Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving something creamy, comforting, and bursting with flavor, but short on time? Then look no further! This Ragu Alfredo Sauce Chicken recipe is your answer. It's a delightful fusion of classic Italian flavors, offering a rich and satisfying meal that’s surprisingly quick and easy to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite. It’s a delicious example of easy recipes and healthy meals all rolled into one.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 lb pasta of your choice (fettuccine or penne work well)
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Cook your pasta according to package directions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Prepare the Sauce:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it gently simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich and delicious ragu base.
Combine and Finish:
- Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serve the creamy chicken and ragu sauce immediately over your cooked pasta.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use homemade tomato sauce.
- Add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the sauce for extra nutrients and flavor. This is a great way to incorporate more healthy meals into your diet.
- If you prefer a thinner sauce, add more heavy cream or pasta water.
- To make this a complete meal, add a side salad with a light vinaigrette.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or chickpeas.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used. However, a reasonable estimate per serving would be around 500-600 calories, with a significant amount of protein and fat. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator and input your specific ingredients.
This Ragu Alfredo Sauce Chicken recipe is a perfect example of delicious dishes that are surprisingly easy to make. It’s a quick dinner idea that's both satisfying and flavorful, making it a perfect addition to your homemade cooking repertoire. Enjoy!