Ina Garten’s Chicken Alfredo is the epitome of comfort food, combining tender pieces of chicken with a rich and creamy Alfredo sauce. This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re cooking a quick weeknight meal or preparing a more indulgent dinner for guests. With its silky smooth sauce and juicy chicken, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
What is Ina Garten Chicken Alfredo?
Ina Garten’s Chicken Alfredo is a delicious take on the classic Italian-American dish, featuring tender chicken breasts cooked to perfection and smothered in a creamy Alfredo sauce. The sauce, made from butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, clings beautifully to the chicken and pasta, creating a dish that is both luxurious and satisfying.
Other Ina Garten Recipes
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy: The Alfredo sauce is decadently creamy, providing the perfect balance of richness and flavor.
- Quick and Easy: This dish can be made in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Family-Friendly: With its simple ingredients and comforting flavors, this is a dish that everyone in the family will love.
- Perfect for Entertaining: This dish is impressive enough to serve to guests, yet easy enough to prepare without any stress.
- Customizable: You can easily modify this recipe to suit your taste by adding vegetables, spices, or different types of pasta.
Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Chicken Alfredo
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 cup of unsalted butter
- 2 cups of heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- Freshly grated nutmeg (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 pound of fettuccine or pasta of your choice
Equipment
To make this Ina Garten Chicken Alfredo, I use these equipment:
- Large Skillet: For cooking the chicken breasts.
- Medium Saucepan: For making the Alfredo sauce.
- Tongs: To flip the chicken while cooking.
- Whisk: Mix the sauce ingredients together.
- Measuring Cups: For accurately measuring butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese.
- Grater: To freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring the sauce as it cooks.
- Large Pot: For cooking the pasta.
Instructions to Make Ina Garten Chicken Alfredo
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Prepare the Pasta: While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Make the Sauce: Add the minced garlic to the butter and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking continuously until the mixture is well combined.
- Incorporate the Cheese: Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, whisking constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season the Sauce: Add salt, pepper, and a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg (if using) to taste.
- Combine the Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked pasta in the Alfredo sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve the Chicken: Slice the cooked chicken breasts and place them on top of the pasta. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
What Goes Well With Ina Garten Chicken Alfredo
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans add a fresh, crunchy contrast to the creamy sauce.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any extra Alfredo sauce.
- Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad with a tangy dressing balances the richness of the dish.
- Roasted Tomatoes: Oven-roasted cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and acidity.
- White Wine: A glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
Essential Tips for Perfecting Ina Garten Chicken Alfredo
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and gives the sauce a superior flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Cook the chicken just until it’s done to keep it tender and juicy.
- Simmer, Don’t Boil: Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer to avoid curdling and ensure a smooth texture.
- Season Gradually: Taste the sauce as you go and adjust the seasoning to your preference.
- Serve Immediately: Alfredo sauce is best enjoyed fresh, so serve the dish as soon as it’s ready.
Variations of Ina Garten Chicken Alfredo
- Garlic Alfredo: Add extra garlic to the sauce for a more intense garlic flavor.
- Spinach Alfredo: Stir in fresh spinach just before serving for added color and nutrition.
- Mushroom Alfredo: Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the garlic for an earthy twist.
- Lemon Alfredo: Add a splash of lemon juice to brighten the sauce with a hint of citrus.
- Shrimp Alfredo: Replace the chicken with shrimp for a seafood variation of the dish.
Storing Ina Garten Chicken Alfredo: Best Practices
- Refrigerate Properly: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Avoid Freezing: Cream-based sauces like Alfredo don’t freeze well as they can separate when thawed.
Reheating Ina Garten Chicken Alfredo: Best Practices
- Stovetop Method: Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to its original consistency.
- Microwave Method: Reheat individual portions in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to maintain a smooth sauce.
How Can I Make Ina Garten Chicken Alfredo Healthier?
- Use Half-and-Half Instead of Heavy Cream: Swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half to reduce the fat content.
- Grill the Chicken: Grill the chicken instead of pan-frying for a lighter, lower-calorie option.
- Incorporate Vegetables: Add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or peas to increase the nutritional value and add texture.
- Choose Whole Wheat Pasta: Serve the sauce with whole wheat pasta for added fiber and nutrients.
- Reduce the Butter: Use a smaller amount of butter to cut down on calories and fat.
Nutrition Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: 750
- Total Fat: 55g
- Saturated Fat: 32g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 35g
FAQs
How do I prevent Ina Garten Chicken Alfredo sauce from separating?
To prevent the sauce from separating, make sure to simmer it gently over low heat. Avoid boiling the sauce, and whisk continuously to maintain a smooth, creamy consistency.
Can I make Ina Garten Chicken Alfredo ahead of time?
While Chicken Alfredo is best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before tossing with freshly cooked pasta and serving.
What pasta works best with Ina Garten Chicken Alfredo?
Fettuccine is the classic choice for Chicken Alfredo, but you can also use other types of pasta like penne, linguine, or tagliatelle. The key is to choose a pasta that holds the sauce well.
Can I add extra vegetables to Ina Garten Chicken Alfredo?
Yes, adding vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or peas is a great way to enhance the dish’s nutritional value and add color and texture to your meal.
Final Words
Ina Garten’s Chicken Alfredo is a comforting, creamy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich Alfredo sauce and tender chicken, this recipe is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Enjoy the delicious flavors, and don’t forget to share this recipe with those you love!
Related Recipes By Garin:
- Ina Garten Crab Salad
- Ina Garten Farro Salad
- Ina Garten Brown Butter Sage Sauce
- Ina Garten Lemon Shrimp Pasta
Ina Garten Chicken Alfredo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Italian-American
- Cuisine: Stovetop
Description
Ina Garten’s Chicken Alfredo is a delicious take on the classic Italian-American dish, featuring tender chicken breasts cooked to perfection and smothered in a creamy Alfredo sauce. The sauce, made from butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, clings beautifully to the chicken and pasta, creating a dish that is both luxurious and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 cup of unsalted butter
- 2 cups of heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- Freshly grated nutmeg (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 pound of fettuccine or pasta of your choice
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Prepare the Pasta: While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Make the Sauce: Add the minced garlic to the butter and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking continuously until the mixture is well combined.
- Incorporate the Cheese: Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, whisking constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season the Sauce: Add salt, pepper, and a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg (if using) to taste.
- Combine the Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked pasta in the Alfredo sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve the Chicken: Slice the cooked chicken breasts and place them on top of the pasta. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.