A step-by-step guide to making Cheesy Mexican Chicken Alfredo, a delicious fusion of creamy Alfredo sauce with Mexican flavors:
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta (or pasta of your choice)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (cheddar, Monterey Jack, etc.)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)
- Sliced jalapeños (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Season and Cook the Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Season the chicken pieces with the spice mixture.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until they are browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Prepare the Alfredo Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded Mexican cheese blend and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
4. Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce.
- Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Gently fold in the cooked fettuccine pasta until everything is well coated with the cheesy Alfredo sauce.
5. Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish the Cheesy Mexican Chicken Alfredo with chopped fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños, if desired, for an extra kick.
- Serve hot, and enjoy your fusion of Mexican and Italian flavors!
This Cheesy Mexican Chicken Alfredo dish is a delightful blend of creamy, cheesy goodness with a touch of Mexican spice. Adjust the level of spiciness to your preference by adding more or fewer jalapeños and chili powder.