Imagine a dish so creamy and delicious that it could make even the grumpiest of dinner guests crack a smile. Chicken and shrimp alfredo is not just a meal; it’s a love letter to your taste buds, featuring plump shrimp and tender chicken swimming in velvety Alfredo sauce. The aroma wafting from the kitchen will have everyone eagerly awaiting their first bite, as they inhale the garlicky goodness mingling with rich cream.
This recipe doesn’t just feed the body; it feeds the soul. I remember the first time I made chicken and shrimp alfredo for my friends during a game night. The laughter was infectious, and so was the delightful slurping sound as we all savored every last forkful. It’s perfect for cozy dinners at home or impressing friends during a special occasion. Trust me, once you try this dish, you’ll be counting down to the next time you can whip it up again.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This chicken and shrimp alfredo is easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze
- The flavor profile is a rich combination of savory garlic and creamy cheese that’s hard to resist
- Its visual appeal with vibrant colors makes it a showstopper on any dinner table
- This dish is versatile enough for family dinners or fancy date nights, adapting easily to suit your preferences
I still chuckle when I think about how my friend accidentally spilled half her alfredo onto her lap while trying to impress everyone with her twirling technique.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust depending on your crowd.
Shrimp: Fresh or thawed frozen shrimp works great; just ensure they’re peeled and deveined.
Pasta: Fettuccine is traditional, but feel free to use any pasta shape that tickles your fancy.
Heavy Cream: For that irresistible richness; don’t skimp on this one.
Parmesan Cheese: Grate it fresh for maximum flavor; store-bought pre-grated lacks that oomph.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves lend an aromatic punch that’s hard to beat.
Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over the seasoning.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings, adjust according to taste preference.
Parsley (optional): Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness; totally optional but highly recommended!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling water in a large pot. Once it reaches a rolling boil, add salt and then your fettuccine. Cook until al dente according to package instructions while stirring occasionally.
Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt some butter. Season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper before adding them to the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Add Shrimp: After removing the chicken from the skillet, toss in your shrimp without cleaning it out too much—those flavorful bits matter! Cook until they turn pink and opaque, which takes about 3-4 minutes.
Create Your Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, lower heat slightly and add minced garlic; sauté until fragrant—about 1 minute. Then pour in heavy cream and let it simmer gently before stirring in grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
Toss Everything Together: Slice your cooked chicken into strips before adding back to the skillet along with drained pasta. Mix everything together gently until coated in that luscious sauce.
Add Final Touches: Taste test for seasoning! Feel free to add more salt or pepper as needed. If using parsley, sprinkle some on top right before serving for added flair.
Now dig in! Enjoy every creamy bite of this delightful chicken and shrimp alfredo while basking in applause from your dinner crew!
You Must Know
- This chicken and shrimp alfredo is a creamy delight, perfect for impressing guests or a cozy night in
- The balance of flavors creates a comforting dish that feels gourmet without requiring a culinary degree
- Plus, it’s great for meal prep!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results, start by cooking the chicken first, then boil the pasta while preparing the creamy sauce. This sequence saves time and ensures everything is hot and fresh when served.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your chicken and shrimp alfredo with different vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. You can also swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter version that still tastes divine.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to revive the creaminess and prevent drying out.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To elevate your chicken and shrimp alfredo, ensure your pasta is perfectly al dente
- Fresh herbs like parsley can brighten up flavors beautifully
- Don’t forget to taste as you go; adjustments make all the difference!
Sometimes, I whip this dish up on a Friday night, and my friends rave about it. Their excitement always reminds me why I love cooking so much!
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp for chicken and shrimp alfredo?
Yes, just be sure to thaw them before cooking to ensure even cooking.
What type of pasta works best with this recipe?
Fettuccine is traditional, but penne or rigatoni also work great with the sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare everything except the sauce ahead of time for convenience.
Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo
Indulge in the creamy goodness of Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo, a dish that combines tender chicken and succulent shrimp in a rich, velvety sauce. This recipe is perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests at special occasions. With its delightful garlic aroma and comforting flavors, it’s bound to become a favorite at your dinner table.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook fettuccine until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Sauté the chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and slice.
- Cook shrimp: In the same skillet, add shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes until pink and opaque.
- Make Alfredo sauce: Lower heat, add garlic to the skillet, sauté for 1 minute, then stir in heavy cream. Simmer before adding Parmesan until melted.
- Combine: Add sliced chicken and drained pasta to the skillet; toss gently to coat in sauce.
- Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed; garnish with parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (300g)
- Calories: 675
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 170mg
