Easy Chicken Alfredo Recipe

Summary

In this video, John Cannell demonstrates how to make a creamy, indulgent Chicken Alfredo. He starts by boiling salted water for fettuccine and prepping chicken with garlic, salt, and pepper. The chicken is cooked in batches, while a rich sauce is made with butter, heavy cream, and freshly minced garlic. John shares a fun historical story about the origins of Alfredo and emphasizes the importance of quality ingredients like fresh Parmesan. The pasta is tossed in the creamy sauce, with a final touch of parsley. This simple yet delicious dish becomes a family favorite and is perfect for anyone craving a comforting, flavorful meal.

Takeaways

• 😀 Salt your pasta water generously to avoid bland pasta.
• 😀 Garlic is a crucial flavor in this recipe—use fresh garlic, not jarred or canned, and aim for at least 8-10 cloves for maximum flavor.
• 😀 Don’t be afraid to add extra chicken—doubling it is easy if you want more meat in the dish.
• 😀 Slice thick chicken breasts to help them cook faster and more evenly, ensuring they stay juicy and flavorful.
• 😀 The historical story behind Alfredo’s popularity involves Hollywood stars Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks visiting Alfredo's restaurant in Italy.
• 😀 Olive oil and butter are used together to cook the chicken, allowing the butter to melt without burning.
• 😀 Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken—cook it in batches for a golden, crispy result.
• 😀 Always reserve a cup of pasta water before draining. It contains starch that helps the sauce achieve a silky texture when mixed with the pasta.
• 😀 Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture—microplane graters work best to create fluffy cheese clouds.
• 😀 Adjust the sauce’s consistency with pasta water as needed to keep the dish silky and smooth after mixing in the pasta.

Q & A

Why is it important to salt the pasta water?

Salting the pasta water ensures that the pasta is properly seasoned, preventing it from being bland. It helps to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

How much garlic should be used for the chicken Alfredo recipe?

The recipe calls for at least three cloves of garlic, but the creator suggests using eight cloves for a stronger garlic flavor. Adjust the amount based on personal preference and the size of the garlic cloves.

What is the significance of using freshly minced garlic over jarred garlic?

Freshly minced garlic provides a more vibrant and intense flavor compared to jarred garlic, which may be more subdued or have a metallic taste due to preservatives.

Why is it suggested to slice the chicken breasts before cooking?

Slicing the chicken breasts before cooking ensures that they cook faster and more evenly. It also allows for a greater surface area for the chicken to absorb flavor and become golden brown.

How does the history of Alfredo’s dish contribute to the recipe’s charm?

The history behind the dish adds a romantic and nostalgic touch, as it was originally created for a pregnant wife by Alfredo Di Lelio. The story of its popularity, particularly involving Hollywood stars Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks, adds a layer of cultural significance to the dish.

What is the benefit of using both butter and olive oil to cook the chicken?

The combination of butter and olive oil offers the best of both worlds: the butter provides rich flavor, while the olive oil has a higher burn point, preventing the butter from burning during the cooking process.

What should you do with the pan after cooking the chicken?

After cooking the chicken, drain the oil and give the pan a light wipe to remove excess grease. However, it’s important to keep the flavorful brown bits, as they will contribute to the depth of flavor in the sauce.

Why is it important to reserve a cup of pasta water?

Reserving pasta water is crucial because the starch in the water helps to create a silky, smooth sauce. It allows the sauce to emulsify and better coat the pasta, preventing it from becoming too thick or dry.

Why is freshly grated Parmesan preferred over pre-grated Parmesan?

Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and more smoothly into the sauce. Pre-grated Parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting properly and result in a less creamy texture.

How does cooking the sauce on low heat help in the preparation?

Cooking the sauce on low heat helps prevent the garlic and cream from burning or separating. It allows the flavors to meld together gradually and ensures the sauce thickens to the right consistency without compromising its texture.