Deliciously Simple Chicken Alfredo

Chicken Alfredo is a beloved Italian-American dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy sauce made from butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese. This classic recipe brings together the perfect balance of flavors for a satisfying meal. In this article, we will explore how to make a simple yet delicious Chicken Alfredo at home.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 people

Ingredients Needed:

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup butter or margarine
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice (optional for flavoring the sauce)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Noodles of your choice - either fettuccine or any other pasta you like
• Optional: ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped finely

Steps to Prepare Chicken Alfredo:

Step 1: Boil the noodles in water until they are tender. Drain and set aside.

1. While boiling pasta, melt butter or margarine in a medium saucepan over low heat. Add flour and stir continuously to form a roux. This mixture will help thicken your sauce.
2. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream while continuing to cook it until smooth. Ensure that all lumps are gone as they could affect the consistency of your sauce.
3. Add ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese into the saucepan and stir well for about a minute until melted completely. Taste the sauce at this point, adding salt and pepper according to taste. You might also want to add lemon juice if you like slightly tangy flavors in your dish.
4. Once the sauce has thickened up nicely (usually takes around 8-10 minutes), remove it from heat immediately. It should be just warm enough for serving. If using fresh parsley, sprinkle it over the top of the sauce before adding to noodles.

Step 2: In a large skillet or sauté pan, add some oil and cook chicken until browned on both sides and fully cooked through (approximately 7-8 minutes per side). If using boneless breasts cut into bite-sized pieces before cooking. Make sure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F when measuring with an instant-read thermometer.

Once cooked, remove the chicken from skillet and place it aside. You may wish to strain off excess oil if you find it too greasy.

Step 3: Combine the hot noodles with the warm sauce in a big bowl, stirring until they are well coated with the creamy sauce. Add back the chicken pieces into the mix and toss gently so that each piece gets covered by the Alfredo sauce. At this stage, you can adjust seasoning again if necessary.

Serve the Chicken Alfredo hot straight away while still warm from the stove. Garnish with extra chopped parsley for added color and freshness before serving to your family or guests.

Conclusion:

A simple Chicken Alfredo can be a delightful addition to any meal, providing comfort and satisfaction whether it's made on a busy weeknight or prepared as part of a special occasion dinner. By following the straightforward steps outlined above, you'll end up with an authentic Italian dish that is easy yet impressive enough for everyday dining experiences.