Alfredo sauce is a creamy, cheese-based pasta sauce that can pair deliciously with a variety of meats. The rich and indulgent flavor of alfredo sauce works well with chicken, shrimp, beef, and pork dishes. When choosing a meat to serve with alfredo, consider options that will provide contrasting textures and flavors to complement the sauce.
Quick Answer
The most common and classic meats to pair with alfredo sauce are:
- Chicken – Broiled, grilled or sautéed chicken breast or thighs
- Shrimp – Grilled, broiled or sautéed shrimp
- Beef – Pan seared steak tips or meatballs
- Pork – Pan seared pork chops or tenderloin
These meats have mild flavors that allow the alfredo sauce to shine while adding protein, contrasting texture, and visual appeal.
What Makes a Good Pairing with Alfredo Sauce?
When considering what meat to serve with alfredo sauce, there are a few factors to keep in mind:
- Mild flavor – Since alfredo sauce has a rich, indulgent taste, meats should have a relatively mild flavor that won’t compete. Strongly flavored meats may overpower the sauce.
- Contrasting texture – Meats should offer some contrast to the soft pasta and creamy sauce. Crispy pan-seared meats or meatballs can provide a nice textural contrast.
- Lean protein – Since alfredo sauce is high in fat and calories, leaner proteins are best. This helps balance out the dish.
- Quick cooking – Meats that can be quickly pan-seared, grilled, or broiled work well, as alfredo sauce only requires brief heating before serving.
- Visually appealing – Proteins that can be nicely browned and retain their shape when cooked add nice visual contrast and interest.
Best Meat Options for Alfredo Sauce
Taking into account the criteria above, here are some of the best meat choices to pair with alfredo sauce:
Chicken
Chicken is one of the most popular meats to pair with alfredo. It offers a mild flavor that works well with the sauce and has a texture that contrasts nicely with the soft pasta. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs can be quickly sautéed, baked, or grilled until lightly browned but still juicy and tender. Pro tip: Pound chicken breasts thin so they cook quickly and evenly. Dice or shred chicken and mix with alfredo over pasta for a simple one-pan meal.
Shrimp
Buttery shrimp is heavenly with alfredo sauce. Shrimp offer a sweet flavor that complements the sauce well and have a nice firm, juicy bite. Buy peeled, deveined shrimp and briefly sauté, broil, or grill until pink and cooked through. Toss with pasta and alfredo or serve shrimp on top. Large shrimp make an especially pretty presentation.
Beef
Lean beef choices like sirloin steak tips, beef tenderloin, or meatballs are excellent with alfredo. Beef offers hearty flavor and satisfying texture. Pan sear beef over high heat for a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Make sure not to overcook beef or it could become tough. Slice steak thinly against the grain and serve over pasta with sauce. Meatballs can simmer right in the sauce to soak up flavors.
Pork
Both pork chops and pork tenderloin pair deliciously with alfredo sauce. Lean pork retains moisture and tenderness during quick cooking. Make sure chops or pork medallions are pounded thin so they cook through fully yet stay juicy. Use milder pork flavors like loin or tenderloin rather than strongly flavored cuts like sausage. The rich alfredo sauce balances the lean pork beautifully.
Other Poultry
In addition to chicken, other mild poultry meats work well with alfredo, such as turkey breast, lean ground turkey or turkey meatballs. Turkey offers a bit more robust flavor than chicken. Wild game birds like quail, pheasant, dove or other fowl would also make a nice pairing.
Vegetarian Options
For vegetarian options, meaty portobello mushroom caps can replace meat for an earthy flavor and hearty texture. Marinate and grill or broil portobellos until tender. There are also many veggie burgers, sausages, and meatballs that can simulate meat when paired with alfredo sauce. Try products made from soy, legumes, grains, or mushrooms for a satisfying meat-free meal.
Prep Tips for Pairing Meats with Alfredo
Here are some useful tips for prepping and cooking meats to serve with alfredo sauce:
- Pound chicken breasts, pork chops, or steak thin so they cook quickly.
- Trim meats of excess fat and slice thinly across the grain.
- Marinate meats briefly in olive oil, herbs, garlic, citrus for added flavor.
- Cook meats over high heat to sear the outside while keeping inside moist.
- Do not overcook meats or they may become tough and dry.
- Allow meat to rest for 5 minutes after cooking before slicing to retain juices.
- Slice meats thinly across the grain for tenderness and easy chewing.
Complementary Flavors for Alfredo Sauce
Certain herbs, spices, and ingredient pairings can complement and enhance the flavor of alfredo sauce. Consider adding these to the overall dish:
- Fresh parsley, basil, oregano, thyme
- Lemon, garlic, shallots, white wine
- Cajun seasoning, blackening seasoning
- Diced tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes
- Sautéed mushrooms, peppers, onions
- Grated parmesan, romano, asiago cheese
- Fresh cracked black pepper
- Broccoli, asparagus, spinach
Full Alfredo Sauce Meal Suggestions
Here are some recipe ideas for putting together complete and satisfying meals featuring alfredo sauce and complementary meats and ingredients:
Chicken Alfredo
- Fettuccine
- Grilled chicken breasts, sliced
- Broccoli, sautéed or steamed
- Alfredo sauce
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo
- Fettuccine
- Sautéed shrimp
- Roasted red peppers
- Alfredo sauce
- Garlic bread
- Mixed greens salad with vinaigrette
Steak Alfredo
- Penne or rigatoni
- Sirloin steak tips, pan seared
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Alfredo sauce
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
Cajun Shrimp Alfredo
- Fettuccine
- Blackened shrimp
- Diced tomatoes
- Cajun alfredo sauce
- Garlic bread
- Green salad with vinaigrette
Meatballs and Veggies
- Penne
- Beef or turkey meatballs
- Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, peppers
- Alfredo sauce
- Breadsticks
- Tossed salad with Italian dressing
Conclusion
Alfredo sauce makes a luxurious, creamy pasta dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of meats. Look for mild meats like chicken, shrimp, lean beef or pork that can provide contrasting texture and flavors. Cook meats quickly over high heat to sear and retain juiciness. Include fresh herbs, spices, vegetables and cheeses to complement the sauce. With so many tasty options, you can create endless alfredo meal possibilities!