Are you looking for a delicious and satisfying meal that won't blow your caloric intake? Look no further than 1 cup (227 g) Creamy Chicken Alfredo with Sun Dried Tomatoes, which clocks in at a modest 320 calories per serving.
But don't let the low calorie count fool you. This dish is packed with flavor and nutrition, thanks to its high protein content and tasty ingredients like sun dried tomatoes and creamy alfredo sauce.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at the dish's ingredients, preparation time, health benefits, and more, so you can enjoy it to the fullest. Let's get started!
Caloric Value
As mentioned earlier, one serving of Creamy Chicken Alfredo with Sun Dried Tomatoes contains 320 calories. This makes it an ideal meal for those looking to watch their calorie intake without sacrificing deliciousness or satisfaction.
Ingredients
To make Creamy Chicken Alfredo with Sun Dried Tomatoes, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 8 oz. fettuccine pasta, cooked and drained
Note: If you're allergic to any of the above ingredients, you can substitute them for similar items that won't trigger an allergic reaction.
Preparation Time
Preparing Creamy Chicken Alfredo with Sun Dried Tomatoes is easy and shouldn't take more than 30-40 minutes. Here are the steps:
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add the sun dried tomatoes, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
- Toss the cooked and drained fettuccine in the sauce.
- Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and sun dried tomatoes, if desired.
That's it! Your delicious and satisfying Creamy Chicken Alfredo with Sun Dried Tomatoes is ready to be served.
Serving Size
Creamy Chicken Alfredo with Sun Dried Tomatoes serves 4-6 people, depending on the portion size. It's a great meal to share with family and friends, or you can save leftovers for later.
As mentioned earlier, if you have allergies to any of the ingredients in Creamy Chicken Alfredo with Sun Dried Tomatoes, you can substitute them for similar items that won't trigger an allergic reaction.
Health Benefits
Despite being a rich and satisfying meal, Creamy Chicken Alfredo with Sun Dried Tomatoes is also relatively healthy. Here are some of the health benefits you can expect to receive from this meal:
- High protein: Chicken is a great source of protein, which helps build and repair muscle tissue.
- Vitamins and minerals: Parmesan cheese is a good source of calcium, while sun dried tomatoes are a good source of vitamins A and C.
- Calorie control: With only 320 calories per serving, Creamy Chicken Alfredo with Sun Dried Tomatoes is an ideal meal for those looking to maintain or lose weight.
Flavor Profile
Creamy Chicken Alfredo with Sun Dried Tomatoes is a delicious and satisfying meal with a flavor profile that mixes savory and sweet notes. Here are some of the flavors you can expect to taste in this dish:
- Creamy alfredo sauce
- Savory chicken
- Umami-rich Parmesan cheese
- Sweet and tangy sun dried tomatoes
- Garlic and black pepper for added depth
Sauce Consistency
One of the key features of Creamy Chicken Alfredo with Sun Dried Tomatoes is its rich and creamy sauce. Here's what you can expect from the sauce consistency:
- Thick and velvety
- Coats the pasta and chicken evenly
- Not too oily or greasy
- Sticks to the fork and doesn't slide off
Meal Pairing Suggestions
Creamy Chicken Alfredo with Sun Dried Tomatoes is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of other foods and drinks. Here are some pairing suggestions that will elevate your meal even further:
- Garlic bread or breadsticks
- Green salad with vinaigrette dressing
- White wine or dry rosé
- Ambient music or soft jazz
Storage Instructions
If you have leftovers of Creamy Chicken Alfredo with Sun Dried Tomatoes, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
FAQs About Creamy Chicken Alfredo with Sun Dried Tomatoes
1. How many calories are in one cup of Creamy Chicken Alfredo with Sun Dried Tomatoes?
There are 320 calories in one cup (227 g) of Creamy Chicken Alfredo with Sun Dried Tomatoes.
2. What ingredients are in Creamy Chicken Alfredo with Sun Dried Tomatoes?
The ingredients in Creamy Chicken Alfredo with Sun Dried Tomatoes typically include pasta, chicken, Alfredo sauce, sun dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
3. Is Creamy Chicken Alfredo with Sun Dried Tomatoes a healthy meal option?
Creamy Chicken Alfredo with Sun Dried Tomatoes is not considered a particularly healthy meal option, as it is high in calories, fat, and sodium.
4. How can I make Creamy Chicken Alfredo with Sun Dried Tomatoes healthier?
You can make Creamy Chicken Alfredo with Sun Dried Tomatoes healthier by using low-fat or skim milk in the Alfredo sauce, substituting whole-grain pasta for regular pasta, and adding more vegetables to the dish (such as broccoli or spinach).
5. Can Creamy Chicken Alfredo with Sun Dried Tomatoes be frozen?
Yes, Creamy Chicken Alfredo with Sun Dried Tomatoes can be frozen for later consumption. However, the texture and quality of the pasta may be affected after freezing and reheating.