Here’s a delicious recipe for Chicken Alfredo Pasta that’s perfect for using up a shredded Costco rotisserie chicken. Using the pre-cooked rotisserie chicken which simplifies the cooking process and speeds up the preparation time.
This dish is creamy, rich, and sure to be a hit for a comforting meal. As an added bonus, this meal tastes better and is LESS EXPENSIVE than than Costco’s pre-made Chicken Alfredo meal.
I have the recipe written using two cups of shredded chicken but you can use three cups if you want to make this a meatier dish.
Ingredients for Chicken Alfredo Pasta:
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 pound (450g) fettuccine pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (additional for serving)
Ingredients for Homemade Alfredo Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk (you can use all heavy cream for a richer sauce)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional for extra flavor)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving some of the pasta water for later.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic (and garlic powder, if using) and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and milk. Bring to a simmer, then lower the heat and continue to simmer for about 2-3 minutes. The sauce should thicken slightly.
- Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it with a little reserved pasta water.
- Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
- In a large skillet or the same pot, combine the cooked pasta and shredded chicken. Pour the Alfredo sauce over the top and gently toss to combine over low heat until everything is heated through and evenly coated with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick or the pasta absorbs too much, add a little more pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Serve:
- Transfer the Chicken Alfredo Pasta to serving plates. Top with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately, with freshly ground black pepper on top if desired.
Side Dishes
- Garlic Bread: This is a classic pairing for any pasta dish. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Steamed Broccoli or Asparagus: These vegetables add a nice contrast in texture and a bit of freshness to balance the richness of the Alfredo sauce.
- Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad with its tangy dressing can cut through the creaminess of the pasta and refresh the palate.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Roasted until caramelized, Brussels sprouts offer a nutty flavor that pairs well with the creamy pasta.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil make a light side that adds a splash of color and freshness to your meal.
Wine Pairings
- Chardonnay: A full-bodied Chardonnay with buttery notes complements the creamy texture of the Alfredo sauce very well. Choose one with moderate oak to match the richness of the dish.
- Sauvignon Blanc: For those who prefer a sharper contrast, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc can cut through the richness of the sauce with its acidity and citrus notes.
- Pinot Grigio: Another light option that pairs nicely with creamy pasta dishes. Its clean and refreshing taste helps balance the heaviness of the Alfredo sauce.
- Sparkling Wine: A brut sparkling wine can be a delightful pairing with Chicken Alfredo due to its acidity and bubbles, which help cleanse the palate.
These side dishes and wines offer a balance of flavors and textures that work well with the creamy and comforting Chicken Alfredo Pasta.
Nutritional Information
The nutritional values for Chicken Alfredo Pasta can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes. However, here’s an estimated breakdown per serving, assuming the recipe serves about 6 people:
Approximate Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 750-850 calories
- Protein: 30-35 grams
- Total Fat: 35-45 grams
- Saturated Fat: 20-25 grams
- Carbohydrates: 75-85 grams
- Fiber: 3-4 grams
- Sugars: 5-6 grams
- Cholesterol: 110-130 mg
- Sodium: 600-800 mg
These values are based on general estimates. The actual values can vary based on specific brands of ingredients used (such as the type of pasta, cream, or cheese) and any modifications to the recipe, like adjustments in portion sizes or ingredient substitutions.
This dish is rich in calories and fat, primarily from the cream and cheese used in the Alfredo sauce, and provides a good amount of protein from the chicken.
What is the olive oil and butter in the Pasta Ingredients for?
Also, 2 garlic cloves are listed in the Pasta Ingredients but used in the Sauce recipe.
Trying to make ends meet!
BTW I like your site and have a couple chickens I am working with now!
Also I am from Baron Rouge, Dave!