Cheap Chicken Alfredo
Servings: 2 (adjust portions as needed)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1 chicken breast (about 6-8 oz, adjust as needed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 clove minced garlic (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
For the Pasta:
- 1 box Pasta Sides (such as Chicken Alfredo or any creamy pasta option; typically costs around $1)
- 2 cups water (or as specified on the box)
- 1/4 cup milk (adjust based on desired creaminess)
- 1/2 to 1 cup shredded cheese (such as Parmesan, mozzarella, or a cheese blend)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken breast from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Cut the chicken breast into small bite-sized pieces for quicker cooking.
- Heat the Pan:
- In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Season the Chicken:
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, onion powder, minced garlic (or garlic powder), and Italian seasoning.
- Tip: Adjust the seasoning to your taste or omit any you prefer not to use.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, remove from heat and set aside.
2. Prepare the Pasta:
- Boil Water:
- In a separate pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
- Cook Pasta Sides:
- Add the Pasta Sides to the boiling water and follow the package instructions, usually cooking for about 7-10 minutes until tender.
- Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Combine Chicken and Pasta:
- Mix Ingredients:
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain any excess water (if needed) and return it to the pot.
- Pour in 1/4 cup of milk and mix well. This adds creaminess to the sauce.
- Add the cooked chicken to the pot with the pasta.
- Add Cheese:
- Stir in 1/2 to 1 cup of shredded cheese (adjust based on your preference).
- Mix everything together until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed throughout the pasta. If the mixture seems too thick, you can add more milk to achieve the desired consistency.
- Taste and Adjust:
- Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or cheese as needed.
4. Serve:
- Serve the Chicken Alfredo hot, garnished with extra cheese or freshly cracked black pepper if desired.
- Tip: Pair with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad for a more balanced meal.
Tips & Variations:
- Add Vegetables: Consider adding frozen peas, broccoli, or spinach to the pasta during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheese combinations like cheddar, gouda, or a sprinkle of feta for a unique twist.
- Herb Options: Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can be added just before serving for extra flavor.
- Spice it Up: For a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dish.
Nutritional Information (approx. per serving):
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 15g
This Chicken Alfredo recipe is not only affordable and quick to prepare, but it’s also customizable to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy your delicious meal with your toddler!