Alfredo chicken steaks

Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

Chicken Steaks:

• 2 chicken breasts or steaks (150–200 g each)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and mild flavor)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

Alfredo Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Pasta:

• 200–250 g fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne
• ½ teaspoon salt for boiling water

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, finely chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Cracked black pepper

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Equipment

• Skillet or frying pan
• Saucepan for boiling pasta
• Knife and cutting board
• Tongs or spatula
• Cheese grater

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Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add ½ teaspoon salt.
2. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (tender with a slight bite).
3. Drain the pasta, reserving about ¼ cup of pasta water for adjusting the sauce later.
4. Set the pasta aside while preparing the chicken and sauce.

Tip: Reserving pasta water helps adjust the sauce consistency without diluting the flavor.

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Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Steaks

1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure a golden sear.
2. Season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
4. Add the chicken and cook undisturbed for 4–6 minutes on the first side.
5. Flip the chicken and cook another 4–6 minutes, until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
6. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 2–3 minutes before slicing.

Tip: Resting the chicken allows it to retain its juices, keeping it tender and flavorful.

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Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium-low heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Avoid browning the garlic.
3. Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and stir gently.
4. Gradually add Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Tip: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest, creamiest sauce.

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Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce.
2. Toss gently with tongs or a spatula until the pasta is evenly coated.
3. Make sure the sauce clings to the pasta without pooling too much.

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Step 5: Serve with Chicken

1. Slice the rested chicken steaks into strips or bite-sized pieces.
2. Arrange the chicken on top of the creamy pasta.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and cracked black pepper if desired.
4. Serve immediately while warm.