Delicious Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe

Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo

Did you know that today’s classic Alfredo sauce originated from a desperate husband’s attempt to create an appealing dish for his expectant bride’s delicate palate in 1920s Rome? This creamy, indulgent duo of surf and turf pasta has since evolved into one of the most searched pasta recipes online, with over 2.5 million monthly queries. What makes this particular oceanic and poultry fettuccine fusion special is the perfect balance of seafood and poultry in a silky, parmesan-infused cream sauce, creating a restaurant-quality dish right in your home kitchen. Whether planning a special dinner or craving a luxurious comfort food experience, this land-and-sea pasta masterpiece delivers exceptional flavor without the complexity.

Ingredients

The aroma of sizzling garlic in butter and the rich scent of freshly grated parmesan will transform your kitchen into an Italian bistro. The tender chicken pieces and succulent shrimp provide two distinct yet complementary protein textures that make each bite interesting and satisfying.

Timing

Preparation Time: 20 minutes for chopping, measuring, and preparing ingredients
Cooking Time: 25 minutes for perfectly cooked pasta and proteins
Total Time: 45 minutes, which is approximately 30% faster than traditional restaurant preparation

This efficient timeline makes this decadent sea-meets-shore symphony an achievable weeknight dinner option, despite its gourmet appearance. The dish comes together quicker than most cream-based pasta recipes, making it perfect for busy households who don’t want to sacrifice quality for convenience.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Awaken the Carbohydrate Canvas

Summon a bubbling cauldron of ocean-seasoned water. Welcome your fettuccine ribbons to their hot bath until they reach that perfect toothsome texture, approximately 8-10 minutes or according to package instructions. Remember to capture a magical half-cup of the starchy elixir before releasing the rest – this liquid gold will be your secret ally should your sauce need adjustment later.

Step 2: Transform Your Poultry

While the pasta cooks, slice chicken breasts into succulent medallions and season generously with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. Drizzle liquid gold into a waiting skillet and warm it until it dances across the surface. Introduce the protein to its sizzling stage without crowding the performers and let them showcase their golden talent for 4-5 minutes until they’ve reached their standing ovation doneness (internal temperature of 165°F). Usher them to a waiting area under a foil tent to rest.

Step 3: Prepare the Shrimp

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Season the shrimp with the remaining Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for approximately 2 minutes per side until they transform into coral crescents of pearly perfection. Be vigilant here – overcooked shrimp become rubbery, while perfectly cooked shrimp remain juicy and tender. Remove and place them in the VIP section alongside their poultry counterparts.

Step 4: Create the Alfredo Sauce Base

Reduce heat to medium and welcome the golden fat to the narrative of your pan. Once melted, introduce the aromatic crushed garlic and let it perform a brief 30-45-second dance until it releases its intoxicating aroma while maintaining its pale complexion. The fond (browned bits) from cooking the proteins will infuse the sauce with incredible depth of flavor.

Step 5: Finish the Alfredo Sauce

Cascade the velvety cream into the waiting pan and coax it to a whispered bubble, carefully liberating the flavor treasures from the pan’s surface. Allow the luxurious liquid to transform and thicken slightly, about 3-4 minutes. Introduce the cloud of Parmesan gradually until it disappears into the creamy canvas, creating a smooth, unified masterpiece. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Combine Components

Return the cooked chicken and shrimp to the skillet, gently folding them into the sauce. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together until well coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Nutritional Information

*Based on 4 servings per recipe. Data shows this dish provides approximately 42% of the recommended daily protein intake for an average adult.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

While this indulgent surf and turf pasta extravaganza is undeniably delicious, you can make several adjustments to create a lighter version without sacrificing flavor:

• Swap in virtuous grain alternatives or legume-based spirals for traditional fettuccine to increase fiber content and lower the glycemic index
• Swap out the luscious cream for unsweetened almond milk and 2 tablespoons of cream cheese for a 30% reduction in calories.
• Use 2/3 the amount of cheese and boost flavor with golden flakes of inactive yeast magic for an umami-rich, lower-fat alternative.
• Increase the protein-to-pasta ratio by adding an extra 4 ounces of shrimp and reducing pasta to 12 ounces.
• Incorporate 2 cups of steamed broccoli or spinach into the finished dish for added nutrients and volume with minimal calories.

These modifications can reduce the calorie count by approximately 200-250 calories per serving while maintaining the creamy, satisfying nature of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your oceanic and poultry pasta symphony with these complementary sides and presentation ideas:

• Serve alongside a bright arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the decadent creaminess of the dish
• Pair with oven-roasted asparagus or broccolini for a color contrast and nutritional balance
• Offer garlic bread with herbs for those who want to indulge fully in the Italian-inspired meal
• Plate in pre-warmed shallow bowls with the pasta twirled into a neat mound, proteins artfully arranged on top
• Garnish with a light dusting of paprika, fresh micro greens, or a few drops of high-quality olive oil for a restaurant-style presentation
• For entertaining, consider serving smaller portions as a first course before a lighter main dish.

A crisp, unoaked Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy nature of this dish perfectly, enhancing the seafood notes while balancing the richness.

Kitchen Pitfalls Worth Sidestepping

1. Pasta Purgatory: Data shows that 65% of home cooks tend to exceed the recommended cooking time. For the best texture, give your pasta a fighting chance by shaving a minute off the package directions, as it will continue its journey when united with the hot sauce.
2. Using pre-grated cheese: Pre-packaged grated Parmesan contains anti-caking agents that prevent proper melting. Always grate your cheese for the smoothest, most flavorful sauce.
3. Cooking proteins and sauce at too high heat: Volcanic temperatures can transform your silky emulsion into a broken disaster and your proteins into rubber. Medium heat is ideal for developing flavors without compromising texture.
4. Neglecting the pasta bath: Your pasta swimming pool should taste like an ocean vacation to properly season each strand from within.
5. Rushing the sauce’s evolution: Give your cream the meditation time it deserves to reach sauce nirvana. Pushing this transformation with excessive heat creates a watery disappointment that slides right off your pasta.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the quality of your leftover surf and turf pasta creation:

• Allow leftovers to cool completely before refrigerating (but don’t leave out longer than 2 hours)
• Treasure your creation in an airtight fortress for a magical three-day window in your cooling chamber
• When reheating, invite a splash of dairy elixir to rejuvenate the sauce’s silky personality
• Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent separation
• For meal prep, consider keeping the cooked pasta separate from the sauce and proteins until ready to serve
• Freeze only in emergencies, as the texture of the velvety coating and delicate seafood will be compromised

For best results, consume within 48 hours of preparation when the flavors are still at their peak and the pasta texture is optimal.

Quick Chicken Shrimp Alfredo Recipe

Conclusion

This divine sea-meets-land pasta symphony harmonizes the finest elements from the ocean and farmyard: succulent poultry and jewels of the ocean wrapped in a velvety, Parmesan-infused sauce that coats each strand of pasta perfectly. With straightforward ingredients and clear techniques, you can conjure a restaurant-worthy enchantment that balances rich indulgence with practical preparation. Ready in just 45 minutes, this culinary masterpiece deserves a place both at celebratory gatherings and in your everyday dining repertoire.

Try this recipe today and experience the magic of homemade alfredo sauce paired with perfectly cooked proteins! Share your culinary adventures in our comments section or leave a review to paint us a picture of your experience. Don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious recipes that bring gourmet experiences to your home kitchen.

FAQs

Is it possible to prepare this majestic pasta medley in advance?
While best served fresh, you can orchestrate the components separately up to 24 hours ahead. Prepare each element of this culinary performance individually, keeping them in separate dressing rooms until the final act for an optimal gastronomic experience.

Is it possible to use frozen shrimp and chicken?
Absolutely! Thaw both proteins completely overnight in their cool sanctuary, and pat thoroughly dry before cooking to ensure proper browning. Frozen shrimp, in particular, often comes pre-deveined, which can save preparation time.

What’s the ideal cheese champion for an authentic Alfredo masterpiece?
Parmigiano-Reggiano aged 24-36 months provides the most complex flavor profile and smooth melting properties. Look for cheese with “Parmigiano-Reggiano” stamped on the rind for authenticity, and always grate it fresh for your sauce.

My sauce separated. How can I fix it?
If your sauce breaks or separates, rescue it from the flame instantly and vigorously incorporate a splash of cold cream with swift circular motions. Another method is to create a quick slurry with 1 teaspoon of cornstarch and a small measure of cold water, then whisk this into the sauce as it gently warms back to harmony.

Can this dish be transformed for dairy-sensitive guests?
Yes, though it will yield a different flavor profile. Invite plant-based cream alternatives like full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream to the party, and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan. A dollop of fermented soybean magic adds umami dimensions typically provided by the cheese.

What’s the ideal pasta-to-sauce ratio for the perfect plate?
Professional chefs recommend approximately 1.5 liquid vessels of sauce per pound of pasta for cream-based sauces like Alfredo. This provides enough coating for each strand while avoiding a soupy consistency or dry pasta.