Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your dinner routine from ordinary to extraordinary! This Chicken Bacon Brussel Sprouts Alfredo is not just a meal—it's a flavor explosion that combines crispy bacon, tender chicken, caramelized brussel sprouts, and a luxuriously creamy Alfredo sauce. Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked fettuccine, each bite packed with rich, savory goodness that will make your taste buds dance with delight. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups brussel sprouts, halved
- 4 strips of bacon, chopped
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by washing brussel sprouts, halving them lengthwise, and patting dry with paper towels.
- In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy and fat is rendered, approximately 5-6 minutes. Remove bacon bits with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving bacon grease in the pan.
- Season diced chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In the same skillet with bacon grease, cook chicken pieces until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. In the same pan, add halved brussel sprouts, sautéing for 5-6 minutes until they develop caramelized edges and become tender.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- Reduce skillet heat to low, add heavy cream to the pan with brussel sprouts, stirring gently to combine and create a sauce base.
- Gradually sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese, continuously stirring to create a smooth Alfredo sauce. Allow sauce to thicken for 2-3 minutes.
- Add cooked chicken and crispy bacon back into the skillet, gently mixing with the sauce and brussel sprouts.
- Drain pasta and add directly to the skillet, tossing everything together to ensure even coating with the Alfredo sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Pat your brussel sprouts completely dry before cooking to ensure they caramelize beautifully instead of steaming.
- Use the bacon grease as a flavor base—it adds incredible depth to your dish.
- Cook chicken and bacon separately to maintain their individual textures and prevent overcrowding in the pan.
- Add Parmesan cheese gradually and on low heat to prevent clumping and create a smooth sauce.
- For extra crispiness, consider broiling the brussel sprouts for 2-3 minutes after sautéing.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting and flavor profile.
- Don't overcook the pasta—al dente is key to preventing a mushy final dish.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water to thin it out while maintaining flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 650kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 42g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Cholesterol: 180mg
