Elevate your dinner: the ultimate chicken alfredo recipe enhanced with silky cream cheese

Craving a velvety smooth and flavorful pasta dish? Look no further than this exceptional chicken alfredo recipe made with cream cheese. This culinary masterpiece combines tender chicken, a creamy and cheesy sauce, and your favorite pasta for a meal that will tantalize your taste buds.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 12 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Season and Cook Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

2. Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes.

3. Whisk in Flour: Gradually whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, or until golden.

4. Add Chicken Broth: Slowly whisk in chicken broth until smooth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, or until sauce has thickened.

5. Incorporate Cream and Cream Cheese: Stir in heavy cream and cream cheese until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Return Chicken to Sauce: Add cooked chicken back to the sauce and simmer for 5 minutes, or until heated through.

7. Cook Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions.

8. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain pasta and add it to the Alfredo sauce. Stir to combine.

9. Serve and Garnish: Serve immediately, garnished with Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips:

• For a richer flavor, use a combination of chicken broth and white wine.
• If you don’t have cream cheese, you can substitute with sour cream or Greek yogurt.
• Add a touch of nutmeg or paprika for extra warmth and depth of flavor.
• Serve with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Variations:

• Seafood Alfredo: Replace chicken with shrimp, scallops, or crab meat.
• Vegetable Alfredo: Add your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Alfredo: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy and aromatic twist.

Benefits:

• Creamy and Flavorful: The combination of cream cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese creates a velvety smooth and indulgent sauce.
• Versatile: This dish can be customized to your preferences by adding different ingredients or varying the seasonings.
• Comforting and Satisfying: The rich and creamy texture of the Alfredo sauce provides a comforting and satisfying meal.

Pairings:

• Salad: Serve with a fresh and crunchy salad to balance the richness of the Alfredo sauce.
• Bread: Garlic bread or crusty bread is a perfect accompaniment for dipping and soaking up the sauce.
• Wine: A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, complements the flavors of the dish.

Final Thoughts:

This chicken alfredo recipe made with cream cheese is a culinary delight that will impress your family and friends. Its creamy and flavorful sauce, tender chicken, and versatile nature make it an ideal dish for any occasion. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating this delicious meal and savor every bite of its indulgent goodness.

What You Need to Learn

Q: Can I use other types of pasta besides fettuccine or penne?
A: Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as spaghetti, linguine, or macaroni.

Q: Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Reheat the sauce and combine with cooked pasta when ready to serve.

Q: What can I do if my sauce is too thick?
A: If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of milk or chicken broth until it reaches the desired consistency.