Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls are a delightful fusion of flavors and creativity that can elevate any weeknight dinner or special gathering. With tender chicken, smooth Alfredo sauce, and warm, crusty bread, every bite offers a comforting experience. This recipe encapsulates everything you love about hearty pasta dishes and pairs it with the unforgettable crunch of baked bread bowls. I’ve personally made this dish on busy evenings and found it to be both satisfying and loved by everyone around the table.
Why you’ll love this dish
This recipe stands out for numerous reasons! For one, it’s a quick meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or presentation. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it can be on your table in about 30-40 minutes, making it ideal for busy families. Plus, the combination of creamy Alfredo sauce and the delightful garlic bread bowls is bound to win over even the pickiest eaters—kids love it! This dish is also budget-friendly, using simple ingredients that most households already have.
“These Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls are pure comfort food! My kids can’t get enough, and it’s so easy to make—even on a busy weeknight!”
The cooking process explained
Creating Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls is a straightforward adventure, combining elements of cooking and baking for a delightful end product. The process involves cooking the chicken to tender perfection, boiling your choice of pasta, and expertly assembling your bread bowls. You’ll be filling the hollowed-out Kaiser rolls with creamy Alfredo chicken pasta and then giving them a short bake to melt the cheese. It’s truly a dish that comes together harmoniously!
What you’ll need
Gather these items for your Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls:
- 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)
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, melted
- 3-4 teaspoons Garlic and herb seasoning
- 1/2 cup Shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Feel free to substitute chicken with another protein like shrimp or diced vegetables for a meatless version.
Step-by-step instructions
- Season the chicken cubes with garlic and herb seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes until fully cooked and browned.
- In a large pot, boil salted water and cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the tops off the Kaiser rolls and gently hollow out the centers to create bowls.
- In a bowl, combine melted butter with garlic and herb seasoning. Brush the inside and edges of the hollowed rolls with the mixture.
- Place these bread bowls in the oven and bake for about 4-5 minutes until lightly toasted.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine drained pasta and Alfredo sauce with the cooked chicken, stirring until well combined.
- Carefully fill the toasted bread bowls with the chicken Alfredo mixture, topping each one with shredded parmesan cheese.
- Return the filled bowls to the oven for an additional 4-5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley or red pepper flakes if desired.
Best ways to enjoy it
To serve Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls, consider pairing them with a simple side salad dressed in light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. A glass of crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon can also balance out the richness of the Alfredo sauce. Create a beautiful presentation by garnishing the bowls with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some added kick!
Storage and reheating tips
To keep your leftover Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you plan to reheat, pop them back in the oven at a low temperature to maintain the crispy texture of the bread. If you have any unfilled bread bowls or leftover chicken mixture, these can be stored separately for longer-lasting freshness.
Helpful cooking tips
- If you want extra flavor, consider adding sautéed onions or mushrooms to the chicken while it cooks.
- For a lighter version, replace the heavy Alfredo sauce with a béchamel or a low-fat alternative.
- Baking the bread bowls only until they are lightly toasted will prevent them from becoming too hard when filled with the warm pasta.
Creative twists
Try substituting the traditional chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken for even quicker preparation. If you’re aiming for a healthier option, swap out the Alfredo sauce for a lighter homemade version using Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative. Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella for a gooier texture, or top with fresh herbs like basil for an Italian flair!
Common questions
How long does it take to prepare Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls?
The entire process generally takes about 30-40 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and satisfying meal option!
Can I make this recipe ahead and freeze it?
While baked bread bowls are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the chicken and Alfredo mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. As for the bread, it’s better to fill and bake the bowls shortly before serving to keep them crispy.
What pasta can I use aside from penne or fettuccine?
Feel free to get creative! Any pasta shape will work, including rigatoni, elbow macaroni, or even gluten-free varieties if needed. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta of your choice.
Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls offer a fun and delicious take on traditional pasta dishes. With a bit of creativity and an adventurous spirit, you can adapt this recipe to make it your own! Enjoy your cooking journey!
PrintChicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls
A delightful fusion of flavors combining tender chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and warm, crusty bread bowls, perfect for any weeknight dinner or special gathering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Medium Fat
Ingredients
- 3 pieces Chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 1 pound Pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 6 pieces Kaiser rolls
- 1 jar Alfredo sauce (about 15 oz)
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, melted
- 3–4 teaspoons Garlic and herb seasoning
- 1/2 cup Shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Season the chicken cubes with garlic and herb seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes until fully cooked and browned.
- In a large pot, boil salted water and cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the tops off the Kaiser rolls and gently hollow out the centers to create bowls.
- In a bowl, combine melted butter with garlic and herb seasoning. Brush the inside and edges of the hollowed rolls with the mixture.
- Place these bread bowls in the oven and bake for about 4-5 minutes until lightly toasted.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine drained pasta and Alfredo sauce with the cooked chicken, stirring until well combined.
- Carefully fill the toasted bread bowls with the chicken Alfredo mixture, topping each one with shredded parmesan cheese.
- Return the filled bowls to the oven for an additional 4-5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley or red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
For a lighter version, replace the heavy Alfredo sauce with a low-fat alternative. You can also use different protein options like shrimp or diced vegetables for a meatless version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
