Chicken & Mushroom Alfredo
There’s nothing quite like sitting down to a plate of creamy, indulgent Chicken & Mushroom Alfredo after a long day. This dish is the perfect balance of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce. It’s comfort food at its finest—simple to prepare, yet packed with flavor that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe brings the cozy, restaurant-quality flavors of Alfredo right into your kitchen. Juicy chicken, sautéed mushrooms, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce come together in just 35 minutes, making it as practical as it is delicious.
I love serving this dish on busy weeknights when I want something hearty but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Pair it with a crisp side salad or some garlic bread, and you’ve got a meal that’s sure to earn rave reviews from the whole family.
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Mushrooms:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- ¼ cup white wine (optional)
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
How to Make Chicken & Mushroom Alfredo
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Mushrooms
- In the same skillet, add the onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and release their juices.
- If using white wine, pour it into the skillet and let it reduce by half, about 2 minutes.
Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then stir in the Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce cook for 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
Step 4: Combine the Chicken and Sauce
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the sauce. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
- While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, then toss it with the Alfredo sauce and chicken.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the Chicken & Mushroom Alfredo hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley if desired.
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken & Mushroom Alfredo
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Cook the chicken just until it’s done to keep it tender and juicy.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Grating your own Parmesan cheese ensures the sauce is creamy and flavorful.
- Deglaze with Wine: If you have white wine on hand, use it to deglaze the pan after cooking the mushrooms for an extra layer of flavor.
- Salt the Pasta Water: This is your only chance to season the pasta itself, so don’t skip this step!
Make-Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to refresh the sauce.
Flavor Variations
This recipe is endlessly versatile. Here are a few ways to make it your own:
- Add Veggies: Toss in some spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or broccoli for added color and nutrition.
- Swap the Protein: Use shrimp, turkey, or even grilled tofu instead of chicken.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick.
- Go Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken works great. Just add it to the sauce at the end to warm through.
2. What’s the best pasta for Alfredo?
Fettuccine is the classic choice, but penne, linguine, or even spaghetti will work just as well.
3. Can I make this dish lighter?
For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the Parmesan slightly.
4. Can I freeze Chicken & Mushroom Alfredo?
While the sauce may separate slightly when reheated, you can freeze this dish in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
5. How can I thicken the sauce if needed?
If your Alfredo sauce is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer or whisk in a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water.
Comfort Food at Its Finest
This Chicken & Mushroom Alfredo is everything you want in a comforting meal—creamy, flavorful, and satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re dining at your favorite Italian restaurant, but without ever leaving home.
Serve it up for a family dinner, a romantic date night, or even as a treat for yourself. However you enjoy it, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your rotation. So grab your skillet, boil some pasta, and get ready to indulge in a plate of creamy, dreamy Alfredo goodness!
