Creamy Chicken Alfredo with Crunchy Bacon Bits
This Creamy Chicken Alfredo with Crunchy Bacon Bits is a delightful twist on the classic dish, inspired by Paula Deen's Comfort Food Magazine. The savory combination of crispy bacon, tender boneless chicken breasts, and rich heavy cream creates a dish that's both comforting and indulgent. The addition of sautéed onions and garlic enhances the flavor profile, while fresh parsley adds a touch of brightness. Perfect for a cozy dinner with family or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. You'll love the way the creamy sauce clings to the fettuccine, making each bite a delicious experience. Whether you prefer a light meal or a hearty portion, this dish can be easily customized to your taste.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bacon
4 slices (Cooked until crispy, crumbled for topping)
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
1.75 lbs (about 3 breasts) (Cooked and shredded)
Pepper
3/4 teaspoon (Ground)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
Chicken broth
2 tablespoons (Used to cook the chicken)
Onion
3/4 cup (Chopped)
Garlic
5 cloves (Minced)
Heavy whipping cream
2 cups (Added to the sauce)
Parmesan cheese
1.5 cups (Shredded)
Parsley
3 tablespoons (Freshly chopped, for garnish)
Fettuccine pasta
16 ounces (Cooked and kept warm)
Reserved pasta water
1/4 cup (Set aside for adjusting sauce consistency)
Instructions
1
Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon slices and cook until they are crispy. Once done, remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on paper towels to drain, reserving the drippings in the skillet. Crumble the bacon into small bits and set aside for later.
2
Season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In the same skillet, brown the chicken in the reserved bacon drippings. Pour in the chicken broth, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and shred it using two forks.
3
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 7 minutes over medium-high heat, or until the onion becomes tender and translucent. Return the shredded chicken to the skillet, then stir in the heavy whipping cream. Allow the mixture to cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly.
4
Remove the skillet from the heat and add the shredded parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley. Stir until the cheese melts into the creamy sauce, creating a rich and flavorful base.
5
Combine the cooked fettuccine pasta with the chicken and sauce mixture. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired sauce consistency. Finally, sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the top, and toss gently to combine everything. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious meal!
Nutrition Information
18.75g
Fat
22.5g
Carbs
11.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Creamy Chicken Alfredo with Crunchy Bacon Bits.
What type of chicken is recommended?
The recipe uses 1.75 lbs of boneless skinless chicken breasts, which is approximately 3 breasts.
How do I prepare the bacon?
Cook 4 slices of bacon in a skillet until crispy, then crumble them into small bits to be used as a topping.
Should I discard the bacon grease?
No, you should reserve the drippings in the skillet to brown the chicken breasts.
What is the target internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken should be cooked until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How long does the chicken take to cook?
After browning, the chicken should cook in the broth for about 15 to 20 minutes.
What is the best way to shred the chicken?
The recipe suggests removing the chicken from the skillet and shredding it using two forks.
How much onion is used in the sauce?
You will need 3/4 cup of chopped onion.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
This recipe calls for 5 cloves of minced garlic.
How long should I sauté the onions and garlic?
Sauté them for approximately 7 minutes over medium-high heat until the onions are tender.
What makes the Alfredo sauce creamy?
The sauce is made using 2 cups of heavy whipping cream and 1.5 cups of shredded parmesan cheese.
How long does the cream sauce need to simmer?
The mixture should cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly.
What type of pasta should I use?
The recipe uses 16 ounces of fettuccine pasta.
Why should I save the pasta water?
The reserved pasta water is used to adjust the sauce consistency to your preference.
What kind of cheese is added to the sauce?
Use 1.5 cups of shredded parmesan cheese.
How much chicken broth is required?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of chicken broth to help cook the chicken.
What seasonings are used for the chicken?
The chicken is seasoned with 3/4 teaspoon of ground pepper and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
What type of parsley is used?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 300 calories per serving.
What is the protein content of this dish?
Each serving contains about 11.25g of protein.
How much fat is in the Creamy Chicken Alfredo?
The dish contains 18.75g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 22.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
When do I add the bacon bits?
Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the top at the very end and toss gently before serving.
What is the inspiration for this dish?
This recipe is inspired by Paula Deen's Comfort Food Magazine.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy dinner recipe and a hearty comfort food meal.
How many total ingredients are used?
There are 12 ingredients in this recipe.
Can I adjust the sauce thickness?
Yes, by adding reserved pasta water a little at a time, you can reach your desired consistency.
How should the chicken be prepared before browning?
Season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper before placing them in the skillet.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include chicken alfredo, comfort food, pasta dish, bacon, creamy sauce, and easy dinner recipe.
When should I add the parmesan cheese?
Add the cheese after removing the skillet from the heat, stirring until it melts into the sauce.