Chicken Penne Alfredo is a classic pasta dish that combines tender chicken breast, al dente penne pasta, and a creamy Alfredo sauce. The dish starts by sautéing diced chicken in a pan until it is cooked through, then set aside. In the same pan, a classic Alfredo sauce is made by melting butter, whisking in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, and cooking until thick and creamy. The cooked penne is then added to the sauce and tossed to coat each piece evenly. Finally, the chicken is added back to the pan and heated through, giving the dish a rich and satisfying flavor. The Chicken Penne Alfredo is finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese on top, making it a delicious and comforting meal that is perfect for a cozy night in.
What to Serve with Chicken Alfredo?
Chicken Alfredo pairs well with a variety of side dishes that complement its rich and creamy flavor. Here are some popular options:
Garlic bread: A simple and delicious option to soak up the excess sauce.
Salad: A light and crisp salad can help balance out the richness of the Alfredo. Try a Caesar or mixed greens salad with a simple vinaigrette.
Vegetables: Roasted or steamed vegetables such as asparagus, green beans, or broccoli provide a healthy and tasty option to round out the meal.
Rice or potatoes: If you're looking for a starchy side dish, consider serving Chicken Alfredo with a side of rice or mashed potatoes.
Wine: A glass of white wine, such as a Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, can help to cut through the richness of the Alfredo sauce.
Regardless of what you choose to serve with your Chicken Alfredo, make sure to consider the flavors and textures of each dish to create a balanced meal.
How to Store and Reheat
Storing and reheating Chicken Alfredo is quite simple and can be done in a few different ways:
Refrigeration: Allow the Chicken Alfredo to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezer: If you want to store the Chicken Alfredo for a longer period of time, you can freeze it. Place it in an airtight container or freezer-safe plastic bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
Microwave: Transfer the Chicken Alfredo to a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it is fully heated through.
Stovetop: Pour the Chicken Alfredo into a saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it is fully heated through.
Oven: Transfer the Chicken Alfredo to an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and bake in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or until fully heated through.
Regardless of the method you choose, be sure to stir the Chicken Alfredo occasionally as it reheats to ensure that it heats evenly and the sauce remains smooth.
Variations and Substitutions
Chicken Alfredo is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit different tastes and preferences. Then are some variations and negotiations you can try:
Add vegetables: You can add a variety of vegetables to your Chicken Alfredo, such as mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli. Simply sauté the vegetables in a separate pan, then add them to the Alfredo sauce just before serving.
Use different proteins: If you don't have chicken on hand, you can substitute it with shrimp, salmon, or even tofu. Simply sauté the protein in a separate pan, then add it to the Alfredo sauce just before serving.
Use different pasta: If you don't have penne pasta on hand, you can use fettuccine, linguine, or even ziti. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente according to the package instructions.
Make it lighter: To lighten up the dish, you can use low-fat milk or cream instead of heavy cream in the Alfredo sauce. You can also reduce the amount of butter and cheese used.
Make it spicier: To add some heat to the dish, you can add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Alfredo sauce. You can also add some diced jalapeño peppers to the sautéed chicken for added flavor and heat.
These are just a few of the many variations and substitutions you can try with Chicken Alfredo. trial with different constituents to find the perfect combination that works for you.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless funk bone, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions:
Cook the pasta until al dente according to package specifications. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, toast a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through about 5-7 minutes. Remove the funk from the skillet and set it away.
In the same skillet, add the butter and melt over medium heat. Whisk in the heavy cream and continue to cook until the mixture begins to thicken about 2-3 minutes.
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it is fully melted and combined with the cream mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat each piece evenly with the Alfredo sauce.
Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and heat through, about 2-3 minutes.
Serve the Chicken Penne Alfredo hot, garnished with chopped parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Enjoy your delicious and comforting bowl of Chicken Penne Alfredo!