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If you’ve never experienced the joy of the best Chicken Alfredo Pasta, you’re missing out on a culinary masterpiece! Authentic, creamy, made-from-scratch Alfredo sauce is undeniably one of the most delectable treats out there. Store-bought Alfredo just doesn’t stack up. Picture this: tender pasta coated in a rich, homemade sauce, perfectly complemented by succulent, seared chicken bursting with flavor. And here’s the kicker: you can whip up this gourmet meal in just about 30 minutes!
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Why This Recipe is the Best:
This recipe stands out for several reasons. Firstly, the Alfredo sauce is exceptionally creamy and decadent, thanks to the addition of mascarpone cheese. Mascarpone adds a luxurious texture and depth of flavor that elevates the sauce to new heights. Secondly, the Parmesan Crusted Chicken provides a delightful contrast of crunchy exterior and juicy, tender meat, creating a perfect harmony of textures. Lastly, the combination of aromatic garlic, fragrant herbs, and a hint of chili flakes adds layers of complexity and richness to the dish, making it truly unforgettable.
Ingredients for The Best Chicken Alfredo Pasta
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- Butter: This ingredient forms the base of the sauce, providing richness and a buttery flavor that elevates the dish.
- Garlic: Adding minced garlic infuses the sauce with aromatic depth and a subtle savory note that complements the creaminess.
- Cream: Cream is the key ingredient that gives the Alfredo sauce its signature velvety texture. It adds richness and contributes to the lusciousness of the dish.
- Mascarpone: Mascarpone cheese is a secret weapon for creating an extra creamy Alfredo sauce. Its luxurious texture and mild flavor enhance the overall creaminess and richness.
- Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a distinctive nuttiness and depth of flavor to the sauce. It melts beautifully into the cream, infusing it with savory goodness.
- Salt, Pepper, Chili Flakes, Italian Herbs: These seasonings are essential for balancing the flavors in the sauce, adding a touch of heat, and enhancing the overall taste profile. Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme contribute aromatic notes that complement the richness of the sauce.
For the Parmesan Crusted Chicken:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts serve as the protein component of the dish. They’re versatile and cook quickly, making them ideal for weeknight dinners.
- Salt, Pepper: Seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper before cooking ensures they’re well-seasoned and flavorful.
- Egg: Beaten egg acts as a binding agent, helping the coating adhere to the chicken and creating a crispy crust when cooked.
- Flour: Coating the chicken breasts in flour before dipping them in the egg mixture helps create a base layer that allows the crust to adhere evenly.
- Corn Flakes: Crushed corn flakes add a crunchy texture to the crust, providing contrast to the tender chicken.
- Parmesan: Grated Parmesan cheese combines with the corn flakes to form a flavorful crust that’s crispy and savory.
- Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the crust, enhancing the visual appeal of the dish.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is used for frying the chicken breasts, imparting a subtle fruity flavor and helping to achieve a golden-brown crust.
How To Make The Best Chicken Alfredo Pasta?
Prepare the Alfredo Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Pour in the cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Season the mixture with salt, pepper, chili flakes, and Italian herbs, stirring to incorporate the seasonings.
- Once the cream is heated through and seasoned, add the mascarpone cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce is creamy and the cheese is fully melted.
- Keep the sauce warm on low heat while you prepare the chicken and pasta.
Prepare the Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- Set up your breading station: Place flour in one shallow bowl, beaten egg in another, and a mixture of crushed corn flakes, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley in a third.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the floured chicken breasts into the beaten egg, ensuring they’re evenly coated.
- Press the chicken breasts into the cornflake-Parmesan mixture, coating them thoroughly.
- Carefully place the coated chicken breasts into the hot skillet with olive oil.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Once cooked, transfer the chicken breasts to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Cook the Pasta
- While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook your favorite pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
Assemble the Dish
- Toss the cooked pasta with the prepared Alfredo sauce until well coated, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to thin the sauce.
- Slice the Parmesan Crusted Chicken into strips or serve whole, alongside the creamy Alfredo pasta.
- Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your decadent and easy dinner recipe!
Tips and Tricks:
- For an extra crispy crust on the chicken, double coat it by repeating the egg and cornflake-Parmesan coating process.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture in both the Alfredo sauce and the chicken crust.
- Adjust the amount of chili flakes according to your preference for spiciness.
- To prevent the sauce from curdling, make sure to keep the heat low when adding the mascarpone and Parmesan, and stir continuously until melted and smooth
Substitutions
- If mascarpone is not available, you can substitute it with cream cheese for a similar creamy texture.
- Panko breadcrumbs can be used instead of corn flakes for the chicken crust if preferred.
- Feel free to use your favorite herbs in the Alfredo sauce and chicken crust for personalized flavor profiles.
What to Serve With The Best Chicken Alfredo Pasta?
Looking for the perfect accompaniment to your Chicken Alfredo? Consider pairing it with one of these refreshing salads from my blog:
Each salad offers a unique combination of flavors and textures that complement the creamy richness of the Chicken Alfredo, creating a delicious and satisfying meal. Choose your favorite to complete your dining experience!
FAQ
Q: Can I make the Alfredo sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the Alfredo sauce in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
Q: Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs will work well in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are cooked through.
Q: How can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: You can omit the chicken and serve the creamy Alfredo pasta on its own or add your favorite vegetarian protein such as grilled tofu or sautéed mushrooms.
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The best Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Ingredients
- 250 g Fettuccine Pasta
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 50 g butter
- 5 cloves of garlic minced
- 200 ml cream
- 125 g mascarpone
- 100 g Parmesan cheese grated
- Pasta water reserved from cooking pasta
- 1 tsp Italian herbs
- 1/2 tsp Chili flakes
- Pepper to taste
- Salt to taste
For Parmesan Crusted Chicken:
- 2 chicken breasts (about 200g each) pounded to 1/2-inch thickness
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 egg
- 50 g all-purpose flour
- 100 g corn flakes crushed
- 4 tbsp Parmesan cheese grated
- 3 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 200 ml olive oil for frying
Instructions
Prepare the Alfredo Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Pour in the cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Season the mixture with salt, pepper, chili flakes, and Italian herbs, stirring to incorporate the seasonings.
- Once the cream is heated through and seasoned, add the mascarpone cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce is creamy and the cheese is fully melted.
Cook the Pasta:
- Cook your favorite pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water for thinning the sauce if needed.
Prepare the Parmesan Crusted Chicken:
- Flatten the chicken breasts to an even thickness and season with salt and pepper.
- In separate shallow bowls, place flour, beaten egg, and a mixture of crushed corn flakes, grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley.
- Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip in egg, then coat evenly with the cornflake-Parmesan mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
Assemble:
- Toss cooked pasta with the Alfredo sauce until well coated.
- Slice the Parmesan Crusted Chicken and serve over the creamy Alfredo pasta.
- Garnish with additional Parmesan and parsley if desired.
