Do you love creamy and cheesy pasta dishes, but hate the hassle of washing multiple pots and pans? If so, you will love this one-pot chicken alfredo recipe that is easy, quick, and delicious. In this article, you will learn what one-pot chicken alfredo is, how to make it, the history behind it, and some suggestions for side dishes to go with it.
What is One-Pot Chicken Alfredo?
One-pot chicken alfredo is a pasta dish that consists of chicken, fettuccine, cream, butter, cheese, and seasonings cooked in one pot. The result is a rich and creamy sauce that coats the pasta and chicken, creating a satisfying and comforting meal.
One-pot chicken alfredo is a variation of the classic alfredo sauce, which is traditionally made with just butter and cheese. By adding chicken and cream, the sauce becomes more filling and flavorful. By cooking everything in one pot, the dish becomes more convenient and easy to make.
One-pot chicken alfredo is a perfect dish for busy weeknights, as it takes less than 30 minutes to prepare and requires minimal cleanup. You can also customize it with your favorite ingredients, such as garlic, mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, or bacon.
How to Make One-Pot Chicken Alfredo
To make one-pot chicken alfredo, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 4 cups of chicken broth
- 1 pound of fettuccine
- 2 cups of heavy cream
- 1/4 cup of butter
- 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Parsley for garnish (optional)
The steps to make one-pot chicken alfredo are:
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot or skillet over medium-high heat, heat the oil and cook the chicken for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
- In the same pot or skillet over high heat, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until al dente.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the cream, butter, cheese, and more salt and pepper if needed. Stir until well combined and smooth.
- Add the chicken back to the pot and toss to coat with the sauce.
- Sprinkle with parsley if desired and serve hot.
The History of One-Pot Chicken Alfredo
One-pot chicken alfredo is a modern adaptation of the original alfredo sauce, which was invented in Rome, Italy, in the early 20th century. The inventor was Alfredo di Lelio, a restaurateur who wanted to create a dish for his pregnant wife who had lost her appetite. He cooked some fettuccine with butter and cheese and served it to her. She loved it so much that he added it to his menu as “fettuccine al burro” (fettuccine with butter).
The dish became popular among tourists who visited his restaurant, especially Americans who called it “fettuccine alfredo” (fettuccine Alfredo). Some of them were famous celebrities, such as Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks, who even gave him a golden fork and spoon as a gift.
The dish was brought to America by these tourists and became a staple of Italian-American cuisine. However, it was modified to suit the American palate by adding cream to make it thicker and richer. Later on, other ingredients were added to make it more varied and interesting, such as chicken, garlic, mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, or bacon.
Today, one-pot chicken alfredo is one of the most popular and easy pasta dishes in America. It is also enjoyed in other countries around the world.
Side Dishes for One-Pot Chicken Alfredo
One-pot chicken alfredo is a hearty and creamy dish that can be enjoyed on its own or with some side dishes to complement it. Here are some suggestions for side dishes that go well with one-pot chicken alfredo:
- Salad: A fresh green salad with a light dressing can balance out the heaviness of the pasta dish. You can use any greens you like, such as lettuce, spinach, arugula, or kale. You can also add some tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, olives, or cheese for extra flavor and texture.
- Bread: A crusty bread can soak up the creamy sauce and add some crunch to your meal. You can use any bread you like, such as baguette, ciabatta, focaccia, or garlic bread. You can also spread some butter or olive oil on your bread for extra richness.
- Wine: A glass of wine can enhance the flavor and aroma of your pasta dish. You can choose a white or red wine depending on your preference. A white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, or Sauvignon Blanc, can pair well with the cheese and cream in the sauce. A red wine, such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Chianti, can pair well with the chicken and butter in the dish.
Conclusion
One-pot chicken alfredo is a quick and easy pasta dish that can be made with just a few ingredients and one pot. It is a rich and creamy dish that originated in Rome, Italy, and has become a worldwide favorite. You can enjoy it on its own or with some side dishes, such as salad, bread, or wine. If you try this recipe, please let us know what you think and share your suggestions. Bon appetit!
