Chicken Alfredo
Creamy Chicken Alfredo features tender chicken, smoky bacon, and peas in a rich, flavorful sauce, perfect for comforting dinners and suitable for pasta lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut bacon into small pieces and chicken into about 1-inch cubes.
- Add garlic and olive oil into a hot skillet; cook until chicken is done.
- Remove chicken and bacon from the skillet.
- Reheat the skillet and add white wine to deglaze, picking up flavors from the pan.
- Slowly add light cream, chopped scallions, cayenne pepper, oregano, and frozen peas to the skillet.
- Mix cornstarch with about 4 ounces of water to make a slurry.
- Gradually add the cornstarch mixture to the sauce, stirring until it becomes creamy.
- Add the cooked chicken and bacon back into the skillet; heat through.
- Season with fresh ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve the sauce over cooked pasta.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using pancetta instead of bacon. If you're out of light cream, half-and-half or a mix of milk and heavy cream can work as substitutes. To add more depth, try incorporating freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce. If you want to lighten it up, you can use low-fat cream or yogurt instead. This Chicken Alfredo pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like Capoletti.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chicken Alfredo over your favorite pasta, such as fettuccine or penne. A side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette complement the richness of the dish. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with Roman Grilled Chicken for a delightful Italian-inspired dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the dish on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the sauce separate.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Alfredo contains roughly 461 calories, with 17g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (142% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (89% of the Daily Value), and iron (63% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 25g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Chicken Alfredo ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and store it separately from the pasta. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and mix it with freshly cooked pasta for the best texture. Avoid combining everything ahead of time, as the pasta may absorb the sauce and become mushy.
What can I substitute for chicken in this recipe?
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, consider using mushrooms or tofu instead of chicken. You can sauté them in the same manner as the chicken. For a seafood twist, shrimp can also be a delicious substitute, cooking them just until they are pink and opaque.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat level in your Chicken Alfredo, you can add more cayenne pepper or incorporate crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce. Additionally, serving the dish with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper can enhance the overall flavor and spice.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).