Grilled Chicken Alfredo is a creamy, indulgent pasta dish featuring tender, smoky grilled chicken breasts served over a rich and velvety Alfredo sauce. This classic Italian-American favorite combines the satisfying flavors of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream with perfectly cooked pasta and succulent chicken. Ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special occasion, Grilled Chicken Alfredo is sure to please any crowd.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love Grilled Chicken Alfredo for its creamy texture and the smoky, savory flavor of grilled chicken. The combination of tender pasta coated in a luscious Alfredo sauce, paired with juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken, creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. This dish is relatively simple to make, yet it offers a restaurant-quality meal that’s sure to impress family and friends.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Marinate the chicken: Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to infuse it with extra flavor.
- Grill marks: Ensure your grill is hot to achieve beautiful grill marks on the chicken.
- Do not overcook: Cook the chicken just until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to keep it juicy.
- Fresh ingredients: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture in the sauce.
- Pasta water: Reserve a cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Different proteins: Substitute the chicken with shrimp, salmon, or a vegetarian option like grilled vegetables or tofu.
- Whole wheat pasta: Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier alternative.
- Herbal twist: Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley to the Alfredo sauce for extra flavor.
- Spicy Alfredo: Stir in some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve Grilled Chicken Alfredo with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal. A crisp white wine, such as a Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, pairs wonderfully with this dish. For a decadent touch, garnish with extra grated Parmesan and chopped parsley. This dish also pairs well with roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the Alfredo sauce separately from the pasta and chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to maintain the sauce’s creamy consistency.
Recipe FAQs
What kind of pasta works best? Fettuccine is traditional, but any long pasta like linguine or spaghetti works well.
Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce? Yes, but homemade Alfredo sauce offers a fresher taste.
How can I prevent the sauce from separating? Heat the sauce gently and avoid boiling it to maintain a smooth texture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the components ahead and combine them just before serving.
Grilled Chicken Alfredo
A dish that combines tender grilled chicken with velvety alfredo sauce for an extraordinary taste experience.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for grilling
Spicy Alfredo Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
- Pinch of salt, for boiling water
Garnish
- Fresh basil or thyme leaves
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the spice mixture onto the chicken breasts. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and let it marinate for about 30 minutes.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken breasts for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and have a nice grill marks. Remove from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the red pepper flakes and chili powder, and sauté for a minute to release their flavors. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked pasta in the spicy Alfredo sauce until well-coated. Arrange the sliced grilled chicken on top of the pasta.
- Garnish: Garnish the dish with fresh basil and thyme leaves, adding a touch of freshness to balance the heat.
- Serve and Savor: Serve the Grilled Chicken Alfredo with a Spicy Kick immediately, offering a culinary adventure that ignites the senses.
Notes
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 679Total Fat: 46gSaturated Fat: 26gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 170mgSodium: 705mgCarbohydrates: 33gFiber: 2gSugar: 3gProtein: 33g
