Looking for a meal that's comforting, rich, and easy to make? Look no further than this one pot creamy garlic parmesan chicken alfredo recipe. It's packed with succulent chicken, creamy alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, all cooked in a single pot for minimal cleanup.
While most of the ingredients in the recipe are fairly common, two that might require a trip to the supermarket are heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Heavy cream is essential for the rich, creamy texture of the alfredo sauce. Parmesan cheese, on the other hand, adds a sharp, savory note that balances out the creaminess.
Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Alfredo
Chicken thighs: This forms the protein base of the dish. Chicken thighs are used for their juiciness and rich flavour.
Olive oil: Used for cooking the chicken and sautéing the onions and garlic.
Onions: Adds a sweet, caramel-like flavor when cooked.
Garlic: Gives a spicy, pungent kick.
Dry white wine: Adds a depth of flavour to the sauce.
Brown mushrooms: Provide a nice, earthy flavour.
Chicken broth: Adds more chicken flavour to the sauce and helps cook the pasta.
Heavy cream: Gives the alfredo sauce its classic rich, creamy texture.
Pasta: Serves as the base of the dish, soaking up the sauce.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor that balances out the creaminess of the sauce.
Fresh parsley: Provides a fresh, slightly bitter balance to the rich sauce.
One reader, Collette Bradley says:
This one-pot creamy garlic parmesan chicken alfredo recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and indulgent, and the dish is so easy to make. The creamy sauce is perfectly balanced, and the chicken is tender and flavorful. It's a definite winner for a cozy, satisfying meal.
Techniques Required for Making One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Alfredo
How to sear chicken thighs: Sear the seasoned chicken thighs in a hot pan with oil until they are golden brown and cooked through. This will help to lock in the juices and add flavor to the dish.
How to sauté onions and garlic: Sauté the onions until they are transparent, then add the garlic and cook until fragrant. This will release their flavors and aromas, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
How to reduce white wine: After adding the white wine, allow it to simmer and reduce by half. This will concentrate the flavors and remove the harshness of the alcohol, leaving a rich and flavorful base for the sauce.
How to cook pasta in the sauce: Add the dry pasta to the simmering sauce and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente. This allows the pasta to absorb the flavors of the sauce while cooking to the perfect texture.
How to melt parmesan cheese into the sauce: Stir in the parmesan cheese until it melts through the sauce, creating a creamy and flavorful alfredo sauce.
How to adjust the consistency of the sauce: If the sauce seems too thick, slowly add in the remaining cream until the desired consistency is achieved. This ensures the sauce coats the pasta evenly without being too thick or thin.
How To Make One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Alfredo
Seared chicken and mushrooms add a heartiness to this super creamy chicken alfredo recipe. The pasta is flavored with garlic, parmesan, and white wine too.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1lbchicken thighs,or chicken breasts, boneless skinless
- salt and pepper
- 2tbspolive oil,divided
- 1onion,diced
- 4clovesgarlic,(or 1 tbsp minced garlic)
- ½cupdry white wine,optional
- 8ozbrown mushrooms,sliced
- 2cupschicken brothx,or stock
- 1½cupsheavy cream,or thickened cream, light cream, or evaporated milk
- extra salt and pepper,to taste
- 8ozdry pasta,(penne or fettuccini)
- 1½cupsparmesan cheese,freshly grated
- fresh parsley,chopped, to garnish
Instructions
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Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
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Heat half of the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear on both sides until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
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Add the remaining oil in the pot. Fry onion for about 2 minutes until transparent, stirring occasionally.
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Sauté the garlic until fragrant, then add in the white wine and allow to reduce to half. This will take about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms and cook for about 1 minute, while stirring occasionally.
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Pour in broth and 1 cup of cream (or evaporated milk); season with salt and pepper.
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Bring to a gentle simmer then add the pasta. Mix well, reduce the heat to a slow simmer for about 15 minutes while stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente.
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Stir in the parmesan cheese until it melts through the sauce. Remove from heat immediately and slowly add in the remaining cream if sauce seems too thick. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
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Slice the chicken into strips and stir through the pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan, if desired
Nutrition
- Calories: 1260.75kcal
- Fat: 84.65g
- Saturated Fat: 39.02g
- Trans Fat: 0.16g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 31.03g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 8.84g
- Carbohydrates: 56.31g
- Fiber: 3.70g
- Sugar: 7.13g
- Protein: 63.36g
- Cholesterol: 323.82mg
- Sodium: 1210.19mg
- Calcium: 792.19mg
- Potassium: 1010.19mg
- Iron: 3.70mg
- Vitamin A: 559.43µg
- Vitamin C: 11.72mg
Mastering the Art of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Alfredo: A Technique Tip
When searing the chicken thighs, ensure your pot is hot enough before adding the chicken. This will give the chicken a nice golden brown color and lock in the juices, enhancing the flavor of your alfredo dish. However, be careful not to overcook the chicken during this step, as it will continue to cook later when added back into the pot with the pasta and sauce.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Delicious Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, measure ingredients, and marinate the chicken the night before to save time during the actual cooking process.
Use pre-cooked chicken: Utilize pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to cut down on cooking time.
One-pot cooking: Opt for one-pot recipes to minimize cleanup and streamline the cooking process.
Multi-task: While the chicken is cooking, prep other ingredients or set the table to make the most of your time in the kitchen.
Organize ingredients: Arrange all the ingredients and utensils needed for the recipe before you start cooking to avoid last-minute searches.
Substitute Ingredients For One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Alfredo Recipe
chicken thighs - Substitute with chicken breast: Chicken breast can be used as a leaner alternative to chicken thighs, and it cooks relatively quickly, making it a suitable substitute for this recipe.
dry white wine - Substitute with chicken or vegetable broth: If you prefer not to use wine, chicken or vegetable broth can add depth of flavor to the dish without the alcohol content.
brown mushrooms - Substitute with cremini mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms have a similar earthy flavor and texture to brown mushrooms, making them a suitable substitute in this recipe.
heavy cream - Substitute with half-and-half: Half-and-half can be used as a lighter alternative to heavy cream, while still providing richness to the dish.
dry pasta - Substitute with zucchini noodles: For a low-carb option, zucchini noodles can be used instead of dry pasta, adding a fresh and healthy twist to the dish.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with grated pecorino Romano: Pecorino Romano cheese has a similar salty and tangy flavor to parmesan, making it a suitable substitute in this recipe.
Presenting Your One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Alfredo
Elevate the plating: When presenting this creamy garlic parmesan chicken alfredo, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use clean lines and carefully arrange the components to showcase the dish's sophistication.
Incorporate fresh herbs: Introduce a pop of color and freshness by garnishing the dish with vibrant fresh parsley. This not only adds a touch of brightness to the plate but also enhances the overall visual appeal.
Opt for fine dining plating: Embrace the principles of fine dining by using white dinnerware and minimalist plating techniques. This will accentuate the luxurious nature of the dish and create a sense of refinement.
Balance the elements: Pay attention to the balance of colors and textures on the plate. Ensure that the creamy sauce is delicately draped over the succulent chicken and pasta, creating a harmonious visual composition.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space to allow the dish to breathe visually. Avoid overcrowding the plate, and instead, let the creamy garlic parmesan chicken alfredo take center stage with a well-considered and spacious presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Alfredo
- Knife: A sharp tool used for cutting and slicing ingredients.
- Cutting board: A flat board used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Skillet: A frying pan with a flat bottom and low sides, used for frying, searing, and browning foods.
- Whisk: A kitchen utensil used for whipping and mixing ingredients.
- Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a handle and a lid, used for making sauces and boiling liquids.
- Tongs: A tool with two arms and a pivot, used for picking up and manipulating food.
- Grater: A kitchen tool used for grating cheese, vegetables, and other foods.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Tools used for accurately measuring ingredients in cooking and baking.
- Garlic press: A tool used for crushing and mincing garlic cloves.
- Colander: A bowl-shaped kitchen utensil with perforated holes used for draining liquids from food.
- Pot: A deep cooking container with a handle and a lid, used for boiling, stewing, and cooking soups.
- Wooden spoon: A spoon made of wood, used for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
- Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking, roasting, and heating food.
- Stove: A cooking appliance with burners used for cooking food in pots and pans.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for mixing and combining ingredients in cooking and baking.
- Food processor: A kitchen appliance used for chopping, blending, and pureeing ingredients.
- Baking dish: A dish used for baking food in the oven.
- Spatula: A flat kitchen tool with a long handle, used for flipping and spreading food.
- Pastry brush: A cooking utensil used for spreading butter, oil, or glazes on food.
Storing and Freezing Your One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Alfredo
Allow the chicken alfredo to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the sauce from separating and the pasta from becoming mushy.
To store in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled alfredo to an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
When ready to reheat, place the desired portion in a saucepan over low heat. Stir gently until heated through, adding a splash of cream or milk if needed to thin out the sauce.
For freezing, portion the cooled alfredo into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Label the containers or bags with the date and contents, then place them in the freezer. The chicken alfredo will keep well for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat from frozen, thaw the alfredo overnight in the refrigerator. Then, follow the reheating instructions above.
Alternatively, you can reheat the frozen alfredo directly in a saucepan over low heat. Stir frequently and add a bit of cream or milk to help the sauce come together as it thaws.
Keep in mind that the texture of the pasta may change slightly after freezing and reheating, but the flavor will still be delicious.
How To Reheat Leftover Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Alfredo
Reheat in the oven: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover one pot creamy garlic parmesan chicken alfredo to an oven-safe dish, cover it with aluminum foil, and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. This method helps maintain the texture of the pasta and prevents it from becoming too soggy.
Reheat on the stovetop: place the leftover one pot creamy garlic parmesan chicken alfredo in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to help loosen the sauce and prevent the pasta from sticking together. Stir gently and continuously until the dish is heated through, about 5-10 minutes. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the sauce to separate.
Reheat in the microwave: transfer the leftover one pot creamy garlic parmesan chicken alfredo to a microwave-safe dish and add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to help maintain the consistency of the sauce. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the dish is heated through. This method is quick but may result in slightly unevenly heated pasta.
Reheat in a slow cooker: if you have a large amount of leftover one pot creamy garlic parmesan chicken alfredo, you can reheat it in a slow cooker. Transfer the leftovers to the slow cooker, add a small amount of chicken broth or heavy cream, and stir to combine. Cover and cook on low heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the dish is heated through. This method is ideal for larger portions and helps maintain the creamy texture of the sauce.
Interesting Trivia About One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Alfredo
The creamy garlic parmesan chicken alfredo recipe is a delicious and hearty one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and rich parmesan cheese. It's a comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in or for entertaining guests. This recipe is a great way to enjoy a classic Italian dish with a creamy twist. Plus, it's easy to make and requires minimal cleanup, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights. Whether you're a fan of alfredo pasta or looking for a new recipe to try, this creamy garlic parmesan chicken alfredo is sure to impress your taste buds.
Budget-Friendly Cooking: Is This Recipe Economical for Home Cooks?
The cost-effectiveness of this creamy garlic parmesan chicken alfredo recipe largely depends on the availability and cost of ingredients in your area. While chicken thighs and parmesan cheese can be pricier, the dish serves 4 and utilizes simple, affordable items like onion and pasta. The estimated cost for a household of 4 is approximately $20-$25. Considering the rich flavors and hearty portions, this recipe earns a solid 8/10 for its balance of cost and quality.
Is This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Alfredo Healthy or Unhealthy?
This one pot creamy garlic parmesan chicken alfredo recipe, while undeniably delicious, leans towards the unhealthy side due to its high content of saturated fats and simple carbohydrates. The heavy cream and parmesan cheese contribute to the high saturated fat content, which can increase the risk of heart disease and other health issues if consumed in excess. Additionally, the white pasta used in the recipe is a simple carbohydrate that can cause blood sugar spikes and provide little nutritional value.
To make this recipe healthier without compromising on taste, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the heavy cream with a lower-fat alternative, such as half-and-half or evaporated milk, to reduce the saturated fat content
- Use whole wheat or vegetable-based pasta instead of white pasta to increase the fiber content and provide more nutrients
- Increase the amount of mushrooms and add other vegetables, such as spinach or bell peppers, to boost the nutritional value and add more flavor and texture to the dish
- Reduce the amount of parmesan cheese used, or opt for a lower-fat cheese alternative
- Use skinless chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs to reduce the overall fat content of the dish
Editor's Opinion on This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Alfredo Recipe
The one pot creamy garlic parmesan chicken alfredo recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The creamy alfredo sauce, infused with garlic and parmesan, perfectly complements the tender chicken and savory mushrooms. The addition of white wine adds a subtle depth of flavor, while the al dente pasta provides a satisfying bite. This dish is a comforting and indulgent meal that is sure to impress. The recipe's simplicity and one-pot method make it a practical choice for a delicious weeknight dinner.
Enhance Your One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Alfredo Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Alfredo Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delicious outcome, as it features chicken thighs for succulence and parmesan cheese for a rich, savory flavor. The use of garlic and onion adds depth, while white wine infuses a subtle complexity. The inclusion of mushrooms brings earthy notes, and the creamy sauce, made with heavy cream and chicken broth, ensures a luscious texture. The addition of fresh parsley provides a vibrant finish. Trust in the combination of these high-quality ingredients for a truly satisfying meal.
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