Chicken Alfredo is a creamy and indulgent dish that is perfect for satisfying your cravings for comfort food. While you can make the sauce from scratch, using a jar sauce can save you time and effort in the kitchen. In this article, we will guide you on how to cook chicken Alfredo using jar sauce, resulting in a delicious and flavorful meal that will impress your family and friends.

To start, gather all the ingredients you will need. This includes boneless, skinless chicken breasts, a jar of Alfredo sauce, pasta of your choice (such as fettuccine or penne), garlic, salt, black pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese. Feel free to add any additional ingredients or seasonings to enhance the flavor according to your preferences.

First, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. While the pasta is cooking, you can start preparing the chicken. Cut the chicken breasts into thin slices or bite-sized chunks, whichever you prefer. Heat a large skillet over medium heat, then add a drizzle of olive oil. Place the chicken in the skillet and season it with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook the chicken until it is cooked through and golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Next, return the skillet to the heat and add minced garlic, cooking it for about 1 minute or until fragrant. Then, pour the jar of Alfredo sauce into the skillet and stir it into the garlic. Allow the sauce to heat through, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the skillet.

Once the sauce is heated through, add the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Stir the chicken into the sauce, ensuring that it is well-coated. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. If desired, you can add additional seasonings, such as Italian herbs or crushed red pepper flakes, to enhance the taste.

Finally, drain the cooked pasta and add it to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss the pasta with the sauce until it is well-coated. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top and toss again to incorporate the cheese. Serve the chicken Alfredo immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil, if desired.

Now you know how to cook chicken Alfredo with jar sauce. This quick and easy recipe allows you to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal in no time. Whether you are cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this chicken Alfredo dish is sure to be a hit!

Preparing Ingredients for Chicken Alfredo

Before you can start cooking your delicious chicken alfredo, it’s important to gather and prepare all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Chicken Breast

Begin by selecting fresh chicken breast. It’s best to choose boneless and skinless chicken breast for this recipe. Rinse the chicken breast under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Then, cut the chicken into thin, bite-sized pieces for cooking.

2. Pasta

Choose your favorite type of pasta for your chicken alfredo. Classic choices include fettuccine, penne, or linguine. Follow the instructions on the package to cook the pasta al dente (firm to the bite) for the best texture.

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3. Jar Sauce

Purchase a jar of your preferred Alfredo sauce from the grocery store. Look for cream-based sauces with rich flavors for the best results. You can also make your own homemade Alfredo sauce if preferred.

4. Garlic

Garlic adds a burst of flavor to your chicken alfredo dish. Peel and mince a few cloves of garlic to enhance the taste of the sauce and chicken.

5. Parmesan Cheese

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will give your chicken alfredo a creamy and cheesy taste. Grate the cheese just before adding it to the dish for the best flavor and texture.

6. Fresh Parsley

Chop some fresh parsley leaves to garnish your chicken alfredo. It adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

Once you have gathered and prepared all the ingredients, you are ready to start cooking your chicken alfredo with jar sauce. Follow the recipe instructions for a delicious and satisfying meal!

Gather all necessary ingredients

Before you start cooking your chicken alfredo with jar sauce, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 jar of Alfredo sauce
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Make sure you have all these ingredients ready before you start cooking to ensure a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience. Now that you have everything gathered, let’s move on to the next step: preparing the chicken alfredo sauce!

Cook the chicken and pasta

1. Begin by cooking the chicken. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.

2. While the chicken is resting, cook the pasta according to the instructions on the package. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the pasta, and cook until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Making the Alfredo Sauce

To make the Alfredo sauce for your chicken Alfredo dish, you will need a jar of Alfredo sauce, butter, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.

1. Start by heating a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat.

2. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the saucepan.

3. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.

4. Pour the jar of Alfredo sauce into the saucepan and stir well to combine with the garlic and butter.

5. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Gradually add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring constantly until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.

7. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

8. Remove the sauce from the heat and set aside until ready to use.

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Sauté garlic and butter

To start making chicken alfredo with jar sauce, you will first need to sauté garlic and butter. This step is crucial as it helps to bring out the flavors of the garlic and creates a fragrant base for the sauce.

To sauté the garlic, heat a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add minced garlic cloves to the skillet.

Ingredients: Instructions:
1 tablespoon butter 1. Heat the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2-3 cloves garlic, minced 2. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to stir the garlic and prevent it from burning. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant.

Once the garlic is fragrant, it is time to move on to the next step of making the chicken alfredo with jar sauce recipe.

Add cream and Parmesan cheese

Once the chicken is cooked and the pasta is al dente, it’s time to add the cream and Parmesan cheese to the sauce. This step adds richness and a creamy texture to the dish, giving it that classic Alfredo taste.

To add the cream and Parmesan cheese, start by pouring the jar sauce into a large skillet or saucepan. Place the skillet over medium heat and let the sauce come to a simmer.

Next, slowly pour in the cream, stirring constantly to combine it with the sauce. The cream will thicken the sauce and give it a silky consistency. Continue stirring until the cream is well incorporated.

Once the cream is mixed in, it’s time to add the Parmesan cheese. Measure out the desired amount of cheese and sprinkle it over the sauce.

Stir the sauce gently, allowing the Parmesan cheese to melt and blend with the cream and jar sauce. The cheese will add a tangy and salty flavor to the sauce, enhancing its overall taste.

Continue simmering the sauce for a few more minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon when it’s ready.

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer it for a bit longer. Alternatively, you can add more Parmesan cheese to thicken it further.

Once the cream and Parmesan cheese are fully incorporated into the sauce, it’s ready to be mixed with the cooked chicken and pasta. Use a spatula or tongs to gently combine all the ingredients together.

Now that the cream and Parmesan cheese have been added, the chicken Alfredo sauce is complete and ready to be served. Pour it over the cooked pasta and chicken, and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.

Combine sauce with cooked chicken and pasta

Once the chicken and pasta are cooked and ready, it’s time to combine them with the jar of Alfredo sauce. This step is crucial as it brings all the flavors together and creates a creamy and delicious dish. Here’s how you can do it:

Ingredients:

  • Cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
  • Cooked pasta (preferably fettuccine or penne)
  • 1 jar of Alfredo sauce

Instructions:

  1. Take the jar of Alfredo sauce and open it. Make sure to give it a good stir or shake to mix all the ingredients well.
  2. In a large saucepan or skillet, add the cooked chicken, pasta, and the jar of Alfredo sauce.
  3. Using a spatula or spoon, gently stir everything together until the chicken and pasta are evenly coated with the sauce.
  4. Heat the saucepan or skillet over medium heat and continue stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
  5. Cook for about 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce is heated through and the chicken and pasta are well combined.
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Remember, the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the sauce and the desired consistency. You can always adjust the heat and cooking time accordingly.

Note: If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can add a splash of milk or chicken broth to the mixture. This will help to loosen up the sauce and make it easier to coat the chicken and pasta.

Now that you have combined the sauce with the cooked chicken and pasta, you can serve it hot and enjoy a comforting and satisfying meal of chicken Alfredo with minimal effort!

Q&A

What ingredients do I need to cook chicken alfredo with jar sauce?

To cook chicken alfredo with jar sauce, you will need the following ingredients: chicken breast, pasta, alfredo sauce (from a jar), garlic, butter, salt, and pepper. You can also add some grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

How long does it take to cook chicken alfredo with jar sauce?

The cooking time for chicken alfredo with jar sauce may vary depending on your stove and the thickness of the chicken breast. However, on average, it takes about 20-25 minutes to cook the chicken and boil the pasta, and an additional 5 minutes to heat up the alfredo sauce. So, you can expect the whole process to take around 30 minutes.

Can I use any type of pasta for chicken alfredo?

Yes, you can use any type of pasta for chicken alfredo. The most common choices are fettuccine or penne, but feel free to use your favorite pasta shape.

Can I use homemade alfredo sauce instead of the jar sauce?

Yes, you can use homemade alfredo sauce if you prefer. Simply melt some butter in a saucepan, add minced garlic, and cook for a minute. Then, add heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the sauce thickens, and you’re ready to go!

Is chicken alfredo with jar sauce a healthy dish?

Chicken alfredo with jar sauce can be a delicious meal but is not the healthiest option due to the high fat content in the alfredo sauce. However, you can make some modifications to make it healthier, such as using whole wheat pasta, lean chicken breast, and reducing the amount of sauce. Additionally, you can add veggies like broccoli or spinach to boost the nutritional value of the dish.

What is chicken alfredo?

Chicken alfredo is a popular Italian-American dish made with chicken, pasta, and a rich, creamy alfredo sauce.

What is jar sauce?

Jar sauce, also known as pre-made or store-bought sauce, is a ready-to-use sauce that comes in a jar or bottle. It is commonly used as a convenient alternative to homemade sauce.