15 Minute Chicken Alfredo
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Are you craving a quick and tasty meal? You’re in luck! This 15-minute chicken Alfredo recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. You can whip up a creamy, delicious dinner in just 15 minutes.
With easy-to-find ingredients like butter, garlic, and parmesan cheese, you’ll create a rich Alfredo sauce in no time. Add some pre-cooked chicken, and you’ve got a restaurant-quality meal right at home. Serve it over pasta for a comforting dish your whole family will love.
Exact Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make this quick and tasty chicken alfredo:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup half and half
- 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Black pepper to taste
- Pre-cooked grilled chicken slices
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Cooked spaghetti noodles (for serving)
You might already have some of these items in your kitchen. The recipe uses pre-grilled chicken to save time, but you can also cook your own if you prefer.
Remember to have your pasta cooked and ready before starting the sauce. This will help you get dinner on the table in just 15 minutes!
Instructions
You’ll love how quick and easy this chicken alfredo is to make. Start by melting butter in a pan over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and cook for a minute until fragrant.
Stir in flour to make a roux. This helps thicken the sauce. Pour in half and half and chicken broth, whisking to combine smoothly.
Add grated parmesan cheese and stir until melted. Taste and add pepper as needed. The cheese is salty, so you may not need extra salt.
Take the pan off the heat. Mix in sliced grilled chicken or place pieces on top when serving.
Spoon the creamy sauce over cooked spaghetti noodles. Sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for a pop of color.
This dish comes together in just 15 minutes for a fast weeknight dinner. The rich, velvety alfredo sauce coats the pasta perfectly. Enjoy your homemade restaurant-quality meal!
Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations
Want to switch things up? Here are some tasty swaps and tweaks for your 15-minute chicken alfredo:
Protein Options:
- Shrimp
- Tofu cubes
- Sliced sausage
- Canned tuna
Pasta Choices:
- Fettuccine
- Penne
- Bow-tie
- Zucchini noodles (for a low-carb option)
Try adding veggies for extra flavor and nutrition:
- Frozen peas
- Spinach leaves
- Sliced mushrooms
- Diced bell peppers
Sauce Variations:
- Mix in pesto for a chicken pesto alfredo
- Add sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist
- Sprinkle in red pepper flakes for some heat
You can also swap the half-and-half with heavy cream for a richer sauce or use milk for a lighter version.
For a dairy-free option, try coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of cream and cheese.
Don’t have parmesan? Asiago or pecorino romano work great too.
Feel free to play around with herbs like basil or thyme for extra flavor. Have fun making this quick and easy dish your own!
Tips, Tricks & Storing
Want to save time? Use pre-cooked chicken. You can find grilled chicken strips in the frozen section of most grocery stores.
For extra flavor, try adding some Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes to your sauce.
Don’t have half and half? Mix equal parts whole milk and heavy cream instead.
To make your sauce thicker, let it simmer for a few extra minutes. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk or broth.
Leftovers? Store your chicken alfredo in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay good for up to 3 days.
To reheat, put it in a pan on low heat. Add a little milk if needed to thin out the sauce.
For a veggie boost, toss in some steamed broccoli or spinach before serving.
Want to meal prep? Make a big batch and freeze individual portions. They’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Remember to stir your sauce often while cooking. This prevents lumps and helps it heat evenly.
