Who doesn’t love a creamy, indulgent plate of chicken alfredo? It’s a classic comfort food that never disappoints. The good news is, you don’t need hours in the kitchen or a long list of ingredients to make a delicious chicken alfredo dish. In fact, with just a few simple ingredients, including jarred alfredo sauce, you can whip up a flavorful meal in no time!
This easy chicken alfredo recipe is perfect for busy nights when you’re craving a hearty, creamy dinner but don’t have the time or energy to make everything from scratch. Let’s dive in and learn how to make this mouth-watering dish in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we jump into the cooking process, let’s take a quick look at what you’ll need to make this easy chicken alfredo. You might already have most of these items in your kitchen!
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 1 jar of your favorite alfredo sauce (about 15 oz)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra richness)
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta (or any pasta you like)
- 1 tablespoon salt (for the pasta water)
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for a pop of color)
- Extra grated Parmesan for serving
How to Make Easy Chicken Alfredo with Jar Sauce
Now that you’ve got all the ingredients ready, it’s time to cook! Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to making your chicken alfredo:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine (or whatever pasta you prefer) and cook according to the package directions until it’s al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once it’s done, drain the pasta, reserving about a cup of the pasta water (you’ll use this to help thin the sauce later if needed).
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides, then place them in the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F). Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside to rest for a few minutes. Once it’s cool enough to handle, slice the chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Heat the Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet you used to cook the chicken, pour in the jar of alfredo sauce. Turn the heat to medium and let the sauce warm up for about 2-3 minutes. If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a little longer. If it’s too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up to your desired consistency.
For an extra creamy and cheesy touch, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese at this point. It will add a rich flavor and a smooth texture to your sauce.
Step 4: Combine the Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce
Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet with the alfredo sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are well coated in the creamy sauce. Let it cook for another minute or two so everything heats through and the flavors can meld together.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Once everything is combined and hot, transfer the chicken alfredo to plates or bowls. If you’d like, sprinkle some fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and a hint of freshness. Add a little more grated Parmesan if you like your alfredo extra cheesy. Serve with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad to complete the meal!
Tips for the Perfect Easy Chicken Alfredo
- Use a good-quality jarred sauce: The sauce is the star of this dish, so don’t skimp on quality. A rich and creamy alfredo sauce will make a big difference in the final taste.
- Season the chicken well: Even though the alfredo sauce is rich, the chicken itself needs a little seasoning to stand out. A simple salt and pepper seasoning is all you need to enhance the flavor.
- Add some veggies: You can easily make this dish even more nutritious by adding vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms. Simply sauté them with the chicken or toss them in with the pasta and sauce.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: For the best texture, be sure to cook your pasta just until it’s al dente. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and ruin the texture of the dish.
- Make it your own: Feel free to experiment with the recipe by adding other seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or even red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Alfredo
This recipe is a life-saver for busy nights when you don’t have time to cook from scratch but still want a satisfying meal. The jarred alfredo sauce does all the heavy lifting, giving you a creamy, flavorful sauce without having to make one from scratch. Plus, the chicken adds a delicious protein that makes this dish a full meal on its own.
Not only is this recipe super easy to make, but it’s also incredibly customizable. Add your favorite vegetables, swap out the chicken for shrimp or even use a different type of pasta. The possibilities are endless, and it’s a great dish to experiment with based on what you have on hand.
Conclusion
There you have it! This easy chicken alfredo recipe with jar sauce is perfect for those days when you want a comforting meal but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that’s creamy, savory, and downright delicious. Plus, you can add your own personal touch to make it even better!
So, next time you’re craving a creamy pasta dish, reach for that jar of alfredo sauce and give this recipe a try. Your taste buds (and your busy schedule) will thank you!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for chicken alfredo?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is the classic choice, you can use any pasta you like, such as penne, spaghetti, or even rigatoni.
Is it okay to use a low-fat jar of alfredo sauce?
Yes, you can use a low-fat version, but keep in mind that it may not be as creamy or rich as the regular version.
Can I add vegetables to the chicken alfredo?
Definitely! You can add vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms to make the dish more nutritious and colorful.
How can I make this recipe spicy?
Add some red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or jalapeños to give the dish a spicy kick.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before slicing it into pieces.
Can I make chicken alfredo ahead of time?
Chicken alfredo is best enjoyed fresh, but you can make it ahead of time and reheat it. Just be sure to add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to bring back the creaminess.
Can I substitute the chicken with something else?
Yes, you can use shrimp, turkey, or even grilled vegetables instead of chicken to suit your preference.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
To make the sauce thicker, simmer it a little longer or stir in some extra grated Parmesan cheese.
Can I make this dish without chicken?
Yes, if you want a vegetarian version, you can skip the chicken and add extra veggies or even use tofu.
How long will leftovers last?
Leftover chicken alfredo can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.