding chicken by using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken. This will save you both time and effort.

2. Opt for store-bought Alfredo sauce: Instead of making Alfredo sauce from scratch, choose a good quality store-bought version. This will significantly reduce preparation time while still providing a tasty result.

3. Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half: To economize on cost, replace heavy cream with half-and-half. It will still give a creamy texture to your sauce without breaking the bank.

4. Cook pasta in advance: Prepare the pasta ahead of time, drain it, and toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. When ready to serve, simply reheat the pasta by briefly dipping it in boiling water.

5. Add vegetables for bulk and flavor: Include sautéed or steamed vegetables like broccoli, mushrooms, or bell peppers to bulk up the dish and add extra flavor. This will make the meal more satisfying without significantly increasing the cost.

6. Use grated Parmesan cheese: Instead of buying expensive Parmesan cheese blocks, opt for pre-grated Parmesan. It offers convenience and saves you time on grating while still delivering the desired taste.

7. Incorporate herbs and spices: Enhance the flavor of your Chicken Alfredo by adding dried herbs and spices like garlic powder, dried basil, or Italian seasoning. This will elevate the taste without adding extra cost.

8. Prepare in larger batches: Make a larger quantity of Chicken Alfredo and store leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer for future meals. This allows you to save time and money by cooking once and enjoying multiple servings.

9. Serve with a side salad or bread: Accompany your Chicken Alfredo with a simple side salad or warm bread. This adds variety to the meal without requiring additional cooking time or expenses.

10. Plan your grocery shopping: Before preparing Chicken Alfredo, make a shopping list and check your pantry for any existing ingredients. This helps avoid unnecessary purchases and ensures you have everything you need, saving both time and money.