Are you craving a comforting, delicious meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This Chicken Alfredo recipe with cream cheese is the perfect answer for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Forget those expensive restaurant versions; this homemade recipe is just as creamy, flavorful, and satisfying, but a fraction of the cost. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet elegant dish! It's one of those easy recipes that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients: You'll need these simple items for this delicious meal.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10 ounce) package frozen fettuccine
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions: Let's get cooking!
Get started:
- Cook the fettuccine according to package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Prepare the chicken:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Create the creamy sauce:
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Add the onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the softened cream cheese until melted and smooth. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream until well combined.
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Stir in the Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Combine and serve:
- Add the cooked chicken and fettuccine to the sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken Alfredo
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- If you don't have fresh parsley, you can substitute with 1 tablespoon of dried parsley.
- To make this a complete healthy meal, add some steamed broccoli or spinach to the dish.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations: Make it your own!
- Spicy Alfredo: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce for a kick.
- Veggie Alfredo: Add your favorite vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini, to the skillet along with the onions and garlic.
- Shrimp Alfredo: Substitute cooked shrimp for the chicken for a lighter and equally delicious option.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. Nutritional information is best obtained using an online nutrition calculator with your exact ingredients and serving size.
This Chicken Alfredo recipe with cream cheese is a quick dinner idea, a delicious dish, and truly one of the best recipes you can make at home. It's a perfect example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor and satisfaction. Enjoy!