Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving something delicious, comforting, yet surprisingly quick to make? Then look no further! This Spicy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It combines the creamy richness of classic Alfredo sauce with a fiery kick and tender chicken, creating a truly unforgettable meal that's both healthy and satisfying. Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners to a whole new level!
Ingredients:
This recipe serves 4 and takes about 30 minutes to prepare.
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For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
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For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
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Other:
- 1 lb fettuccine pasta
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
Get started:
- Cook the fettuccine according to package directions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Prepare the chicken:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Make the Alfredo sauce:
- In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and stir in Parmesan cheese, parsley, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Combine everything:
- Add the cooked chicken and fettuccine to the sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Serve and enjoy:
- Garnish with fresh basil (optional) and serve immediately.
Cooking Tips for the Best Spicy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo:
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, paprika, and cayenne pepper for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Don't be afraid to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. If you prefer a milder dish, use less. If you like it really spicy, add more!
- For a richer flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- If you don't have fresh parsley, you can use dried parsley instead (use about 1 teaspoon).
- To make this a complete meal, add some steamed broccoli or sauteed vegetables.
Variations:
- Creamy Tomato Alfredo: Stir in 1/2 cup of your favorite tomato sauce to the Alfredo sauce for a delicious twist.
- Mushroom Alfredo: Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the garlic while making the Alfredo sauce.
- Spinach Alfredo: Stir in 1 cup of fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 550-600
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 30-35g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
This spicy chicken fettuccine Alfredo recipe is a fantastic addition to your easy recipes collection. It’s a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or a special occasion. Enjoy!