How to Make Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls: Complete Meatloaf Recipe HelloFresh Alternative

 

Looking for a showstopping dinner that combines comfort food favorites into one incredible dish? This complete guide walks you through creating restaurant-quality chicken alfredo served in crispy garlic bread bowls. Perfect for impressing guests or elevating your weeknight dinner, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet experience.

The Complete Ingredient List for Chicken Alfredo Bread Bowls

Before diving into the cooking process, gather these essential ingredients:

• 3 chicken breasts, cut into cubes
• 1 pound pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
• 6 kaiser rolls (or more if needed)
• 1 jar alfredo sauce (about 15 oz)
• 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, melted
• 3-4 teaspoons garlic and herb seasoning
• ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To prepare this dish efficiently, have these tools ready:

• Large sauté pan for cooking chicken
• Pasta pot with strainer
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Pastry brush for the garlic butter
• Baking sheet
• Small mixing bowl
• Serving utensils

Difficulty Level Assessment

Skill Level: Intermediate Time Required: 40-45 minutes Complexity: Moderate - Requires coordination of multiple components but uses straightforward techniques

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare and Cook the Chicken

Unlike the simple protein preparation in a meatloaf recipe HelloFresh might offer, this chicken requires careful attention to develop flavor:

1. Cut 3 chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes for even cooking
2. Season chicken generously with:
   • 1-2 teaspoons garlic and herb seasoning
   • ½ teaspoon salt
   • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3. Heat a large pan over medium-high heat
4. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the pan
5. Once oil is shimmering (but not smoking), add the seasoned chicken
6. Cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure all sides develop a golden-brown crust
7. Test for doneness by cutting the largest piece - should be white throughout with no pink

Chef's Pro Tip: Similar to techniques used in HelloFresh recipes, allow the chicken to develop a proper sear by avoiding overcrowding the pan. Cook in batches if necessary for the best caramelization and flavor development.

2. Cook the Pasta Perfectly

1. Fill a large pot with water (about 4 quarts)
2. Add 1 tablespoon salt to the water
3. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat
4. Add 1 pound of pasta to the boiling water
5. Stir immediately to prevent sticking
6. Cook according to package instructions until al dente (typically 8-10 minutes)
   • Test pasta 1-2 minutes before the suggested cooking time
7. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining
8. Drain pasta thoroughly

Chef's Pro Tip: As Joshua Weissman often emphasizes, pasta should be "al dente" - with a slight firmness when bitten. This texture holds up better when mixed with sauce and baked in the bread bowls.

3. Prepare the Bread Bowls

The bread bowl preparation requires precision for both structural integrity and flavor infusion:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F
2. Place kaiser rolls on a cutting board
3. Using a serrated knife, carefully cut the top ¼ of each roll
4. Save the tops for dipping or as a lid for presentation
5. Gently hollow out the center of each roll, leaving a ½-inch wall all around
   • Press down the bottom slightly to create more space
   • Save the bread pieces for homemade breadcrumbs

4. Create the Perfect Garlic Butter

1. In a small bowl, combine:
   • ½ cup (1 stick) melted unsalted butter
   • 2-3 teaspoons garlic and herb seasoning
   • Optional: Add ¼ teaspoon salt if butter is unsalted
2. Stir until thoroughly mixed
3. Using a pastry brush, generously coat the inside and edges of each bread bowl
   • Be sure to get into all the crevices

Chef's Pro Tip: Similar to the approach in meatloaf recipe HelloFresh offerings, layering flavors at every step is key. The garlic butter creates a moisture barrier that prevents the bread from becoming soggy when filled.

5. Toast the Bread Bowls

1. Place prepared bread bowls on a baking sheet
2. Bake at 375°F for 4-5 minutes until lightly golden
3. Remove from oven but keep the oven on

6. Assemble the Dish

1. Return the cooked chicken to the pan (if removed)
2. Reduce heat to medium-low
3. Add the jar of alfredo sauce (15 oz)
4. Stir to combine and heat through
5. If sauce seems too thick, add 2-3 tablespoons of reserved pasta water
6. Gently fold in the cooked pasta until everything is well-coated
7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed

7. Fill and Finish the Bread Bowls

1. Place the toasted bread bowls back on the baking sheet
2. Fill each bowl generously with the chicken alfredo mixture
   • Mound slightly above the rim for an impressive presentation
3. Sprinkle each filled bowl with:
   • Approximately 1-2 tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese
4. Return to the 375°F oven for 4-5 minutes until:
   • Cheese is melted and slightly golden
   • Edges of bread bowls are crispy and dark golden
5. Remove from oven and let rest for 1-2 minutes

8. Garnish and Serve

1. Sprinkle with optional garnishes:
   • Chopped fresh parsley
   • Red pepper flakes for heat
   • Additional grated parmesan
2. Serve immediately while hot