Craving a comforting, yet surprisingly easy, weeknight dinner? Look no further than this creamy, dreamy Chicken Bacon Alfredo! This recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant prices or lengthy prep time. It's the perfect blend of savory chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich, homemade Alfredo sauce, all ready in under 30 minutes. Get ready to impress yourself and your family with this delicious dish – perfect for busy weeknights or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
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For the Chicken and Bacon:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
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For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional, for extra flavor)
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For Serving:
- 1 lb fettuccine pasta
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Bacon
First, cook your bacon until crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside, reserving about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease. In the same pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Make the Alfredo Sauce
While the chicken cooks, melt the butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce is smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
Cook your fettuccine according to package directions. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to the pan with the Alfredo sauce. Stir to coat the pasta evenly. Add the cooked chicken and crumbled bacon, along with the reserved bacon grease (for extra flavor!). Toss everything together until well combined.
Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious homemade Chicken Bacon Alfredo!
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: When cooking the chicken, ensure you don't overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the temperature and result in steaming rather than browning. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Low and slow for the sauce: For a truly smooth and creamy Alfredo sauce, cook it on low heat, stirring constantly. This prevents the sauce from separating or becoming grainy.
- Freshly grated Parmesan is best: Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese will give you the best flavor and texture in your Alfredo sauce.
Variations:
- Add some veggies: Include sauteed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli for a healthier and more flavorful twist.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce for a little kick.
- Creamy Tomato Alfredo: Stir in a spoonful of tomato paste into the Alfredo sauce for a unique twist.
- Use different pasta: Feel free to use your favorite pasta shape, such as penne, rotini, or linguine.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 600-700 (depending on serving size and ingredients used)
This recipe provides a delicious and satisfying meal packed with protein and flavor. It's a great option for a quick and easy dinner, perfect for busy weeknights or a casual weekend get-together. Enjoy!