Pasta Chicken Alfredo

Pasta Chicken Alfredo: A simple and delicious recipe for your culinary indulgence

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2

Looking for a quick and tasty recipe? You've come to the right place! Pasta Chicken Alfredo is a classic dish that combines the rich flavor of chicken with a creamy cheese sauce, perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. This recipe is not only simple but also offers an unforgettable culinary experience. Let's get started!

A bit of history

Alfredo is a sauce that comes from Italian culinary tradition, becoming popular worldwide due to its rich flavor and creamy texture. It is said that the name comes from a restaurant in Rome, where Alfredo di Lelio created the sauce to satisfy his wife's cravings. Since then, it has evolved and adapted, becoming one of the most beloved pasta recipes today.

Ingredients

- 1 chicken breast (approximately 300g)
- 200 ml Dorna sweet cream
- 100 g butter
- 100 g parmesan (preferably freshly grated)
- 2 garlic cloves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- 200 g tagliatelle (or other types of pasta, as preferred)

Preparing the ingredients

1. Chicken breast: Choose a fresh, quality chicken breast. Cut it into thin strips for even and quick cooking. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.

2. Garlic: Choose fresh garlic, which will provide an intense aroma. Crush it with the blade of a knife and then chop it finely. This technique helps release essential oils, giving the sauce a special flavor.

3. Parmesan: Choose a quality parmesan, preferably freshly grated, to ensure even melting and a fine texture of the sauce.

Step by step: Preparing the recipe

1. Cook the pasta: Bring water to a boil in a large pot, add salt, and let it boil. Add the tagliatelle and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and reserve a little of the cooking water.

2. Prepare the chicken: Heat a grill pan over medium heat. You can add a little olive oil for extra flavor, but it's not necessary, as the chicken breast will release enough juices. Cook the chicken strips for 5-7 minutes until golden and well cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.

3. Alfredo sauce: In the same pan, add the butter and let it melt over low heat. Add the chopped garlic and sauté for 1 minute, being careful not to burn it. Then, add the sweet cream and bring to a boil. Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until it thickens slightly.

4. Incorporate the parmesan: Reduce the heat to low and add the grated parmesan. Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes creamy. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little pasta water to adjust the consistency.

5. Finishing the dish: Add the cooked pasta to the Alfredo sauce and mix well to coat evenly. Add the chicken strips on top and mix again. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper if necessary.

6. Serving: Transfer the pasta to plates, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley on top for a fresh look and wonderful aroma. You can serve alongside a green salad or toasted bread to complete the meal.

Useful tips and tricks

- For a more intense flavor, you can add a splash of white wine to the sauce after sautéing the garlic, and let it simmer for a few minutes.
- If you like a spicy sauce, you can add red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce for an extra kick.
- For a vegetarian option, you can replace the chicken breast with mushrooms, zucchini, or broccoli, which pair perfectly with the creamy sauce.
- Storing Alfredo sauce: You can make the sauce a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. Reheat gently before adding the pasta.

Frequently asked questions

- What type of pasta can I use?
You can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti. Tagliatelle is an excellent choice due to its texture.

- Can I use cream with a lower fat percentage?
It is recommended to use high-fat sweet cream for a creamy sauce. Lower-fat cream may result in a less consistent sauce.

- How can I keep the pasta fresh?
If you have leftovers, store the pasta and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little water to avoid drying out.

Nutritional benefits

This recipe provides a good source of protein from the chicken breast and calcium from the parmesan. The cream adds a portion of healthy fats, though it's important to consume in moderation. It's a nourishing meal, but let's not forget that, given the ingredients, it's also quite calorie-rich. A serving contains approximately 700-800 calories, depending on the amount of sauce and ingredients used.

Suitable drinks

To complement this delicious meal, I recommend a dry white wine that balances the richness of the sauce. Alternatively, for a non-alcoholic option, a chilled herbal tea would be refreshing and aromatic.

In conclusion, Pasta Chicken Alfredo is a simple yet flavorful dish that will turn any meal into a special occasion. With just a few basic ingredients and an easy-to-follow technique, you'll create an unforgettable dinner. So, I invite you to start cooking and enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!