Creamy Chicken Alfredo with Roasted Butternut Squash – A Comforting Twist on Classic Pasta
This hearty pasta dish combines the creamy richness of Alfredo sauce with the sweetness of roasted butternut squash and tender grilled chicken. It’s a comforting yet elegant meal perfect for weeknights or entertaining.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Fettuccine pasta
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Chicken breasts
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Butternut squash, cubed
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Olive oil
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Salt and pepper
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Butter
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Garlic
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Heavy cream
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Parmesan cheese
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Nutmeg (optional)
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Fresh parsley
Directions
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Toss squash cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper; roast for 25 minutes.
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Season and grill chicken breasts; slice and set aside.
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Cook pasta until al dente; drain and set aside.
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In a pan, melt butter and sauté garlic.
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Add cream, Parmesan, and nutmeg; stir until smooth.
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Toss in pasta and roasted squash; mix well.
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Serve topped with grilled chicken and parsley.
Servings and timing
Serves: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Variations
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Use shrimp or mushrooms instead of chicken.
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Add spinach for extra nutrition.
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Use plant-based cream and cheese for a vegan version.
Storage/reheating
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or cream.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
Yes, but homemade offers better flavor.
What pasta works best?
Fettuccine is traditional, but penne or linguine also work.
Can I use frozen squash?
Yes, just ensure it’s thawed and patted dry before roasting.
Is this kid-friendly?
Absolutely, the creamy sauce and sweetness of squash appeal to children.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, substitute with gluten-free pasta.
Can I add bacon?
Yes, it adds a smoky flavor that complements the dish well.
What wine pairs well?
A dry white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio.
Can I prep ahead?
Yes, roast the squash and grill the chicken a day ahead.
How do I prevent Alfredo from clumping?
Stir continuously and avoid overheating the sauce.
Is this freezer-friendly?
Not ideal, as the cream sauce may separate when thawed.
Conclusion
Creamy Chicken Alfredo with Roasted Butternut Squash is a satisfying and elevated twist on a beloved classic. It brings comfort and a touch of seasonal flair to your dinner table.
Honey‑Glazed Chicken with Roasted Vegetables & Rice – A Balanced, Flavor‑Packed Meal
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This wholesome dish offers tender chicken glazed with a sweet and savory honey sauce, accompanied by perfectly roasted vegetables and fluffy rice. It’s a satisfying, well-rounded meal that’s both nutritious and comforting.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Chicken breasts or thighs
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Honey
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Soy sauce
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Garlic
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Olive oil
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Mixed vegetables (e.g. carrots, zucchini, onions)
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Salt and pepper
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Jasmine or basmati rice
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Fresh rosemary or thyme
Directions
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Mix honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
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Coat chicken with glaze and set aside.
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Toss vegetables with oil, salt, and pepper.
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Bake vegetables and glazed chicken for 25–30 minutes.
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Cook rice according to package instructions.
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Serve glazed chicken and vegetables over rice.
Servings and timing
Serves: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Variations
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Substitute maple syrup for honey.
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Add pineapple chunks for tropical flair.
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Use quinoa or couscous instead of rice.
Storage/reheating
Store components separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Reheat chicken in the oven or skillet; microwave vegetables and rice.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes, they are juicy and work well in this recipe.
What vegetables are best for roasting?
Carrots, bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, and onions.
Can I grill the chicken instead?
Yes, glaze and grill on medium-high heat until cooked through.
Can I meal prep this dish?
Yes, it stores and reheats beautifully.
Is it kid-friendly?
Yes, the honey glaze makes it appealing to children.
How do I keep chicken juicy?
Do not overbake; internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Can I marinate the chicken?
Yes, marinate in the glaze for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Can I add nuts?
Toasted cashews or almonds add a nice crunch.
What type of rice is best?
Jasmine or basmati for a light, fragrant base.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free version.
Conclusion
Honey-Glazed Chicken with Roasted Vegetables & Rice is an easy, nutritious dinner that delivers on both taste and texture. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend meal.
PrintCreamy Chicken Alfredo with Roasted Butternut Squash – A Comforting Twist on Classic Pasta
A comforting and creamy chicken Alfredo pasta with a seasonal twist, featuring sweet roasted butternut squash for added flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, sliced or shredded
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss butternut squash cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread on a baking sheet. Roast for 25–30 minutes until tender and lightly browned.
- Cook fettuccine pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine with the garlic.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and nutmeg until melted and smooth.
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Stir in roasted butternut squash gently.
- Top with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- You can use store-bought rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: chicken Alfredo, butternut squash pasta, creamy pasta, fall comfort food
