Easy Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe

Introduction

Craving a creamy, savory dish that combines the best of both chicken and shrimp? This Easy Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo recipe is the perfect solution! Packed with flavor, this dish brings together tender chicken, juicy shrimp, and a rich Alfredo sauce for a satisfying meal everyone will love. In this recipe, you’ll learn how to make a comforting, restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your home, with simple ingredients and a quick cooking process.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo recipe is a crowd-pleaser for many reasons. First, it’s a wonderful combination of flavors and textures. The chicken adds a savory, hearty element, while the shrimp brings a delicate sweetness, perfectly complemented by the creamy Alfredo sauce. The dish is rich and indulgent but still balanced, making it perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting dinner guests or enjoying a cozy night in.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It combines fresh, everyday ingredients to create a dish that tastes like it came straight from an upscale restaurant. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make! The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are easy to find, meaning you can whip this up even on busy weeknights. The garlic-infused Alfredo sauce is velvety and full of flavor, making each bite an unforgettable experience.

Recipe Details

The origin of Alfredo sauce dates back to early 20th-century Rome, Italy, where it was invented by a chef named Alfredo di Lelio. Originally, the dish was made with just butter and Parmesan cheese, creating a simple but delicious sauce. Over time, the recipe evolved, and the classic Alfredo sauce we know today often includes heavy cream for a thicker, richer texture.

Adding chicken and shrimp to this creamy base brings even more depth of flavor and makes the dish more filling, perfect for a complete meal.

This dish combines some essential culinary techniques—sauteing, simmering, and creating a homemade sauce—all in one pan. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can easily adjust the amount of garlic, seasoning, or cream to suit your preferences, making it customizable to your tastes. Whether you prefer more shrimp or a bigger portion of chicken, this dish can be adjusted to satisfy any craving.

Nutritional Information

This Easy Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo recipe is rich in both protein and flavor, making it a filling option for a meal. Let’s break down the nutritional components:

• Calories: 650-750 per serving (depending on portion size)
• Protein: 40-45 grams (chicken and shrimp provide the bulk of the protein)
• Carbohydrates: 45-50 grams (from the pasta)
• Fat: 35-40 grams (mainly from the heavy cream and cheese in the Alfredo sauce)

Health Benefits: While this dish is indulgent, it does provide a good balance of protein and healthy fats. Shrimp is a low-calorie source of high-quality protein, while chicken breast offers lean protein as well. The sauce, though creamy, provides healthy fats from the butter and cream. However, for those who are looking for a lighter option, it’s easy to modify the sauce to reduce fat content by using a lighter cream or milk substitute.

Ingredients

• Chicken breast (2 boneless, skinless breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces)
• Shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined)
• Pasta (1 lb, fettuccine or your preferred type)
• Heavy cream (1 cup)
• Parmesan cheese (1 cup, grated)
• Butter (1/4 cup)
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
• Olive oil (2 tbsp, for cooking)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Parsley (1 tbsp, fresh, chopped for garnish)

These ingredients combine to create a rich, flavorful dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. You can find all of these ingredients at any local grocery store. For an extra touch of flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Fresh garlic also makes a noticeable difference in the sauce, giving it a fragrant, savory flavor.

Equipment Needed

For this recipe, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools:

• Large skillet or sauté pan (for cooking the chicken, shrimp, and sauce)
• Large pot (for boiling the pasta)
• Strainer (to drain the pasta)
• Wooden spoon or spatula (for stirring)
• Measuring cups and spoons (to get the right amounts of ingredients)

If you don’t have a large skillet, you can use any pan with high sides, like a Dutch oven. The key is to have enough space to cook the chicken, shrimp, and sauce without overcrowding. A non-stick pan will help keep the sauce from sticking and allow for even cooking.

Pro Tips For Success

1. Cook the chicken thoroughly: To avoid undercooking, cut the chicken into even pieces to ensure it cooks at the same rate. Sauté the chicken over medium heat until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
2. Shrimp cooking time: Shrimp cooks quickly—about 2-3 minutes per side is usually perfect. Don’t overcook it or it will become rubbery.
3. Creamy Alfredo sauce: To achieve a velvety, smooth sauce, avoid overheating the cream. Once it begins to simmer, lower the heat and add the cheese slowly, stirring constantly until smooth.
4. Seasoning is key: Don’t skip on seasoning—salt, pepper, and garlic are essential to building flavor. Taste as you go to ensure the seasoning balance is just right.
5. Pasta cooking: Cook your pasta al dente (slightly firm to the bite). This helps the pasta maintain its texture in the sauce, and it absorbs the creamy Alfredo sauce better.

Instructions

1. Prepare the pasta: Cook the fettuccine or preferred pasta according to package instructions in salted water. Drain and set aside, reserving about a cup of pasta water to help thicken the sauce later if needed.
2. Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Sauté the chicken until it’s golden brown on all sides and fully cooked through (about 7-10 minutes). Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Cook the shrimp: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed, then add the shrimp. Season with salt and pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside with the chicken.
4. Make the Alfredo sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it. Add the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Once it simmers, reduce the heat to low and slowly whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth.
5. Combine the pasta, chicken, and shrimp: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Stir to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. Add the cooked chicken and shrimp, tossing everything together gently. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
6. Garnish and serve: Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Recipe Variations

1. Add vegetables: For an extra burst of flavor and nutrition, you can add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli to your Alfredo pasta.
2. Lighter version: Use half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream for a lighter sauce. You can also opt for grilled chicken or use turkey bacon for a healthier twist.
3. Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the dish a spicy kick. This variation pairs wonderfully with shrimp.

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply add a splash of milk or cream to the sauce and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also freeze the dish for up to 2 months. When ready to reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then warm it gently on the stove.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this creamy Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo recipe with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad. A crisp Caesar salad is a perfect complement to balance the richness of the Alfredo sauce. For an extra touch, serve with a glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
   Yes, any pasta works! Penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti would be delicious alternatives.
2. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
   Yes! Simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure the cream and other ingredients are gluten-free.
3. What can I substitute for heavy cream?
   You can use half-and-half, milk, or even a dairy-free option like coconut milk, though it will slightly alter the flavor.
4. How can I make this dish spicier?
   Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for extra heat.
5. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the chicken and shrimp ahead of time and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready, cook the pasta and make the sauce.

Conclusion

This Easy Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo recipe is the perfect balance of indulgence and convenience. With its creamy, savory Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and succulent shrimp, it’s sure to impress your family and guests. Don’t be intimidated by the richness—this recipe is simple to make, and the results are well worth the effort. Give it a try tonight and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home!

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