Kirkland Chicken Alfredo is a popular dish that has gained a massive following worldwide, thanks to its rich, creamy, and savory flavors. This mouth-watering recipe is a staple in many Italian restaurants, but you can easily make it at home with a few simple ingredients. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making Kirkland Chicken Alfredo, providing you with a detailed and easy-to-follow recipe.
What is Kirkland Chicken Alfredo?
Kirkland Chicken Alfredo is a variation of the classic Italian dish, Fettuccine Alfredo. It is made with fettuccine pasta, chicken breast, and a rich, creamy sauce made from butter, cream, Parmesan cheese, and garlic. The dish is named after the Kirkland brand, which is a popular store brand of Costco, a multinational retailer.
Ingredients Needed
To make Kirkland Chicken Alfredo, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 pound fettuccine pasta
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Cooking the Fettuccine Pasta
To start, cook the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta for 8-10 minutes, or until it is al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the fettuccine.
Preparing the Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the chicken breast. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, and dried parsley.
Cooking the Chicken
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until it is browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Making the Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet, add the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
Adding the Heavy Cream and Parmesan Cheese
Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, or until it has slightly thickened. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until it is melted and smooth. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and dried basil.
Combining the Chicken and Alfredo Sauce
Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and toss it with the Alfredo sauce until it is well coated.
Combining the Fettuccine Pasta and Chicken
Add the cooked fettuccine pasta to the skillet and toss it with the chicken and Alfredo sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water.
Serving
Serve the Kirkland Chicken Alfredo hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Tips and Variations
- To make the dish more substantial, add some steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or asparagus, to the pasta.
- Use leftover chicken or turkey to make the dish more convenient.
- Add some spice to the dish by sprinkling a pinch of red pepper flakes over the pasta.
- Use different types of pasta, such as spaghetti or linguine, if you prefer.
- Make the dish more decadent by adding some grated Romano or Asiago cheese to the Alfredo sauce.
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 4):
- Calories: 740
- Total Fat: 56g
- Saturated Fat: 34g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 35g
Conclusion
Kirkland Chicken Alfredo is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With its rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken, it is sure to become a favorite in your household. By following the recipe and tips outlined in this article, you can create a mouth-watering dish that will impress your family and friends.
What is Kirkland Chicken Alfredo, and why is it so popular?
Kirkland Chicken Alfredo is a popular frozen pasta dish sold by Costco, a multinational retailer, under its Kirkland Signature brand. The dish consists of fettuccine pasta, chicken breast, and a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce. Its popularity can be attributed to its convenience, affordability, and delicious taste, making it a staple in many households.
The dish’s widespread appeal also lies in its versatility, as it can be easily customized to suit individual tastes. Some people like to add vegetables, such as steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach, while others prefer to sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top. The ability to personalize the dish has contributed to its enduring popularity among pasta lovers.
What ingredients do I need to make Kirkland Chicken Alfredo from scratch?
To make Kirkland Chicken Alfredo from scratch, you will need the following ingredients: fettuccine pasta, boneless, skinless chicken breast, unsalted butter, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. You may also want to have some chopped parsley or thyme on hand for garnish.
It’s worth noting that using high-quality ingredients is essential to achieving the rich, creamy flavor of the original Kirkland Chicken Alfredo. Look for fresh, never-frozen chicken breast and real Parmesan cheese for the best results. Additionally, using a combination of heavy cream and butter will give your sauce a luxurious, velvety texture.
How do I cook the fettuccine pasta for Kirkland Chicken Alfredo?
Cooking the fettuccine pasta is a straightforward process that requires some basic attention to timing. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the fettuccine pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
It’s essential to cook the pasta al dente, which means it should still have a bit of bite or chew to it. Overcooking the pasta can result in a mushy, unappetizing texture that’s not suitable for Kirkland Chicken Alfredo. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and set it aside to await the sauce.
How do I make the Alfredo sauce for Kirkland Chicken Alfredo?
Making the Alfredo sauce is the most critical component of Kirkland Chicken Alfredo. To start, melt the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
Next, add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce and stir until it’s fully incorporated. Season the sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to taste. Continue to simmer the sauce over low heat until it reaches your desired consistency. Be careful not to overheat the sauce, as it can quickly become too thick and sticky.
How do I cook the chicken breast for Kirkland Chicken Alfredo?
Cooking the chicken breast is a simple process that requires some basic cooking skills. Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil to the pan.
Add the chicken breast to the skillet and cook until it’s browned on both sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to await the sauce. You can also cook the chicken in the oven if you prefer. Simply preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the chicken for 15-20 minutes until it’s cooked through.
How do I assemble and serve Kirkland Chicken Alfredo?
Assembling and serving Kirkland Chicken Alfredo is the final step in the recipe. Add the cooked fettuccine pasta to the Alfredo sauce and toss until the pasta is well coated. Add the cooked chicken breast to the pasta and sauce, and toss until everything is fully incorporated.
Transfer the Kirkland Chicken Alfredo to a serving dish or individual plates. Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top and garnish with chopped parsley or thyme. Serve the dish hot, straight from the kitchen, and enjoy the ooohs and ahhhs from your family and friends.
Can I customize Kirkland Chicken Alfredo to suit my dietary preferences?
Yes, you can customize Kirkland Chicken Alfredo to suit your dietary preferences. For example, if you’re a vegetarian or vegan, you can substitute the chicken breast with roasted vegetables or tofu. If you’re gluten-free, you can use gluten-free pasta instead of traditional fettuccine.
Additionally, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream and butter in the Alfredo sauce to make it lighter and healthier. You can also add some steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or spinach, to increase the nutritional value of the dish. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to experiment and make the recipe your own.