Print

Creamy Chicken Alfredo with Pearl Onions

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4 from 30 reviews

This Chicken Alfredo Pasta with Pearl Onions recipe is a deliciously creamy and comforting dish that combines a rich homemade Alfredo sauce, tender baked chicken breast seasoned with savory spices, and luscious creamed pearl onions and broccoli. Perfectly cooked pasta is tossed with all components for a satisfying meal ideal for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Full Recipe Ingredients

  • 16 oz pasta of your choice (fettuccini is traditional, rigatoni used here)
  • 1 x 14 oz package frozen pearl onions
  • 1 x ~10-12 oz package frozen broccoli
  • ~1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 1/2 cups 2% milk
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 2/3 cup chicken broth
  • 7 Tbsp butter
  • 7 Tbsp flour
  • 1 5/6 cup parmesan cheese
  • 3 tsp minced garlic
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 2 Tbsp light brown sugar
  • 2 tsp italian seasoning
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried minced onion or onion powder
  • 4 Tbsp chopped parsley
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • ~3 Tbsp lemon juice (a large splash)
  • 2 tsp plus a dash salt
  • 1/2 tsp plus a dash pepper

Alfredo Sauce Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1 1/2 cups 2% milk
  • 4 1/2 Tbsp butter
  • 4 1/2 Tbsp flour
  • 1 1/3 cup parmesan cheese
  • 3 tsp minced garlic
  • A dash of pepper

Creamy Pearl Onions Ingredients

  • 1 x 14 oz package frozen pearl onions
  • 1 x ~10-12 oz package frozen broccoli
  • 2 1/2 Tbsp butter
  • 2 1/2 Tbsp flour
  • 2/3 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg

Baked Chicken Breast Ingredients

  • ~1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 Tbsp light brown sugar
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp italian seasoning
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried minced onion or onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 4 Tbsp chopped parsley
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • ~3 Tbsp lemon juice (a large splash)

Pasta

  • 16 oz pasta (your choice, cooked)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Alfredo Sauce: Melt 4 1/2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Gradually whisk in 4 1/2 tablespoons of flour to form a yellow paste. Slowly add 1 1/2 cups milk and 1 1/2 cups heavy cream while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Heat and whisk for 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens. Gradually incorporate 1 1/3 cups parmesan cheese in 1/3 cup increments, stirring until smooth. Stir in 3 teaspoons minced garlic and a dash of pepper to finish the sauce.
  2. Make Creamy Pearl Onions and Broccoli: Preheat oven to 375°F and grease an 8×8 inch baking dish. Bring a large pot of water to boil, add frozen pearl onions and broccoli, simmer 5-8 minutes until tender. Melt 2 1/2 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 2 1/2 tablespoons flour gradually to form a paste. Slowly add 1/2 cup heavy cream while whisking until smooth. Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg and stir in. Add 1/4 cup parmesan cheese mixing well. Drain the onions and broccoli, then combine them in the sauce. Transfer mixture to baking dish, top with remaining 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, and bake for 25-30 minutes until top is browned.
  3. Prepare Baked Chicken Breast: Preheat oven to 375°F. Dice chicken breasts into 1/2 to 3/4 inch cubes. In an 8×8 inch dish, mix 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, 2 teaspoons salt, 2 teaspoons italian seasoning, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried minced onion or onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, 4 tablespoons chopped parsley, 1/3 cup mayonnaise, and ~3 tablespoons lemon juice. Toss chicken cubes thoroughly in seasoning mixture. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 16 oz of pasta and cook until tender according to package instructions. Drain pasta well and return it to the pot.
  5. Combine All Elements: Pour the prepared Alfredo sauce over the pasta and gently fold to coat. Add the creamy pearl onion and broccoli mixture and the baked seasoned chicken breast, folding carefully to combine all components using a spatula to scrape from baking dishes. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta with Pearl Onions!

Notes

  • You can substitute pasta types depending on preference; fettuccini is classic but rigatoni works well too.
  • If desired, add canned mushroom pieces and stems to the creamed onions and broccoli for extra flavor.
  • When adding the parmesan cheese to the Alfredo sauce, add in increments to ensure smooth melting and to control thickness.
  • Ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally for safe consumption.
  • For a richer sauce, reduce the sauce further on stovetop before combining.

Find it online: https://yumfoodusa.com/creamy-chicken-alfredo-with-pearl-onions/