Chicken Alfredo is a popular pasta dish consisting of cooked fettuccine noodles smothered in a rich, creamy sauce made with butter, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and sometimes other herbs or spices. Chicken is often added to the dish to make it heartier and more filling.
Here’s a simple recipe for chicken alfredo:
Ingredients:
- 8 oz. fettuccine pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp. butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the butter. Once melted, add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the garlic to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and combined with the sauce.
- Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Enjoy your delicious and comforting chicken alfredo!
Chicken alfredo’s nutritional values
Chicken alfredo is a delicious dish, but it is also high in calories and fat due to the heavy cream and cheese used in the sauce. However, there are some health benefits to this dish:
- Protein: Chicken is a good source of lean protein, which is important for building and repairing muscles, and for maintaining a healthy immune system.
- Calcium: Parmesan cheese, one of the main ingredients in the sauce, is a good source of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.
- Energy: Pasta, which is a key component of chicken alfredo, is a good source of carbohydrates, which provide energy for the body.
- Vitamin B12: Chicken is a good source of vitamin B12, which is essential for the nervous system and for producing red blood cells.
- Flavor: Finally, enjoying a delicious meal like chicken alfredo can improve mood and mental health, which is vital for overall well-being.
Overall, while chicken alfredo is not the healthiest dish, it can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet in moderation, and with some modifications to make it healthier, such as using low-fat milk or yogurt instead of heavy cream, and adding more vegetables like broccoli or spinach to the dish.