When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a hot plate of creamy fettuccine alfredo. This classic Italian dish has been a favorite of foodies for years, and for good reason. It’s rich, indulgent, and incredibly satisfying. But what if you could take it up a notch by adding some succulent baked chicken to the mix? The result would be a heavenly combination of flavors and textures that will leave you craving for more. In this article, we will guide you through the steps of preparing a delicious baked chicken fettuccine alfredo, from start to finish.
Ingredients:
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need:
For the chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Alfredo sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the pasta:
- 8 ounces fettuccine
- Salt, to taste
Instructions:
Now that we have our ingredients ready, it’s time to get started on the recipe. Here are the step-by-step instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
- Transfer the chicken breasts to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through. Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- While the chicken is baking, prepare the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- To make the Alfredo sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add the heavy cream to the pan and bring it to a simmer. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the pan and stir until it’s melted and well combined.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the Alfredo sauce and toss until well coated.
- To serve, place a portion of the pasta on a plate and top it with sliced baked chicken. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, if desired.
Tips and tricks:
- You can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken instead of baking your own.
- For a healthier version, you can use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream, and reduce the amount of butter and cheese.
- To add some color and nutrition to the dish, you can toss in some sautéed spinach or cherry tomatoes.
Conclusion:
There you have it, a simple yet scrumptious recipe for baked chicken fettuccine alfredo. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion, and it’s sure to impress your guests. By following the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be able to whip up a restaurant-quality meal in no time. So, go ahead and give it a try, and don’t forget to savor every bite.