Ina Garten Chicken Alfredo Recipe

Ina Garten’s Chicken Alfredo is a decadent and creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken, fettuccine, and a rich Alfredo sauce made with Parmesan and cream. This classic Italian-American favorite is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

What is Ina Garten Chicken Alfredo?

Chicken Alfredo is a pasta dish that combines fettuccine with a creamy Alfredo sauce, enhanced by the addition of sautéed chicken. Ina Garten’s version adds a touch of elegance with fresh ingredients and a perfectly balanced sauce.

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• Ina Garten Sausage and Peppers
• Ina Garten Chicken with Mushrooms
• Ina Garten Roasted Carrots

Reasons to Try Ina Garten Chicken Alfredo

• Rich and Creamy: The Alfredo sauce is velvety and full of flavor.
• Easy to Prepare: A straightforward recipe with minimal steps.
• Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser loved by kids and adults alike.
• Customizable: Add vegetables or herbs for extra flavor.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Chicken Alfredo

• Fettuccine – 12 ounces
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – 2 (about 1 pound)
• Kosher salt – 1 teaspoon (or to taste)
• Freshly ground black pepper – ½ teaspoon
• Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
• Unsalted butter – 4 tablespoons
• Heavy cream – 1 ½ cups
• Parmesan cheese – 1 ¼ cups, freshly grated
• Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
• Fresh parsley – 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Chicken Alfredo

Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

Prepare the Chicken

• Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).
• Remove the chicken from the skillet, let it rest for 5 minutes, and slice it thinly.

Make the Alfredo Sauce

• In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Stir in the Parmesan cheese and whisk until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Combine the Pasta and Sauce

• Add the cooked fettuccine to the Alfredo sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Add the Chicken

• Arrange the sliced chicken over the pasta and gently toss to combine.

Garnish and Serve

• Transfer the Chicken Alfredo to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve warm.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Chicken Alfredo?

• Garlic Bread: Perfect for sopping up the creamy sauce.
• Green Salad: A refreshing side to balance the richness.
• Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans pair beautifully.
• Roasted Tomatoes: Adds a burst of acidity to the dish.
• White Wine: A crisp Chardonnay complements the flavors.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Chicken Alfredo

• Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated cheese melts smoothly for a velvety sauce.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure juicy, tender chicken.
• Reserve Pasta Water: Helps adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
• Serve Immediately: Alfredo sauce thickens as it cools, so serve the dish fresh.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Chicken Alfredo

• Add Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach for added greens.
• Mushroom Alfredo: Sauté mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy flavor.
• Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
• Herb Upgrade: Use fresh basil or thyme for extra aroma.
• Seafood Swap: Replace chicken with shrimp or scallops for a seafood version.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Chicken Alfredo

• Refrigerate leftovers: Store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat Gently: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
• Freeze: Not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate when thawed.

Nutrition Value

• Calories: ~650 per serving
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fats: 38g
• Fiber: 2g

FAQs

Can You Make Chicken Alfredo Ahead of Time?

Chicken Alfredo is best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Reheat the sauce gently and combine it with freshly cooked pasta and chicken before serving.

How Do You Keep Alfredo Sauce from Separating?

To prevent Alfredo sauce from separating, cook it over low to medium heat and avoid boiling. Use heavy cream for a stable texture, and whisk the sauce gently as it simmers.

Can You Use Milk Instead of Cream in Alfredo Sauce?

Milk can be used as a substitute for heavy cream, but the sauce will be thinner. To thicken it, add a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch whisked into the milk before cooking.

What Is the Best Pasta for Chicken Alfredo?

Fettuccine is the traditional choice for Chicken Alfredo due to its wide, flat shape that holds the creamy sauce well. Penne, linguine, or spaghetti can also be used as alternatives.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Chicken Alfredo is a comforting, restaurant-quality dish that’s easy to make at home. With its creamy Alfredo sauce and perfectly cooked chicken, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a delicious, satisfying meal!

More Ina Garten Recipes

• Ina Garten Flank Steak
• Ina Garten Shrimp Paella
• Ina Garten Stuffed Cabbage
• Ina Garten Brisket

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