Easy Chicken Alfredo Recipe with Jar Sauce: Weeknight Dinner Savior

Craving creamy, dreamy chicken alfredo but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen? This recipe is your answer! We’re taking a shortcut without sacrificing flavor by using a good quality jarred alfredo sauce. This Easy Chicken Alfredo is ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, decadent alfredo sauce – what’s not to love? Get ready to impress your family (or yourself!) with this simple yet satisfying dish.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is all about efficiency and deliciousness. Here’s why it works so well:

• Speed: Using jarred alfredo sauce significantly cuts down on prep time. No need to make a complicated sauce from scratch.
• Simplicity: The ingredient list is short and sweet, focusing on essential flavors.
• Customization: It’s easily customizable! Add your favorite vegetables, spices, or cheeses to make it your own.
• Kid-Friendly: Chicken alfredo is a classic comfort food that appeals to all ages.
• Minimal Cleanup: Fewer ingredients and steps mean less time spent washing dishes.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces.
• 1 pound pasta: Fettuccine is traditional, but penne, linguine, or your favorite pasta shape will work.
• 1 (15-ounce) jar of Alfredo sauce: Choose a high-quality brand for the best flavor.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: For cooking the chicken.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a savory depth to the chicken.
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: To season the chicken and pasta water.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper: To season the chicken and pasta.
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: For garnish (optional).
• Fresh parsley, chopped: For garnish (optional).

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook the Chicken: Cook the chicken until it is cooked through and no longer pink inside, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Add the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and pour in the jarred alfredo sauce. Stir to combine with the cooked chicken.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the chicken and alfredo sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
6. Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.

Tips for Success

Here are some tips to ensure your Easy Chicken Alfredo turns out perfectly every time:

• Choose Quality Sauce: Since the sauce is the star of the show, opt for a high-quality jarred alfredo sauce. Read reviews and look for brands that use real cream and Parmesan cheese.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken can be dry and tough. Cook it just until it’s cooked through.
• Salt Your Pasta Water: Salting the pasta water seasons the pasta from the inside out, adding flavor to the entire dish.
• Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water helps to thicken the sauce and create a creamy emulsion. Don’t skip this step!
• Adjust the Sauce: If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few minutes to thicken it up.
• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to this dish. Broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes are all great options. Add them to the skillet with the chicken and cook until tender.
• Spice it Up: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Brown the Chicken: For extra flavor, lightly brown the chicken before adding the garlic powder and Italian seasoning. This will create a nice sear and add depth to the dish.
• Warm the Sauce Gently: Avoid boiling the alfredo sauce, as it can separate and become grainy. Heat it gently over low heat.

Storage Instructions

Leftover Easy Chicken Alfredo can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a little milk or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, to prevent it from drying out. While it’s best enjoyed fresh, proper storage will allow you to enjoy leftovers safely.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about this Easy Chicken Alfredo recipe:

• Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
• Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! Feel free to use any pasta shape you like. Penne, rotini, and bow tie pasta are all great options.
• Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding more vegetables.
• Can I add cheese besides Parmesan? Yes! Asiago, mozzarella, or provolone cheese would all be delicious additions. Stir them into the sauce at the end until melted.
• My sauce is too thick. What should I do? Add a little more reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. You can also add a splash of milk or cream.
• My sauce is too thin. What should I do? Simmer the sauce for a few minutes over low heat to allow it to thicken.
• Can I make this recipe ahead of time? While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Then, when you’re ready to eat, simply cook the pasta and add the sauce and chicken.

Conclusion

This Easy Chicken Alfredo recipe with jar sauce is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly delicious. With a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in under 30 minutes. So, ditch the takeout and give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!