How I Make Way Better Alfredo

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will guide you through making a delicious blackened chicken Alfredo pasta. This comfort dish is easy to prepare and yields generous servings, making it perfect for family meals. Whether you're using pappardelle or fettuccine, this recipe is sure to impress.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

• Take one large chicken breast (about 1 pound) and flatten it to approximately 3/8 inch thick.
• Season both sides with homemade Cajun seasoning or any store-bought brand. If your seasoning contains salt, be cautious about adding extra salt.
• Optionally, add minced garlic for flavor.

Step 2: Gather Ingredients

• 9 ounces of pappardelle or fettuccine pasta (you can double the recipe for a full pound).
• 1 cup of grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (preferably aged 24 months for best flavor).
• 1 stick (8 tablespoons) of butter.
• 1 cup of heavy cream.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

• Heat a large stainless steel pan over medium heat for about 3 minutes.
• Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan.
• Place the seasoned chicken in the pan and sear for about 3 minutes on each side.
• After searing, add 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan for added flavor.
• Check for doneness by cutting into the thickest part of the chicken; it should be firm and cooked through. Tent the chicken with foil and set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce

• In a separate non-stick pan, melt 7 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat.
• Add minced garlic and let it sauté until lightly golden.
• Slowly pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir in the grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (reserve some cheese for serving).
• Allow the sauce to bubble and thicken. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1.5 tablespoons of kosher salt per gallon of water.
• Once boiling, add the pasta and gently stir to prevent sticking. Be careful not to break the delicate pasta.
• Cook the pasta according to package instructions until just al dente, typically a couple of minutes less than the package suggests.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

• Once the pasta is cooked, turn the heat back on under the sauce to low.
• Using tongs, transfer the pasta directly into the sauce, allowing some pasta water to mix in.
• Toss the pasta in the sauce for about 30 seconds to ensure it's well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 7: Serve

• Slice the rested chicken and arrange it on top of the pasta.
• Garnish with additional grated Parmigiano Reggiano and serve hot.

Conclusion

You have now created a creamy and flavorful blackened chicken Alfredo pasta that’s sure to be a hit at your dining table. Remember to enjoy the process and feel free to customize the recipe to your taste. Happy cooking!