Quick and Creamy Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo with Pro Tips

Take your dinner to the next level with a creamy chicken and shrimp alfredo dish. It’s like dining at an Italian restaurant. This guide will show you how to make a top-notch alfredo sauce and cook chicken and shrimp. Plus, you’ll learn to toss it all with al dente fettuccine for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting, you can easily make this chicken and shrimp alfredo dish.

Introduction

Chicken and shrimp alfredo is a classic dish from Italy and America. It has a creamy parmesan sauce with chicken, shrimp, and pasta. This recipe is easy to make and tastes like a restaurant dish.

A Quick Overview of the Dish

This dish combines juicy chicken, tasty shrimp, and smooth sauce. It’s a rich and satisfying meal. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a special dish for guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken and shrimp alfredo is a favourite for many. It has a great mix of flavours and textures. You’ll enjoy:

  • Tender, juicy chicken and succulent shrimp
  • A rich, creamy parmesan-based alfredo sauce
  • Al dente pasta that perfectly holds the sauce
  • An easy-to-make, homemade recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights

Ingredients

You’ll need essential ingredients to make the perfect chicken and shrimp alfredo. You’ll need fettuccine pasta, tender chicken breasts, and juicy raw shrimp. Also, creamy butter, fragrant garlic, and flavorful chicken or vegetable broth are essential. Rich, heavy cream and tangy Parmesan cheese complete the dish.

For the specific amounts, you’ll need:

  • Chicken Breast: 2 boneless, skinless, thin-sliced
  • Shrimp: 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • Pasta: 8 oz fettuccine or your favorite pasta
  • Butter: 2 tbsp
  • Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
  • Heavy Cream: 1 cup
  • Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, grated
  • Olive Oil: 1 tbsp
  • Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup
  • Salt & Pepper: to taste
  • Italian Seasoning: 1 tsp (optional)
  • Parsley: Fresh, chopped, for garnish
Ingredients for quick and creamy chicken and shrimp Alfredo including chicken, shrimp, garlic, Parmesan, and fettuccine pasta
All the fresh ingredients needed for a creamy chicken and shrimp Alfredo – simple and flavorful.

Instructions

Making Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo is easy and fun. Follow these steps to perfect your homemade sauce, pasta, and proteins.

Step 1 : Cooking the creamy pasta recipe

Start by boiling a big pot of salted water. Add fettuccine pasta and cook for about 10 minutes until almost done. Save a cup of water before draining the pasta.

Cooking creamy chicken and shrimp Alfredo pasta in a skillet with a rich sauce
Cooking the creamy chicken and shrimp Alfredo pasta

Step 2 : Preparing the Chicken and Shrimp

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Cook the chicken breasts for 10 minutes on each side until fully cooked. Then, remove the chicken and cook the shrimp on each side for 2-3 minutes until pink. Move the shrimp to a plate.

Preparing chicken and shrimp for creamy Alfredo pasta
Tender chicken and succulent shrimp prepped and ready to be added to the creamy Alfredo sauce
Cooking chicken breasts in a skillet with olive oil until golden brown
Cooking chicken breasts and shrimp in a skillet – golden brown chicken and tender shrimp.

Step 3 : Making the easy Alfredo Sauce

In the same pot, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 8 ounces of cream cheese and mix until smooth. Then, add 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened. If it is too thick, add some pasta water.

Making creamy Alfredo sauce in a skillet with butter, cream, and garlic
Easy Alfredo sauce being made with cream, butter, and Parmesan in a skillet

Mix the cooked pasta, chicken, and shrimp with the sauce. Add pesto and sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavour. Serve your Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo hot, and enjoy!

Combining chicken, shrimp, pasta, and creamy Alfredo sauce with pesto and sun-dried tomatoes
Mixing everything together – creamy chicken and shrimp Alfredo with pesto and sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.

Variations and Substitutions for perfect Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo

This classic recipe uses fettuccine pasta. But you can swap it for linguine, penne, or spaghetti. Try it over roasted spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.

Want to add some spice? Mix in red pepper flakes or a bit of cayenne pepper. You can also choose chicken, shrimp, or both for a fuller meal.

Alfredo Sauce VariationsProtein SubstitutionsLow-Carb AlternativesSpicy Alfredo Options
– Excludes cheese for a lighter version
– Uses fresh garlic for optimal flavour
– Chicken or shrimp as the sole protein
– Chicken and shrimp combined
– Serve over spaghetti squash
– Use zucchini noodles
– Add red pepper flakes
– Incorporate cayenne pepper

These changes let you tailor the chicken and shrimp alfredo to your taste. You can make it your own, whether you prefer spicy, low-carb, or something else.

“The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily make it your own by trying different pasta shapes, proteins, and even spice levels.”

Tips for Perfectly Cooked Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo

To make sure your chicken and shrimp are just right in your alfredo dish, here’s what to do. Cook the proteins in a single layer in the skillet. This helps them brown and get that tasty flavour. Adjust cooking time based on the size of your chicken pieces and shrimp.

Cooking Tips for Tender Chicken and Shrimp

For the chicken, aim for an internal temperature of 160°F. This usually takes 4-5 minutes per side. The shrimp need a couple of minutes per side over medium heat.

Sauce Thickening Techniques

Be careful not to overheat the alfredo sauce. This can make it separate. Reduce it slightly or add more Parmesan cheese if it’s too thin. If it’s too thick, add some of the reserved pasta cooking water.

You’ll make a creamy and delicious chicken and shrimp alfredo by following these tips. Your family and friends will love it.

Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes

Chicken and shrimp alfredo is a rich dish with many sides. To balance its creamy flavour, serve it with lighter dishes. This helps cleanse your palate.

  • Fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing
  • Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts
  • Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to soak up the creamy sauce
  • Steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach for a pop of colour and additional nutrition
  • Sautéed kale or a side of sautéed mushrooms for an earthy, nutrient-rich accompaniment
  • Roasted potatoes or a side of garlic herb rice pilaf for a more substantial starch option

Pair the chicken and shrimp alfredo with a crusty bread for a heartier meal. Or, try a side of sautéed spinach or kale. The goal is to find sides that enhance Alfredo’s rich flavours without overpowering them.

There are countless ways to find suitable side dishes for chicken and shrimp alfredo. Try different combinations to discover the perfect mix of flavours and textures. Your family will thank you.

Storing and Reheating Leftover

Enjoying a delicious chicken and shrimp Alfredo dish is a treat. But what about leftovers? Don’t worry; we have tips for storing and reheating this creamy pasta.

To keep your leftover Alfredo fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, you have a few options:

  1. Microwave Method: Heat the Alfredo in the microwave on 50% power, stirring often. Adding broth or milk keeps the sauce creamy.
  2. Stovetop Reheat: Warm the Alfredo in a skillet over medium heat. Add broth or milk to thin out the sauce and prevent separation.

You can also freeze your chicken and shrimp Alfredo. Cool thoroughly before putting it in an airtight, freezer-safe container or bag. This keeps it fresh for up to 3 months. The texture might change slightly when reheating frozen leftovers, but the flavour stays excellent.

Refrigerator StorageFreezer Storage
Up to 3 daysUp to 3 months

Following these simple tips, you can enjoy your homemade chicken and shrimp Alfredo for days. Whether reheating a fresh batch or enjoying frozen leftovers, the flavours will be unique.

Quick and Creamy Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo

Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo: A creamy, flavorful dish with tender chicken, juicy shrimp, and pasta in a rich homemade Alfredo sauce. Perfect for any occasion!

  • Chicken Breast: 2 boneless (skinless, thin-sliced)
  • Shrimp: 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • Pasta: 8 oz fettuccine or your favorite pasta
  • Butter: 2 tbsp
  • Garlic: 3 cloves (minced)
  • Heavy Cream: 1 cup
  • Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup (grated)
  • Olive Oil: 1 tbsp
  • Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup
  • Salt & Pepper: to taste
  • Italian Seasoning: 1 tsp (optional)
  • Parsley: Fresh (chopped, for garnish)

Cook the Pasta:

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Cook the Chicken:

  1. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Cook the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
  4. Remove the chicken from the pan, slice it into strips, and set aside.

Cook the Shrimp:

  1. In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter.
  2. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  3. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.

Make the Alfredo Sauce:

  1. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
  4. Add the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  5. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Combine Everything:

  1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat.
  2. Add the cooked chicken and shrimp back into the skillet and stir gently.
  3. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Serve:

  1. Serve the creamy chicken and shrimp Alfredo with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
dinner, lunch, Main Course
American, Indian, Mediterranean
Chicken Alfredo, Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo, Chicken Shrimp Alfredo, Quick Dinner

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Conclusion

With this Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo recipe, you’ll have all the steps and expert tips needed to create a delicious, restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your home. This recipe stands out for its rich, creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and succulent shrimp, providing a satisfying and comforting experience. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, the detailed instructions and tips on perfecting the sauce, cooking the proteins, and achieving the ideal pasta texture will ensure excellent results every time.

From variation ideas to storing and reheating tips, this guide covers everything you need to make your Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo customizable and convenient. Be sure to try different side dishes like garlic bread or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the dish. With this comprehensive guide, you’ll impress family and friends with a dish that’s both versatile and packed with flavor.

“This recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are out of this world, and it’s so easy to make. My family loved every bite.”


FAQs

What is the key to making a delicious chicken and shrimp alfredo dish?

To make a tasty chicken and shrimp alfredo, you need tender proteins, al dente pasta, and creamy sauce.

Can I use different types of pasta besides fettuccine?

Yes, you can use linguine or penne instead of fettuccine. For a low-carb option, try it over spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles.

Can I add extra heat to the alfredo sauce?

Yes, adding red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper can make the sauce spicier.

Can I use only chicken or shrimp as the protein?

You can pick chicken or shrimp or use both for a fuller dish.

How can I ensure the chicken and shrimp are cooked perfectly?

Cook the chicken and shrimp in a single layer to brown and flavour them well. Adjust cooking time based on size.

How do I prevent the Alfredo sauce from separating?

Avoid overheating the sauce. If it’s too thin, thicken it with Parmesan. If it is too thick, add the pasta water.

How can I store and reheat leftover chicken and shrimp alfredo?

You can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or skillet with broth or milk. Freeze it for up to 3 months.

What are some excellent side dishes to serve with chicken and shrimp alfredo?

Serve it with a fresh salad, roasted veggies, or garlic bread. Steamed broccoli or asparagus add colour and nutrition.

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