Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls – 30 Minutes
Short introduction
Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls are a delectable and creative twist on classic chicken Alfredo. Instead of serving it on a plate, you get to enjoy this comforting dish in a toasted bread bowl. It’s a fun and filling meal that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. Who wouldn’t want to savor creamy Alfredo and succulent chicken while munching on a delicious, buttery bread bowl?
Why you’ll love it
You’ll love Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls for several reasons. First, they combine the comforting flavors of Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and hearty bread, making for an excellent meal all in one. Second, they’re easy to prepare and can be made in about 30 minutes. Third, they present beautifully, making them perfect for impressing guests or just enjoying a cozy night in. Lastly, this dish is versatile; you can easily customize it with different spices, cheeses, or added veggies to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- 3 pieces Chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 1 pound Pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 6 pieces Kaiser rolls (or more if needed)
- 1 jar Alfredo sauce (about 15 oz)
- ½ cup Unsalted butter, melted
- 3-4 teaspoons Garlic and herb seasoning
- ½ cup Shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Substitutions & key variations
You can personalize your Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls with several substitutions and variations:
- Chicken: Substitute chicken breasts with cooked shrimp or even sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian option.
- Pasta: Use other types of pasta like rotini, macaroni, or gluten-free pasta to suit your dietary preferences.
- Bread: Try using sourdough or ciabatta rolls for a different flavor profile.
- Seasoning: Feel free to add other spices such as Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes for heat, or fresh herbs like parsley or basil for extra flavor.
Step-by-step
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken cubes with garlic and herb seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, until fully cooked and no longer pink inside.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add your choice of pasta and cook until al dente, following package instructions. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
Step 3: Create the Bread Bowls
While the pasta cooks, slice the tops off the kaiser rolls. Gently hollow out the centers of the rolls to create bowls, making sure not to cut through the bottom.
Step 4: Toast the Bread Bowls
Combine melted butter with garlic and herb seasoning. Brush the inside and edges of the hollowed bread bowls with the mixture. Place the bowls in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 4-5 minutes until they are lightly toasted.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta and Alfredo sauce with the cooked chicken. Stir well to ensure everything is coated evenly.
Step 6: Fill and Bake
Carefully fill the toasted bread bowls with the chicken Alfredo mixture. Top each bowl with shredded parmesan cheese. Return the filled bowls to the oven for another 4-5 minutes until the cheese melts and the bread turns crispy.
Success tips
- Temperature: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to ensure even cooking.
- Texture: The bread bowls should be lightly crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, creating a perfect contrast with the creamy Alfredo.
- Common mistakes: Avoid overcooking the pasta; it should be al dente for the best texture. Also, be careful not to overfill the bread bowls, which might cause them to spill during baking.
How to serve
Serve your Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls hot from the oven. For a finishing touch, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or red pepper flakes on top. Pair them with a simple side salad for a well-rounded meal.
Storage & reheating
Store any leftover Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be kept for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. For a quick reheating option, you can also use a microwave, but the bread may lose its crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of sauce?
Yes! While Alfredo is a classic choice, you can try marinara or pesto for different flavors.Is this dish kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Kids usually love the creamy sauce and the fun of eating from a bread bowl.Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the chicken with your favorite vegetables and use vegetable broth for added flavor.How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
The chicken should be white throughout with no pink inside. You can use a meat thermometer to check if it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).Can I freeze the Chicken Alfredo mixture?
Yes, you can freeze the Alfredo mixture for up to 3 months without the bread. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Conclusion
Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls are not just a meal; they’re an experience. With their combination of savory flavors and delightful presentation, they’re sure to please everyone at the table. Add this recipe to your meal rotation and enjoy a comforting dish that takes only 30 minutes to prepare!
Links to related recipes
- Creamy Garlic Pasta
- Classic Chicken Alfredo
- Cheesy Stuffed Breadsticks
- Chicken Parmesan Sliders
- Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 pieces Chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 1 pound Pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 6 pieces Kaiser rolls (or more if needed)
- 1 jar Alfredo sauce (about 15 oz)
- ½ cup Unsalted butter, melted
- 3-4 teaspoons Garlic and herb seasoning
- ½ cup Shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
Preparation
- Season the chicken cubes with garlic and herb seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, until fully cooked and no longer pink inside.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add your choice of pasta and cook until al dente, following package instructions. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
- Slice the tops off the kaiser rolls and gently hollow out the centers to create bowls.
- Combine melted butter with garlic and herb seasoning. Brush the inside and edges of the hollowed bread bowls with the mixture.
- Place the bowls in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 4-5 minutes until they are lightly toasted.
Assembly
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta and Alfredo sauce with the cooked chicken. Stir well to ensure everything is coated evenly.
- Carefully fill the toasted bread bowls with the chicken Alfredo mixture. Top each bowl with shredded parmesan cheese.
- Return the filled bowls to the oven for another 4-5 minutes until the cheese melts and the bread turns crispy.