Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe (2014)
Table of Contents
Imagine a plate full of fettuccine, chicken, and shrimp, all in a creamy Alfredo sauce. This dish is the ultimate comfort food. It’s about to become your family’s new favorite.
This dish is special because of its balanced flavors and top-notch ingredients. It’s like a meal from an Italian trattoria. Get ready to wow your family with this amazing dish.
Why This Creamy Pasta Dish Will Become Your Family’s Favorite
Indulge in the ultimate creamy delight with this Alfredo pasta recipe. It features sautéed shrimp and tender grilled chicken breCreamy Alfredo Pasta with Chicken and Shrimp ast. The rich, velvety parmesan cheese sauce makes it a cherished staple in your household.
Perfect for Special Occasions
Elevate your next dinner party or date night with this pasta dish. The savory flavors and luxurious texture make it a showstopper. It’s perfect for celebrating special occasions like anniversaries, birthdays, or holidays.
Restaurant Quality at Home
Enjoy the taste of a high-end restaurant right in your own kitchen. This Alfredo pasta dish delivers an unparalleled dining experience. Each bite provides the perfect balance of creamy, garlicky goodness.
Budget-Friendly Luxury
Treat your family to a delectable meal without breaking the bank. This recipe offers a cost-effective alternative to dining out. You can indulge in a restaurant-caliber dish at a fraction of the price.
Versatile and satisfying, this Creamy Alfredo Pasta with Chicken and Shrimp is a surefire hit. It will have your loved ones coming back for seconds. Savor the rich, flavorful sauce and tender proteins in the comfort of your own home. Create a dining experience that elevates every occasion.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Alfredo Sauce
To make a rich and creamy Alfredo sauce, you need the right ingredients. Start with unsalted butter, cream cheese, and heavy cream. These mix together to give the sauce a thick, velvety texture that coats pasta well.
Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese adds depth and flavor. Its nutty and salty taste makes the sauce indulgent. Minced garlic adds a subtle kick, and fresh parsley brings freshness and brightness to balance the richness.
Want to make the Alfredo sauce your own? Try adding pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, or a bit of white wine or chicken/vegetable broth. These can add more flavor, making the sauce just how you like it.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Unsalted Butter | 1/2 cup |
| Cream Cheese | 4 oz |
| Heavy Cream | 1 cup |
| Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese, grated | 1 cup |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Fresh Parsley, chopped | 2 tbsp |
The secret to perfect Alfredo sauce is finding the right mix of creamy and savory flavors. With these key ingredients, you can make a top-notch Alfredo dish at home.
Choosing the Right Pasta and Proteins
When making this creamy Alfredo pasta, picking the right ingredients is crucial. We’ll look at the best pasta and proteins to go with the rich Alfredo sauce.
Selecting Fresh Shrimp
Choose medium-sized, wild-caught shrimp for the dish. Jumbo or colossal shrimp are great, and you’ll need 12-16 pieces. Make sure to peel and devein them for a nicer look.
Best Cuts of Chicken
For the chicken, go with boneless, skinless breasts. Cut them into 1-inch cubes or thin strips for even cooking. You’ll need about 2 chicken breasts for this recipe.
Pasta Options and Alternatives
Fettuccine pasta is traditional in Alfredo dishes, but you can also use spaghetti, linguine, or bucatini. For a low-carb option, try spaghetti squash instead of regular pasta.
Choose about 1 pound of dry pasta for 4-6 people. Cook the pasta al dente, usually 10-12 minutes, to pair well with the creamy Alfredo sauce.
“The key to an exceptional Alfredo pasta dish lies in the thoughtful selection of high-quality ingredients, from the shrimp and chicken to the perfect pasta pairing.”
Step-by-Step Guide to Alfredo Pasta with Chicken and Shrimp
Get ready for a tasty journey with this creamy alfredo pasta dish. It’s a mix of Italian flavors. This guide will show you how to make a top-notch creamy alfredo sauce. You’ll also learn to pair it with chicken and shrimp for a meal that will wow everyone.
- First, boil a big pot of salted water. Cook the fettuccine pasta until it’s just right, following the package instructions. Save about a cup of the pasta water before draining it.
- Season the chicken and shrimp with Cajun spice or Old Bay seasoning. Make sure they’re well-coated.
- In a large skillet, cook the chicken over medium-high heat. It should be golden-brown and cooked through in about 10 minutes per side. Take the chicken out of the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. They should be pink and fully cooked. Move the shrimp to a plate and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until it smells great.
- Whisk in the all-purpose flour to make a roux. Cook for about 2 minutes to get rid of any raw flour taste.
- Pour in the heavy cream and whole milk slowly, whisking all the time to avoid lumps. Let it simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, until it thickens to your liking.
- Take the skillet off the heat and mix in the Parmesan cheese and white pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Add the cooked fettuccine, chicken, and shrimp to the sauce. Toss gently to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the pasta water to thin it out.
- Garnish the creamy alfredo pasta with chopped parsley. Serve it right away.
This Italian cuisine dish is ready in about 30 minutes. It’s perfect for a special occasion or a family dinner on a weeknight. Enjoy the rich and creamy alfredo sauce with tender chicken and juicy shrimp for a meal you’ll remember.
Making the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
The secret to a great Alfredo sauce is finding the right mix of rich, creamy tastes. Start by cooking minced garlic in melted butter until it smells amazing. Then, slowly add heavy cream, letting it simmer until it’s just right.
To make it even creamier, mix in a bit of softened cream cheese. Blend it until it’s smooth.
Next, add freshly grated Parmesan cheese slowly. Stir until it melts into the sauce, making it super creamy. If it gets too thick, just add a little pasta water to thin it out.
Achieving the Perfect Sauce Consistency
Getting the sauce just right is key for the perfect Alfredo. Start by adding cream a little at a time, tasting and adjusting as you go. If it’s too thin, simmer it a bit longer to let it thicken.
If it’s too thick, add some pasta water to thin it out. This way, you can get the sauce just right.
Troubleshooting Common Sauce Issues
- Sauce separating: This can happen if the heat is too high or the sauce is cooked for too long. Reduce the heat and gently whisk the sauce to bring it back together.
- Sauce too thick: Add a splash of pasta water or low-fat milk to thin out the consistency.
- Sauce too thin: Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to allow it to thicken up naturally.
Adding Extra Flavors
Want to add more flavor to your Alfredo sauce? Try adding a spoonful of pesto, some sun-dried tomatoes, or a splash of white wine. These can make your sauce even more delicious.
Pro Tips for Cooking Chicken and Shrimp
When making a Creamy Alfredo Pasta dish, it’s key to cook chicken and shrimp separately. This ensures they’re tender and perfectly cooked. For chicken, sear it for 3-4 minutes on each side until it’s browned and cooked.
Shrimp cook faster, needing only 2 minutes on each side to turn pink and opaque. To cook evenly, keep proteins in a single layer. This prevents overcrowding and ensures even heat.
Seasoning chicken and shrimp with Cajun spices or Old Bay adds flavor. This complements the creamy Alfredo sauce beautifully.
| Protein | Cooking Time | Doneness |
|---|---|---|
| Grilled Chicken Breast | 3-4 minutes per side | Browned and cooked through |
| Sautéed Shrimp | 2 minutes per side | Pink and opaque |
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows juices to redistribute, making it moist and flavorful. With these tips, your Creamy Alfredo Pasta will be a hit with everyone.
Nutritional Information and Portion Sizes
Making Creamy Alfredo Pasta with Chicken and Shrimp is a fun experience. But, it’s key to think about the nutrition too. This dish is creamy and tasty, but knowing the calories and nutrients helps enjoy it right.
Calories and Macronutrients
A serving of this dish has about 681-728 calories. It has 45g of fat, 34-47g of carbs, and 31-36g of protein. Plus, it’s packed with vitamins and minerals like calcium and iron.
Serving Suggestions
For a full meal, serve 1-1.5 cups of this dish per person. Pair it with a fresh salad or steamed veggies. This recipe makes 6-12 servings, based on how much you serve.
| Dish | Calories per Serving | Macronutrient Breakdown | Servings per Recipe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Creamy Alfredo Pasta with Chicken and Shrimp | 681-728 | 45g fat, 34-47g carbs, 31-36g protein | 6-12 |
| Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo (Olive Garden) | 813 | 33g fat, 66g carbs, 65g protein | 6 |
Being mindful of portion sizes lets you enjoy this dish without overdoing it. This way, you can still enjoy its creamy goodness while staying healthy.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Enjoying creamy Italian dishes like Alfredo pasta with chicken and shrimp is a treat. Keeping leftovers fresh and tasty is important. Follow these tips to keep your Italian meals delicious.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover creamy Alfredo pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Use a freezer-safe container to avoid freezer burn.
Reheating the Dish
Reheat your Italian dish gently to avoid a thick sauce. Here’s how:
- Reheat single servings in the microwave at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway.
- For bigger portions, heat in a skillet over medium, adding milk or broth to thin the sauce.
- Stir often while reheating to mix the sauce evenly.
By following these steps, your Italian dish will stay creamy and flavorful, even after reheating.
Variations and Customization Options
This creamy alfredo pasta dish is very versatile. You can add a spicy kick or make it lighter. There are many ways to make it your own. Let’s look at some tasty variations and ways to customize it for your family.
Spice Level Adjustments
For a spicy twist, add red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning to the sauce. This will make the fettuccine pasta more flavorful. If you like it milder, skip the Cajun seasoning.
Dietary Modifications
To make it lighter, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. This reduces calories and fat but keeps the flavor rich. For a vegetarian option, remove the chicken and shrimp and add more veggies.
Vegetable Add-ins
Adding fresh veggies makes the dish healthier and more colorful. Spinach, broccoli, and roasted red peppers are great choices. They pair well with the creamy alfredo sauce and fettuccine pasta.
Try different cheeses like Asiago or Romano for unique tastes. Using whole wheat pasta adds extra fiber. The options for customizing this dish are endless.
Conclusion
The creamy Alfredo pasta with chicken and shrimp recipe is a treat you can make at home. It’s a dish that’s both delicious and easy to make. It’s perfect for adding a bit of luxury to your meals without spending a lot.
This dish is great for any time, whether it’s a special event or a simple dinner. Using the best ingredients, like fresh Parmesan and juicy shrimp, makes it even better. It’s a meal that will impress anyone.
Looking for a cozy pasta night or want to wow your guests? Try this creamy Alfredo pasta with chicken and shrimp. It’s a recipe that will make your kitchen feel like a fancy restaurant. Your family and friends will love it so much, they’ll ask for more.
