Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll be smitten by the interplay of textures and flavors: tender, herb-marinated chicken, a velvety Alfredo sauce brightened with tangy feta and aromatic truffle oil, and the irresistible crunch of crispy Parmesan-coated leeks. It’s gourmet elegance made easy, perfect for date nights, dinners to impress, or any moment you crave indulgence without hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • For the Herbed Chicken:
    • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
    • Olive oil; garlic powder; dried Italian herbs (oregano, thyme, basil mix); smoked paprika; salt & fresh black pepper
  • For the Truffle Feta Alfredo Sauce:
    • Unsalted butter; minced garlic; heavy cream (room temperature); crumbled feta (room temperature); freshly grated Parmesan; truffle oil (adjust to taste); fresh thyme or parsley (for garnish)
  • For the Crispy Parmesan Leeks:
    • Leeks, cleaned and sliced into thin rings; olive oil; finely grated Parmesan; pinch of salt & pepper
  • Optional for Serving:
    • Cooked fettuccine or tagliatelle pasta; lemon wedges for brightness

Directions

  1. Marinate the chicken: Toss chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian herbs, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let sit (marinade ~30 minutes if time allows).
  2. Pan-sear the chicken: Heat oil in a skillet, cook chicken in batches until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
  3. Prepare the crispy leeks: Toss leek rings with olive oil, salt, pepper, and Parmesan. Bake or pan-fry until crisp and golden.
  4. Make the truffle-feta Alfredo sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, sauté garlic until fragrant. Add heavy cream, bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in feta, Parmesan, and truffle oil until melted and smooth.
  5. Combine and serve: Return chicken to the pan with sauce, stir to coat. Serve over pasta if using. Top with crispy Parmesan leeks and garnish with fresh thyme or parsley. Optionally serve with lemon wedges for a bright finish.

Servings and timing

  • Servings: 2–3 people
  • Prep time: ~25 minutes plus about 30 minutes if marinating
  • Cook time: ~25–30 minutes
  • Total time: Around 1 hour (including optional marinating)

Variations

  • Mushroom addition: Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the chicken for extra umami.
  • Greens swap: Incorporate fresh spinach or baby kale into the sauce for a green boost.
  • Cheese options: Substitute goat cheese for feta for a softer, tangier flavor.
  • Herb infusion: Use fresh rosemary or tarragon instead of the Italian herb mix for a distinct herbal twist.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store in airtight containers sauce and chicken separate for up to 3–4 days.
  • Freezing: Sauce freezes best on its own; thaw gently before reheating.
  • Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or milk if needed. Re-crisp leeks in a hot oven or toaster oven before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I make this without truffle oil?

Yes omit it or substitute with a small pinch of nutmeg or a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil for depth.

2. Is feta in this sauce too strong?

Feta’s tang is balanced by the cream and butter, creating a rich, nuanced flavor—adjust the amount to your taste.

3. Can I grill the chicken instead?

Absolutely grilling adds a lovely smoky char. Just slice and add to the sauce afterward.

4. What kind of pasta works best with this sauce?

Fettuccine or tagliatelle hold the creamy sauce beautifully, but any long pasta—like linguine or pappardelle works well.

5. How do I crisp leeks evenly?

Ensure they’re dry, in a single layer, and not overcrowded. Bake at high heat (around 200 °C / 400 °F) or pan-fry in a hot skillet until golden.

6. Can I prepare any parts ahead of time?

Yes the marinade, sauce, and leeks can all be prepped ahead. Reheat sauce and crisp the leeks just before serving.

7. Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes just pair it with gluten-free pasta or skip pasta entirely for a low-carb option.

8. How strong should truffle oil flavor be?

Start with 1 teaspoon, taste, and adjust truffle oil is potent, and a little goes a long way.

9. Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes skip the chicken and add roasted cauliflower or sautéed mushrooms for a satisfying meatless version.

10. What sides pair well with this?

A crisp green salad with vinaigrette or roasted asparagus cuts through the richness beautifully.

Conclusion

Rich, elegant, and satisfying, this Herbed Chicken Alfredo with Truffle Feta Cream & Crispy Parmesan Leeks delivers layers of flavor and texture that elevate a classic dish into something extraordinary. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a loved one, it’s a gourmet experience that feels effortless perfect for memorable meals at home.

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Herbed Chicken Alfredo with Truffle Feta Cream & Crispy Parmesan Leeks

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A decadent Alfredo variation featuring herb-marinated chicken, creamy truffle-feta sauce, and crispy Parmesan-coated leeks for a luxurious, restaurant-quality meal at home.

  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes (+30 minutes marinating if desired)
  • Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
  • Total Time: 50–55 minutes
  • Yield: 2–3 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Pan-Seared and Baked
  • Cuisine: Fusion
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for cooking)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, thyme, basil mix)

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream (room temperature)

½ cup crumbled feta cheese (room temperature)

½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for sauce)

1 teaspoon truffle oil (adjust to taste)

Fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish

2 medium leeks, cleaned and sliced into thin rings

2 tablespoons olive oil (for leeks)

½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (for leeks)

Pinch of salt and pepper (for leeks)

Optional: 8 oz cooked fettuccine or tagliatelle pasta

Optional: Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine chicken, 2 tablespoons olive oil, garlic powder, Italian herbs, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Marinate for 30 minutes if time allows.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken in batches until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
  3. In a separate bowl, toss leek rings with olive oil, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and bake at 200°C (400°F) or pan-fry until crispy and golden.
  4. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Add feta, Parmesan, and truffle oil to the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth.
  6. Return chicken to the sauce and stir to coat. If serving with pasta, add cooked pasta and toss to combine.
  7. Plate and top with crispy Parmesan leeks. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

For deeper flavor, grill the chicken instead of pan-searing.

Start with a small amount of truffle oil—it’s very potent.

Sauce thickens as it cools; thin with extra cream if reheating.

Crispy leeks are best enjoyed fresh; re-crisp in the oven before serving leftovers.

To make gluten-free, serve with gluten-free pasta or omit pasta entirely.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion (approx. 1/3 of recipe with pasta)
  • Calories: 690
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 980mg
  • Fat: 47g
  • Saturated Fat: 24g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 39g
  • Cholesterol: 180mg

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