Are you craving a delicious and satisfying meal that's both easy to make and packed with flavor? Look no further! This Grilled Chicken Recipe for Alfredo perfectly blends the smoky char of grilled chicken with the creamy richness of a classic Alfredo sauce. It's a delightful fusion of tastes and textures that will become a new favorite in your weeknight dinner rotation. This recipe is perfect for those seeking quick dinner ideas and healthy meals without sacrificing deliciousness. It's a simple yet elegant dish, ideal for homemade cooking enthusiasts of all skill levels.
Ingredients:
For the Grilled Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 1 lb pasta (fettuccine or linguine recommended)
Instructions:
Preparing the Grilled Chicken:
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Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and toss to coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for maximum flavor.
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Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure it's cooked through.
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Rest and Slice: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips or bite-sized pieces.
Making the Alfredo Sauce:
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Sauté Garlic: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, sauté the minced garlic in a tablespoon of butter or olive oil for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
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Simmer the Cream: Add the heavy cream to the saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low.
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Stir in Cheese: Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until it's melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
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Season and Finish: Stir in the chopped parsley, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking the Pasta and Serving:
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Cook Pasta: Cook your pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
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Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the Alfredo sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
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Serve: Add the grilled chicken to the pasta and Alfredo sauce. Toss gently to combine. Serve immediately and garnish with extra parsley if desired.
Cooking Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce.
- You can use different types of pasta, such as penne or rotini.
- If you don't have a grill, you can pan-fry or bake the chicken.
- Add some sautéed vegetables, like broccoli or mushrooms, to the pasta for a healthier and more complete meal.
- For a lighter Alfredo sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on portion size and ingredients used. Nutritional information is best calculated using a nutritional calculator with the specific ingredients you've used. However, expect this to be a moderate-to-high calorie meal, higher in fat and protein due to the chicken and cream.
This easy recipe is a fantastic example of how quick dinner ideas can be both healthy and incredibly delicious. Enjoy this delightful fusion of flavors! It’s a great addition to your collection of best recipes, perfect for impressing family and friends.