How Does Rachael Ray Make Her Chicken Alfredo? A Step-By-Step Guide

Rachael Ray’s creamy and delicious chicken alfredo is a fan favorite recipe. This fettuccine alfredo dish packs a flavor punch and comes together in just 25 minutes But how exactly does the famous chef make thisItalian pasta classic? Let’s take a closer look at Rachael’s method for creating chicken alfredo perfection

Rachael Ray is known for her 30 minute meals and hassle-free approach to cooking. Her chicken alfredo recipe is no exception. In just 25 minutes you can have a restaurant-worthy pasta dish on the table. This recipe uses simple ingredients like fettuccine, chicken breasts, garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese transformed into something extraordinary. Keep reading to learn Rachael’s step-by-step method for making this sensational chicken alfredo.

Overview of Ingredients

To make chicken alfredo like Rachael, you’ll need:

• Fettuccine pasta
• Chicken breasts
• Butter
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Heavy cream
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Chopped parsley

That’s it! A short ingredient list makes this a very approachable recipe for home cooks.

Step-By-Step Method

Here is a walkthrough of how Rachael Ray makes her chicken alfredo step-by-step

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the fettuccine and cook al dente according to package directions.
• Reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water before draining.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

• While water is boiling, pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
• In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook chicken breasts until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes per side.
• Transfer chicken to a cutting board to rest. Once cool, dice or shred the chicken breasts.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

• In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat.
• Add chopped garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
• Stir in heavy cream and reserved pasta water. Simmer for 2 minutes.
• Reduce heat to low and add in grated Parmesan. Stir continuously until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute.

Step 4: Combine Everything

• Add cooked fettuccine and chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together.
• Add a splash more pasta water if needed to thin out the sauce.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

• Remove pan from heat and stir in chopped parsley.
• Transfer fettuccine alfredo to serving plates and top with more Parmesan cheese if desired.
• Enjoy this fast and flavorful chicken alfredo!

And that’s how Rachael Ray makes her simple yet scrumptious chicken alfredo! The key steps are cooking the pasta, sauteing the chicken, making a creamy Parmesan sauce, and combining everything together for a quick and easy meal. Give this recipe a try and you’ll see why it’s a Rachael Ray classic.

Tips for the Best Chicken Alfredo

Here are some extra tips from Rachael for getting the most flavor and the perfect texture when making chicken alfredo:

• Be sure to rehydrate dried parsley in cold water for a few minutes if using instead of fresh. This boosts flavor.

• Don’t overcook the pasta. Drain it when still al dente. The pasta will finish cooking in the skillet with the sauce.

• Add a splash of cream or pasta water if the sauce gets too thick. It should lightly coat the noodles.

• Use high-quality Parmesan for the best flavor. Freshly grate it yourself instead of buying pre-grated.

• Season with extra salt and pepper until the flavors really sing. This makes all the difference.

• Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley for a pop of color.

Make It Your Own

Part of the fun of this chicken alfredo recipe is customizing it to suit your tastes. Try these easy variations:

• Use linguine or rigatoni instead of fettuccine.

• Swap in zucchini noodles or other veggie pastas for a lighter option.

• Add sauteed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or spinach for extra flavor.

• Use Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes to give it a kick.

• Top with grilled or blackened chicken instead of sauteed.

• Stir in lemon juice and zest for brightness.

• Substitute half-and-half or milk if you don’t have heavy cream.

The possibilities are endless! Play around with different add-ins and flavors while keeping Rachael’s basic technique.

Enjoy Restaurant Quality at Home

With just a handful of ingredients, Rachael Ray’s easy chicken alfredo recipe will be your new go-to weeknight dinner. In 25 minutes flat, you can enjoy pasta perfection using Rachael’s simple yet reliable method. From boiling the noodles to making the creamy sauce to tossing in the chicken, follow her steps and you’ll have a satisfying meal the whole family will love. Mangia!

Several factors contribute to a better-tasting chicken Alfredo. High-quality Parmesan cheese, fresh garlic, and a touch of black pepper are essential for the sauce. Searing the chicken to develop flavor, using pasta water to create a creamy sauce, and incorporating fresh herbs like parsley or basil can elevate the dish.