Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo offers a sumptuous combination of creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and succulent shrimp served over a bed of pasta. This dish is a favorite for its rich flavors and comforting qualities, perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion meal.
Essential Ingredients
To create a perfect Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo, gather the following ingredients:
- Chicken breasts: Cooked and sliced
- Shrimp: Peeled and deveined
- Alfredo sauce: Homemade or store-bought
- Pasta: Fettuccine or your choice of pasta
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for the best flavor
- Garlic: Minced, for a flavor kick
- Butter and cream: For the sauce
- Salt and pepper: For seasoning
Enhance your Alfredo experience by learning how to make Perfect Alfredo Sauce, ensuring your sauce is creamy and full of flavor.
How to make Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo
- Prepare the Pasta:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
- Cook the Chicken and Shrimp:
- Season the chicken and shrimp with salt and pepper. In a skillet, heat some butter over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add a little more butter and cook the shrimp until they are pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in the cream and bring to a simmer. Add Parmesan cheese and whisk until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Return the cooked chicken and shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
For more pasta perfection, visit Cooking Pasta to Perfection, where you’ll find tips to get your pasta just right every time.
Customizing Your Alfredo
- Vegetable Additions: Elevate the nutrition by adding spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses such as Asiago or Romano for a new twist.
Pairing and Serving Your Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo
Serve your Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo with:
- A side of garlic bread.
- A fresh green salad dressed lightly with olive oil and vinegar.
- A glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, which complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
FAQs
- Can I make Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo ahead of time?
- It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can reheat gently, adding a splash of cream to refresh the sauce.
- How do I prevent the shrimp from overcooking?
- Cook shrimp just until they turn pink. Overcooking can make them rubbery.
Nutritional Information about Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo
While indulgent, Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo can be balanced with portion control and healthy sides. Consider using whole-grain pasta and adding vegetables to increase the dish’s nutritional value.
To ensure you are using the best ingredients, refer to Selecting Quality Seafood, which provides guidelines for choosing sustainable and high-quality seafood.
Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo is a treat that combines the best of seafood and poultry in a rich and creamy sauce. With these guidelines, you can prepare a restaurant-quality meal that will impress any guest. Enjoy other delicious pasta recipes from Simple and Delicious like Crispy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo and explore innovative ways to enhance your pasta dishes.
Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Clean and cut chicken into strips, peel and devein the shrimp, and grate the Parmesan cheese.
Cook the Pasta
- Cook the fettuccine pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water for adjusting the sauce consistency later.
Cook the Chicken and Shrimp:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper, add to the skillet, and cook until golden and no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter and cook the shrimp until they are pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Make the Alfredo Sauce:
- Add the remaining butter to the skillet and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Lower the heat and gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine All Ingredients:
- Return the cooked chicken and shrimp to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
Serve
- Serve the Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
