Ina Garten’s Secret Recipe For Chicken Alfredo – Feeding 200 Guests With Ease!
What To Know
- If you seek a dish that is both delectable and capable of feeding a large crowd, look no further than the classic chicken alfredo recipe.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked fettuccine noodles and the chicken Alfredo sauce.
- If you do not have a large enough skillet or pot to cook all of the chicken and sauce at once, cook in batches.
When planning a grand event for 200 guests, the culinary experience takes center stage. If you seek a dish that is both delectable and capable of feeding a large crowd, look no further than the classic chicken alfredo recipe. This creamy, cheesy pasta dish is a crowd-pleaser that will surely leave your guests wanting more. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with a step-by-step recipe for chicken alfredo that is specifically tailored to serve 200 guests.
Preparing the Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavors
To create this culinary masterpiece, you will need the following ingredients:
- 20 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 gallon of whole milk
- 1 gallon of heavy cream
- 1 pound of unsalted butter, divided
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup of grated Romano cheese
- 1/2 cup of chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup of minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 pound of fettuccine noodles
Cooking the Chicken: A Journey of Culinary Excellence
1. Preparing the Chicken: Begin by slicing the chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper.
2. Searing the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 1/2 cup of butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted, add the chicken pieces and sear them until they are golden brown on all sides.
3. Simmering the Chicken: Once the chicken is seared, add the whole milk and heavy cream to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Creating the Alfredo Sauce: A Culinary Symphony
1. Melting the Butter: In a separate large pot, melt the remaining 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat.
2. Adding the Flour: Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour until it forms a smooth paste.
3. Cooking the Roux: Continue whisking the roux for 2-3 minutes, or until it turns a light golden brown color.
4. Adding the Milk Mixture: Slowly whisk the milk mixture from the chicken into the roux. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, or until it has thickened.
5. Adding the Cheese: Once the sauce has thickened, add the Parmesan cheese and Romano cheese and stir until melted. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
Combining the Chicken and Sauce: A Culinary Marriage
1. Draining the Chicken: Drain the chicken from the milk mixture and add it to the Alfredo sauce. Stir until the chicken is evenly coated in the sauce.
2. Adding the Herbs: Stir in the chopped parsley and basil.
Cooking the Fettuccine Noodles: A Culinary Canvas
1. Boiling the Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cooking the Noodles: Add the fettuccine noodles to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions.
3. Draining the Noodles: Once the noodles are cooked, drain them and rinse them with cold water.
Assembling the Dish: A Culinary Masterpiece
1. Combining the Noodles and Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cooked fettuccine noodles and the chicken Alfredo sauce. Stir until the noodles are evenly coated in the sauce.
2. Serving the Dish: Serve the chicken Alfredo immediately, garnished with additional chopped parsley and basil.
Tips for a Successful Culinary Experience
- Mise en Place: To ensure a smooth cooking process, prepare all of your ingredients before you begin cooking.
- Cooking in Batches: If you do not have a large enough skillet or pot to cook all of the chicken and sauce at once, cook in batches.
- Keeping the Sauce Warm: If you need to keep the sauce warm before serving, place it in a slow cooker on the lowest setting.
- Accompaniments: Serve the chicken Alfredo with a side of garlic bread, salad, or roasted vegetables.
A Culinary Journey to Remember
With careful preparation and attention to detail, you can create a chicken Alfredo recipe for 200 guests that will be remembered for years to come. This dish is a testament to the power of simple, yet delicious ingredients when combined with culinary expertise. As your guests savor each bite, they will be transported to a world of culinary delight. So gather your ingredients, fire up your stove, and embark on this culinary journey to create a truly memorable dining experience.
Top Questions Asked
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta other than fettuccine?
A: Yes, you can use any type of pasta that you prefer. Some popular choices include penne, spaghetti, and macaroni.
Q: How can I make the sauce thicker?
A: To make the sauce thicker, you can add more flour or cornstarch to the roux. You can also simmer the sauce for a longer period of time.
Q: Can I make the dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the chicken Alfredo sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you are ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and add the cooked noodles.