Budget-friendly chicken alfredo: can you make it with elbow noodles?

Chicken Alfredo is a classic Italian-American dish that is loved by people of all ages. It is typically made with fettuccine noodles, but can you make chicken Alfredo with elbow noodles? The answer is yes! Elbow noodles are a great substitute for fettuccine noodles in chicken Alfredo because they are small and easy to eat. They also hold the creamy Alfredo sauce well.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make chicken Alfredo with elbow noodles, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 (16 ounce) package of elbow noodles
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the chicken. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the chicken breasts. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
2. Cook the noodles. While the chicken is cooking, cook the elbow noodles according to the package directions. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
3. Make the Alfredo sauce. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the Parmesan cheese. Stir the Parmesan cheese into the Alfredo sauce until melted. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine the chicken and noodles with the Alfredo sauce. Add the cooked chicken and noodles to the Alfredo sauce and stir to combine.
6. Serve. Serve the chicken Alfredo with elbow noodles immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips for Making the Best Chicken Alfredo

• Use high-quality ingredients. The better the ingredients you use, the better your chicken Alfredo will be.
• Don’t overcook the chicken. Overcooked chicken will be tough and dry.
• Cook the noodles al dente. Al dente noodles are slightly firm to the bite and will hold the Alfredo sauce better.
• Make sure the Alfredo sauce is thick enough. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the noodles and chicken without being too runny.
• Season the sauce to taste. Add salt and pepper to taste until the sauce is flavorful.

Variations on Chicken Alfredo with Elbow Noodles

• Add vegetables. Vegetables such as broccoli, peas, and carrots can be added to chicken Alfredo for a more nutritious meal.
• Use different types of noodles. In addition to elbow noodles, you can also use fettuccine noodles, penne noodles, or any other type of pasta that you like.
• Make it a creamy pesto Alfredo. Add a few tablespoons of pesto to the Alfredo sauce for a flavorful twist.
• Make it a spicy Alfredo. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce for a little bit of heat.

Final Thoughts

So, can you make chicken Alfredo with elbow noodles? Yes, you can! Elbow noodles are a great substitute for fettuccine noodles in chicken Alfredo because they are small and easy to eat. They also hold the creamy Alfredo sauce well. So next time you’re craving chicken Alfredo, don’t be afraid to use elbow noodles. You won’t be disappointed!

Information You Need to Know

Q: Can I use other types of pasta in chicken Alfredo?
A: Yes, you can use any type of pasta that you like. Some popular choices include fettuccine noodles, penne noodles, and spaghetti noodles.

Q: How can I make my chicken Alfredo sauce thicker?
A: There are a few ways to thicken your chicken Alfredo sauce. You can add more Parmesan cheese, cook the sauce for longer, or add a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and water).

Q: What are some variations on chicken Alfredo?
A: There are many different variations on chicken Alfredo. Some popular variations include adding vegetables, using different types of pasta, making it a creamy pesto Alfredo, or making it a spicy Alfredo.