Chicken Alfredo is a classic Italian-American dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce. Using jar sauce makes this recipe incredibly easy and convenient, perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal. The smooth, velvety sauce paired with succulent chicken and fettuccine pasta creates a comforting and satisfying dish. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, chicken Alfredo with jar sauce is sure to impress.
Choosing the Right Main Ingredients:
When making chicken Alfredo, the quality of your main ingredients is key to a delicious result. For this recipe, you’ll need boneless chicken breast halves. Choose fresh, high-quality chicken to ensure the best flavor and texture. The fettuccine pasta should be uncooked, allowing it to absorb the flavors of the creamy Alfredo sauce during cooking. As for the Alfredo sauce, opting for a jar Alfredo-style pasta sauce simplifies the process without compromising on taste.
Seasoning Questions:
Seasoning plays a vital role in enhancing the flavors of your chicken Alfredo. A combination of lemon pepper and seasoning salt will give your chicken a delightful kick. Don’t forget to season your pasta water with a generous amount of salt to infuse the fettuccine with flavor as it cooks. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is essential for adding a nutty, savory depth to the creamy sauce.
Recommended Cooking Equipment and Effective Usage:
To make this chicken Alfredo recipe with jar sauce, you’ll need a few key pieces of equipment:
- Large Pot: For boiling the fettuccine. Ensure it’s big enough for the pasta to cook evenly.
- Large Skillet: For cooking the chicken and combining all ingredients. A non-stick skillet works best to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Colander: To drain the pasta once it’s cooked.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring and mixing the ingredients.
- Grater: For freshly grating Parmesan cheese.
- Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked to the right temperature.
Using these tools effectively ensures your dish is prepared with ease and precision. For example, use the large pot to cook the fettuccine until al dente, ensuring it’s tender but still firm to the bite. The large skillet allows ample space for cooking the cubed chicken until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Utilizing a wooden spoon or spatula helps you mix the ingredients without scratching your cookware. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is best achieved with a fine grater, ensuring it melts smoothly into the sauce.
How to Use Equipment Effectively:
- Large Pot: Fill it with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil before adding the fettuccine. Cook until al dente, then drain using a colander.
- Large Skillet: Heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken, season with lemon pepper and seasoning salt, and cook until golden brown and no longer pink inside. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Colander: Place it in the sink and pour the cooked pasta into it to drain the water. Shake gently to remove excess water.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Use it to stir the chicken and pasta together with the jar Alfredo-style pasta sauce, ensuring everything is well coated.
- Grater: Grate the Parmesan cheese directly over the skillet to add a fresh, cheesy flavor.
- Meat Thermometer: Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches at least 165°F to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Comprehensive Chicken Alfredo Recipe with Jar Sauce
Chicken Alfredo with Jar Sauce
Chicken Alfredo recipe with jar sauce is my go-to comfort dish. Its rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken create a delightful harmony that satisfies every time. Using a jar of Alfredo sauce simplifies the process, making it perfect for busy evenings without sacrificing flavor. This dish is a delicious, quick dinner favorite in my home.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless chicken breast halves, cubed
- 1 jar Alfredo-style pasta sauce (about 15 ounces)
- 8 ounces uncooked fettuccine
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
- 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 1 cup mixed vegetables or frozen vegetables (optional)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Fettuccine:
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil.
- Add the uncooked fettuccine to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente. This typically takes about 10-12 minutes.
- Drain the pasta using a colander and set aside.
Cook the Chicken:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the cubed chicken breast halves to the skillet.
- Season the chicken with lemon pepper and seasoning salt.
- Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). This usually takes about 7-10 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Combine Ingredients:
- In the same skillet, add the jar Alfredo-style pasta sauce.
- If using, add the sliced mushrooms and mixed or frozen vegetables to the skillet.
- Stir to combine and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it with the sauce.
- Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet and gently toss to combine everything evenly.
Serve and Garnish:
- Transfer the chicken Alfredo to serving plates.
- Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over each serving.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving:Calories: 650Total Fat: 35gCarbohydrates: 55gFiber: 3gSugar: 5gProtein: 30g
Serving Suggestions and Suitable Side Dishes:
Chicken Alfredo pairs wonderfully with a fresh garden salad or a side of steamed broccoli. Garlic bread or a warm baguette also makes a perfect accompaniment, allowing you to savor every bit of the creamy sauce. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a crisp white wine, like a Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay.
Useful Cooking Tips:
- Preheat your skillet: Ensure your skillet is properly preheated before adding the chicken. This helps achieve a nice sear and prevents sticking.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, which can cause the chicken to steam rather than sear.
- Stir frequently: When adding the pasta and chicken to the sauce, stir frequently to ensure even coating and prevent sticking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Overcooking the pasta: Fettuccine should be cooked until just al dente to avoid a mushy texture.
- Undercooking the chicken: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to avoid any risk of foodborne illness.
- Using too much sauce: While creamy Alfredo sauce is delicious, too much can overwhelm the dish. Start with the recommended amount and adjust to your taste.
Conclusion:
Chicken Alfredo with jar sauce is a quick and satisfying meal that delivers restaurant-quality flavors in the comfort of your home. By following this simple recipe, you can enjoy a creamy, flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. With tender chicken, perfectly cooked fettuccine, and a rich Alfredo sauce, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy this easy Alfredo recipe and savor the delightful combination of flavors and textures.
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I’m Calvin Lamb, an LA-based culinary enthusiast with a decade’s experience in five-star kitchens. My innovative dishes, inspired by seasonal flavors and sustainable practices, blend classic and modern cuisine. Besides crafting unique culinary experiences, I relish exploring new eateries and devising fresh recipes.