There’s a delightful comfort that comes from a bowl of creamy pasta, and this Filipino Chicken Pasta Alfredo perfectly captures that essence. Often, I crave a meal that’s not only rich and satisfying but also quick to whip up amidst life’s hustle. This dish marries traditional Alfredo creaminess with the unique flavors of Filipino cuisine, resulting in something truly special. Imagine the silky fettuccine enveloped in a buttery sauce, dotted with tender chicken bits and fragrant garlic—each bite is a warm hug for the soul.
What makes this recipe even more appealing is its simplicity; with just a few essential ingredients and easy steps, you can impress family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, this Filipino Chicken Pasta is a showstopper that brings everyone together. So, grab your apron, and let’s create a dish that will transform your dinner table into a celebration of flavor!
Why will you love Filipino Chicken Pasta?
Deliciously comforting, this Filipino Chicken Pasta Alfredo is sure to become a family favorite!
- Simplicity: With straightforward steps, anyone can make it.
- Creamy Dream: The rich, velvety sauce envelops every bite.
- Unique Flavors: Enjoy the distinctive Filipino twist on classic Alfredo.
- Quick Meal: Perfectly suited for busy weeknights or feasts.
- Versatile: Easily swap ingredients to fit your preferences.
Get ready to savor a dish that’s both delightful and nourishing for all!
Filipino Chicken Pasta Ingredients
For the Pasta
• Fettucine Pasta – Provides a hearty base for the dish; can be swapped with other pasta types like penne or spaghetti.
For the Sauce
• CDO Chicken Flakes in Oil – Adds savory chicken flavor and texture; substitute with shredded rotisserie chicken if unavailable.
• All-Purpose Cream – Creates the creamy sauce; substitute with heavy cream or coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
• Parmesan Cheese – Enhances creaminess and adds umami; nutritional yeast serves as a vegan alternative.
• Butter – Contributes to the richness of the sauce; use olive oil or a vegan butter alternative for a lighter option.
• Onion – For sweetness and depth of flavor; use shallots or green onions as a substitute.
• Garlic – Infuses the dish with aromatic flavor; fresh garlic is preferred, but garlic powder is a quick substitute.
For Garnish
• Fresh Parsley – Adds a pop of color and freshness; chopped parsley brightens the dish beautifully.
This Filipino Chicken Pasta is a delightful mix of flavors and textures, perfect for any occasion!
How to Make Filipino Chicken Pasta
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Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain and set aside, allowing it to cool slightly while you prepare the sauce.
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Melt butter in a pot over medium heat. Once melted, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic for about 3 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent, filling your kitchen with a wonderful aroma.
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Add CDO chicken flakes to the pot and stir for 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together with the sautéed onions and garlic.
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Pour in the all-purpose cream and bring to a gentle boil. Then, reduce the heat to low and stir occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly—this should take about 5-7 minutes.
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Stir in the Parmesan cheese, mixing well until it melts into the sauce, adding a rich, creamy texture that everyone will love.
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Toss the cooked fettuccine into the sauce, coating the pasta evenly. Be sure the noodles are well-dressed in that luscious sauce, creating a beautiful dish.
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Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness, making your plate visually inviting. Serve immediately and enjoy the warmth of this dish!
Optional: Consider adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for an extra kick.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Filipino Chicken Pasta Variations
Feel free to unleash your creativity and tailor this dish to your taste—customizing it will surely enhance your dining experience!
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Shrimp Swap: Use shrimp instead of chicken for a delightful seafood twist that’s equally light and flavorful. Just sauté until they’re pink and cooked through!
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Veggie Delight: Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to enrich the dish. These veggies not only boost the nutrition but also bring a lovely textural contrast.
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Coconut Cream: Substitute regular cream with coconut cream for a tropical flair. This swap creates a rich, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the pasta.
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Cheese Boost: Mix in a blend of different cheeses like mozzarella or Gouda alongside Parmesan for a unique depth of flavor. The combination makes every bite an adventure!
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Herb Infusion: Toss in fresh basil or thyme for an aromatic lift. These herbs will brighten the dish and give it an aromatic, garden-fresh twist.
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Spicy Kick: For those who crave heat, sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. This simple addition will bring an exciting warmth to your Alfredo!
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Gluten-Free Option: Swap the fettuccine for gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs while enjoying the same heartfelt flavors.
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Lemon Zest: Grate some lemon zest into the sauce just before serving for a touch of brightness that cuts through the richness, making the dish feel lighter.
Each variation brings its own personality to this comforting dish, making it versatile enough to suit any mood or occasion. Enjoy experimenting!
What to Serve with Filipino Chicken Pasta Alfredo?
Imagine a cozy evening filled with comforting flavors that complement your creamy pasta delight.
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Easy Chicken Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine, rich Caesar dressing, and savory chicken brings a refreshing crunch to your meal, balancing the creamy pasta beautifully.
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Garlic Bread: Golden, buttery, and toasted just right, garlic bread is the perfect sidekick, perfect for soaking up leftover creamy sauce—pure bliss!
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Grilled Vegetables: Bright and smoky grilled veggies add a healthy touch, enhancing the dish with vibrant colors and a depth of flavor that harmonizes beautifully.
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Steamed Broccoli: Tender broccoli provides a nice contrast in texture while its subtle bitterness cuts through the richness of the Alfredo, making every bite more enjoyable.
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Homemade Coleslaw: A tangy and crunchy coleslaw will uplift your Filipino Chicken Pasta with its refreshing zest, pairing perfectly with the creamy dish.
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Sangria: Light and fruity, this sweet drink offers a delightful contrast to the richness of the pasta, making each sip an experience of joy.
These delightful pairings will undoubtedly enhance your dining experience, making your meal memorable and satisfying!
Make Ahead Options
These Filipino Chicken Pasta Alfredo preparations are perfect for busy home cooks who want to save time without sacrificing taste! You can cook the fettuccine pasta and store it in the refrigerator (up to 3 days) to make weeknight dinners effortless. The creamy sauce can also be prepared a day in advance; simply refrigerate it in an airtight container. To maintain the quality, reheat the sauce gently on low heat, adding a splash of all-purpose cream to revive its creamy texture. When ready to serve, combine the prepared pasta and sauce over medium heat until heated through—your delicious Filipino Chicken Pasta Alfredo will taste just as delightful as when freshly made!
How to Store and Freeze Filipino Chicken Pasta
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Room Temperature: It’s best to avoid leaving leftover Filipino Chicken Pasta out for more than 2 hours to prevent spoilage.
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Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or water to the sauce to keep it creamy.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
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Reheating: Gently reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, to maintain its delicious creamy texture.
Expert Tips for Filipino Chicken Pasta
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Creamy Consistency: Keep the heat low after adding cream to avoid curdling. A gentle simmer helps achieve that silky, rich sauce for your Filipino Chicken Pasta.
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Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh garlic and freshly grated Parmesan cheese to elevate the flavor. They make the dish more aromatic and delicious compared to dried substitutes.
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Adjust Flavors: Taste as you go! You may need to tweak the saltiness based on the cheese or other ingredients used. Tailor it to your liking for a perfect finish.
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Pasta Perfection: Don’t overcook the fettuccine; it should be al dente. This ensures the pasta holds its shape and texture, beautifully complementing the creamy sauce.
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Variance: Feel free to explore substitutions! If you’re in the mood for something different, swapping chicken for shrimp or adding veggies can lead to delightful variations.
Filipino Chicken Pasta Recipe FAQs
What type of pasta works best for this dish?
I always recommend fettuccine for Filipino Chicken Pasta Alfredo, as it provides a hearty base that beautifully holds the sauce. However, you can easily substitute it with penne or even spaghetti if you prefer!
How do I store leftovers?
To enjoy your Filipino Chicken Pasta later, store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat gently on the stove, and add a splash of cream or water to revive that luscious creamy texture.
Can I freeze Filipino Chicken Pasta?
Absolutely! You can freeze your Filipino Chicken Pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. For the best results, freeze without the garnish. When you want to enjoy it again, just thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally.
What if my sauce is too thick?
If your sauce becomes too thick when reheating, simply add a splash of cream or water, and gently stir it back to that creamy consistency. This will help loosen it up and bring back that delightful velvety texture.
Are there any allergies I should consider?
If anyone in your family has dairy allergies, you’re in luck! You can make this Filipino Chicken Pasta dairy-free by using coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of all-purpose cream and Parmesan cheese. Always double-check ingredients to accommodate any specific dietary needs!
How can I make this dish healthier?
To lighten up your Filipino Chicken Pasta, consider using whole grain pasta or adding more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. These changes not only add nutrition but also enhance the flavors and make the dish more vibrant!
Creamy Filipino Chicken Pasta to Elevate Your Dinner Table
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain and set aside, allowing it to cool slightly while you prepare the sauce.
- Melt butter in a pot over medium heat. Once melted, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic for about 3 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Add CDO chicken flakes to the pot and stir for 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Pour in the all-purpose cream and bring to a gentle boil. Then, reduce the heat to low and stir occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly—about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, mixing well until it melts into the sauce.
- Toss the cooked fettuccine into the sauce, coating the pasta evenly.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.