Mastering Chicken Alfredo on a Dorm Room Budget

Cooking for college students can be a challenge, especially when working with limited resources such as a tiny dorm room kitchen. With pre-cooked chicken and microwaveable pasta, however, you can whip up a delicious and nutritious Chicken Alfredo dinner with almost no effort. Read on to learn the tips and tricks needed to prepare this dish, no matter your budget or space restrictions.

The Basics

Chicken Alfredo is an easy-to-prepare dish that is both flavorful and filling. To make this dish, you’ll need a few simple ingredients, most of which can usually be found in a college student’s dorm room kitchen. To make a classic Chicken Alfredo, you will need:

Pre-cooked and shredded chicken
Packet of microwaveable pasta
Alfredo pasta sauce
Butter
Garlic cloves, diced
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional — Parmesan cheese

Instructions

To begin, combine the pasta and sauce in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat the mixture in the microwave according to the directions on the packet. Be sure to stir the pasta frequently to ensure an even distribution of heat. Once the pasta is cooked, set aside.

In a small saucepan, melt one tablespoon of butter over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and cook until it becomes fragrant (about 2-3 minutes). Stir in the cooked chicken, salt and pepper. Simmer the mixture for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add the cooked pasta to the saucepan and stir over low heat for about one minute. Then, slowly add the Alfredo sauce. Continue to stir, and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce is thick and creamy.

Serve the Chicken Alfredo immediately, top it with freshly chopped parsley, and enjoy!

Improving the Nutrition

Chicken Alfredo is usually high in calories and sodium, and lack any real nutritional value. If you are looking to make this dish healthier, try exploring different ingredients! Substitute whole wheat pasta for a more fiber-rich dish, use low-fat Alfredo sauce to reduce calories, or add a handful of fresh vegetables, such as spinach or mushrooms, for an extra kick of vitamins and minerals. You can also sprinkle a bit of Parmesan cheese to give your dish an added depth of flavor.

Conclusion

With a few of these simple tips and tricks, you can make Chicken Alfredo in your dorm room kitchen with ease. Whether you are looking to enjoy a delicious meal or improve your nutritional intake, this dish can easily be tailored to fit your needs. So grab a bowl and get cooking!