How to Make Chicken Alfredo Recipe with jar sauce

With creamy jarred Alfredo and tender chicken! So easy, so rich. A quick comfort meal in minutes!

Introduction to Chicken Alfredo Recipe With Jar Sauce

Did you know that 78% of home cooks say they don’t have time for elaborate pasta dishes on weeknights? Yet, pasta remains America’s #1 comfort food craving. Here’s where the magic happens: Craving pasta? This chicken alfredo recipe with jar sauce is a creamy dream. Make it in minutes! This genius shortcut combines the rich, indulgent taste of traditional alfredo with the convenience modern life demands. Using quality store-bought sauce as your base, you’ll transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal in just a fraction of the time. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Chicken Alfredo

Prep 20 minutes mins

Cook 30 minutes mins

Total 50 minutes mins

With creamy jarred Alfredo and tender chicken! So easy, so rich. A quick comfort meal in minutes!

4 stars (1 ratings)

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Ingredients

  

• 1 pound fettuccine pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1.5 pounds boneless , skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 3 cloves garlic , minced
• 1 jar (15-16 oz) alfredo sauce
• ½ cup reserved pasta water
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese , plus extra for serving
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley , chopped
• Salt and black pepper , to taste
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Substitution ideas:

• Ø Swap fettuccine for penne , rotini, or gluten-free pasta
• Ø Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat
• Ø Try Cottage Cheese Sauce Recipe for Chicken as a healthier alternative to jarred sauce
• Ø Replace fresh garlic with 1 teaspoon garlic powder in a pinch

Instructions

• Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook fettuccine according to package directions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water. Drain pasta but don't rinse it – the starch helps the sauce cling better!

  Pro tip: Add 1 tablespoon of salt per gallon of water for perfectly seasoned pasta. Studies show properly salted pasta water significantly enhances the final flavor profile.

  Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

  While the pasta cooks, season chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

  Pro tip: Don't overcrowd the pan – cook in batches if necessary. This ensures proper browning rather than steaming the chicken.

  Step 3: Add Aromatics

  Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Burned garlic can make your entire dish taste bitter.

  Step 4: Combine with Sauce

  Pour the jar of alfredo sauce into the skillet with the chicken and garlic. Stir well to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer (not a boil) and cook for 2-3 minutes. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon when ready.

  Chef's secret: For extra richness, stir in 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter at this stage.

  Step 5: Integrate Pasta and Finish

  Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss to combine. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and integrated.

  Step 6: Garnish and Serve

  Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese. Add red pepper flakes if desired for a subtle heat that balances the creaminess.
  

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Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 650
• Protein: 43g
• Carbohydrates: 58g
• Fat: 28g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fiber: 3g

Data insights: This chicken alfredo recipe with jar sauce provides approximately 32% of daily recommended protein intake for an average adult.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Transform this indulgent classic into a more nutritious meal with these science-backed modifications:

• Use whole wheat pasta to add 6g more fiber per serving
• Try a lighter alfredo sauce (look for “light” or “reduced fat” versions)
• Substitute half the pasta with zucchini noodles to reduce carbs by 40%
• Consider making a Cottage Cheese Sauce Recipe for Chicken which adds protein while reducing fat
• Add 1 cup of steamed broccoli or peas for extra nutrients and color

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your chicken alfredo recipe with jar sauce with these complementary pairings:

• Serve with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast
• Pair with garlic bread or breadsticks for the authentic Italian restaurant experience
• Add a side of roasted asparagus or green beans for color and nutritional balance
• A glass of chilled Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay complements the creamy flavors perfectly

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t let these common pitfalls ruin your quick alfredo experience:

1. Overcooking the pasta: 67% of home cooks admit to this mistake. Aim for al dente to prevent mushy texture.
2. Boiling the sauce: This can cause separation. Always simmer gently.
3. Skipping the pasta water: This starchy liquid is crucial for silky sauce consistency.
4. Under-seasoning the chicken: Season before cooking for maximum flavor penetration.
5. Using cold alfredo sauce: Let it come to room temperature while pasta cooks for better integration.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Make the most of your leftover chicken alfredo with these storage best practices:

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream and warm gently on the stovetop
• For meal prep, cook and store the pasta and sauce separately, combining only when serving
• Freeze portioned leftovers for up to 1 month (though texture may change slightly)
• For best results, thaw frozen alfredo overnight in the refrigerator before reheating

Conclusion

This chicken alfredo recipe with jar sauce proves that magnificent meals don’t require marathon cooking sessions. By cleverly combining quality convenience products with fresh ingredients and simple techniques, you’ve created a dish that tastes like it took hours, not minutes. Whether you’re feeding a family on a busy weeknight or impressing dinner guests, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results without the fuss. Ready to expand your quick pasta repertoire? Try our Cottage Cheese Sauce Recipe for Chicken for another delicious option!