Chicken Alfredo with Peas and Bacon
Indulge in this rich and creamy homemade pasta dish. Tender chicken, crispy bacon, and sweet peas are tossed in a velvety Parmesan Alfredo sauce for a perfect, comforting weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tbsp of salt.
- Add the fettuccine and cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- Crucially, before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Then, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Prepare Bacon and Chicken
- While the pasta is cooking, place a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until crispy (about 6-8 minutes).
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the crispy bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 1 tablespoon of the rendered bacon fat in the skillet for flavor.
- Pat the chicken cubes dry and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Increase heat to medium-high. Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer and cook until golden brown on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside with the bacon.
Create the Alfredo Sauce
- Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking constantly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer (do not boil) and let it cook for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Remove the skillet from the heat completely. This is key to prevent the cheese from clumping. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously until the sauce is smooth and velvety.
- Stir in the remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Combine and Serve
- Return the skillet to low heat. Add the cooked fettuccine, chicken, and about three-quarters of the crispy bacon to the sauce.
- Add the frozen peas directly to the skillet. Toss everything together gently until the pasta is well-coated and all components are heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
- If the sauce seems too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining crispy bacon and fresh parsley.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Always use freshly grated Parmesan from a block. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly, resulting in a grainy sauce.
- 2Removing the pan from the heat before adding the cheese is the secret to a silky, non-clumpy Alfredo sauce.
- 3The starchy pasta water is liquid gold. It helps the sauce emulsify and cling perfectly to the fettuccine.
- 4For the best flavor, don't discard all the bacon fat. Leaving a little in the pan infuses the entire dish with a subtle smokiness.
- 5To reheat leftovers, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce's creamy texture. Avoid the microwave, which can cause the sauce to separate.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Substitute the chicken with 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp. Sauté the shrimp for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque, then set aside and add back in at the end.
Add VegetablesAdd Vegetables
Sauté 8 oz of sliced cremini mushrooms in the skillet after cooking the chicken. You can also add a few handfuls of fresh spinach to the sauce at the end and let it wilt.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the garlic to give the creamy sauce a gentle heat.
Lighter VersionLighter Version
For a slightly lighter sauce, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich and thick.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
The chicken breast provides high-quality lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Supports Bone Health
Parmesan cheese is a great source of calcium and phosphorus, two key minerals vital for maintaining strong and healthy bones and teeth.
Provides Sustained Energy
The carbohydrates from the fettuccine are broken down into glucose, providing the primary source of energy for your body and brain.
Frequently asked questions
This is an indulgent dish. Each serving contains approximately 1200-1300 calories, primarily from the cream, cheese, bacon, and pasta. It's best enjoyed as a special treat.
