If you’re craving a rich, comforting pasta dish that combines tender chicken and succulent shrimp in a creamy Alfredo sauce, you’re in the right place. Chicken and shrimp Alfredo is a perfect surf-and-turf meal that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe will satisfy your taste buds with its luscious sauce and perfectly cooked proteins. Let’s dive into how you can make this restaurant-quality dish step-by-step!
Ingredients You’ll Need
– 8 to 12 ounces of fettuccine or your favorite pasta
– ½ pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces or thin strips
– ½ pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil, divided
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 3-5 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
– 1 cup heavy cream or heavy whipping cream
– 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
– Optional: a splash of dry white wine for extra depth
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a little pasta water to loosen the sauce later if needed. Set the pasta aside.
2. Prepare and Cook the Chicken and Shrimp
Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel and season them with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then cook them for 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside with the chicken.
3. Make the Alfredo Sauce
Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. If you want a thicker sauce, sprinkle the flour over the butter and garlic and stir for another minute to cook out the raw flavor.
Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. If you like, add a splash of dry white wine here and let it reduce for a minute. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5-8 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
4. Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken and shrimp to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss to coat them well. Add the cooked pasta and gently fold everything together. If the sauce feels too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
5. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Add extra Parmesan cheese if you like. Serve your chicken and shrimp Alfredo immediately while warm and creamy.
Tips for the Best Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo
– Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the creamiest, most flavorful sauce.
– Don’t overcook the shrimp; they cook quickly and become rubbery if left too long.
– For a spicy kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
– If you want a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
– Try slicing the chicken thinly, like in restaurants, for a more elegant presentation.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
This chicken and shrimp Alfredo recipe balances the tender, juicy proteins with a silky, cheesy sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta. Cooking the chicken and shrimp separately ensures each is cooked just right without overcooking. Using the same skillet for the sauce means all those delicious browned bits from the chicken and shrimp flavor the sauce, making it extra tasty.
With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this indulgent dish in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Enjoy your creamy, dreamy chicken and shrimp Alfredo!
Creamy, flavorful, and easy to make—this dish will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.