Introduction:
Alfredo Pizza with Grilled Chicken & Spinach is a delicious and unique twist on traditional pizza that combines the best elements of creamy pasta and classic pizza. This indulgent dish swaps out the usual tomato-based sauce for a rich, garlicky Alfredo sauce, creating a velvety base that perfectly complements the savory grilled chicken, fresh spinach, and gooey mozzarella cheese. The result is a mouthwatering pizza with layers of flavor and texture, perfect for a cozy dinner at home or a gathering with friends.
Whether you’re a pizza enthusiast or someone looking to try something new, this Alfredo pizza is guaranteed to be a viral hit at your next meal. The combination of crispy crust, creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and nutritious spinach makes it an unforgettable dish that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients:
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cooked grilled chicken, sliced or cubed
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)
For homemade Alfredo sauce (optional):
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat up. If using store-bought pizza dough, allow it to come to room temperature for about 20-30 minutes. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to your desired thickness (about 12-14 inches in diameter for a standard pizza). Lightly brush the edges with olive oil for a crispier crust.
Step 2: Make the Alfredo Sauce (Optional)
If you prefer making your Alfredo sauce from scratch, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Gradually whisk in ¾ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and allow the sauce to thicken for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Toppings
In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Toss in the fresh spinach leaves and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
If your grilled chicken is not pre-cooked, grill or pan-sear the chicken breasts, seasoning them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 6-8 minutes per side until fully cooked through. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing or cubing.
Step 4: Assemble the Pizza
Spread a generous layer of Alfredo sauce (store-bought or your homemade version) evenly over the rolled-out pizza dough, leaving about ½ inch around the edges. Top the sauce with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Evenly distribute the grilled chicken pieces and sautéed spinach over the cheese layer. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan over the top.
Step 5: Bake the Pizza
Carefully transfer the assembled pizza to the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Keep an eye on the pizza as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes before slicing. For added flavor, sprinkle with red pepper flakes and an extra drizzle of olive oil, if desired. Serve immediately while the pizza is hot, with a crisp crust and melty cheese.
Cooking Notes:
- If you’re in a hurry, store-bought Alfredo sauce and pizza dough work just fine and save a lot of time in preparation.
- For a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough for about 5 minutes before adding the Alfredo sauce and toppings.
- You can also customize the pizza by adding other toppings like mushrooms, onions, or bacon.
- Feel free to use a whole-wheat or cauliflower pizza crust for a healthier alternative.
Serving Suggestions:
- This Alfredo pizza pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the sauce.
- Serve with a glass of chilled white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, for an elegant pairing.
- Garlic knots or breadsticks make a great side to this pizza for an added burst of flavor.
Tips:
- For an extra crispy crust, bake your pizza on a pizza stone or a preheated cast-iron skillet.
- If you’re preparing this pizza for a crowd, you can double the recipe and create two smaller pizzas or one large sheet-pan pizza.
- You can grill the pizza dough directly on a grill for a smoky flavor and crispy crust if you prefer a more rustic, outdoor-cooked taste.
- Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore its crispness.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Nutritional Information: (per slice, yields 8 slices)
Calories: 350
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 18g
Sodium: 700mg
Conclusion:
Alfredo Pizza with Grilled Chicken & Spinach is a delightful, crowd-pleasing recipe that puts a creative spin on pizza night. The rich Alfredo sauce, combined with succulent grilled chicken and fresh spinach, offers a gourmet take on a beloved classic. This pizza strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and freshness, making it a fantastic choice for dinner or entertaining guests. With its creamy base, cheesy goodness, and savory toppings, this pizza will easily become a household favorite. Whether you’re enjoying it with a glass of wine or serving it up at a party, it’s a guaranteed hit every time.
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Alfredo Pizza with Grilled Chicken & Spinach Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cooked grilled chicken, sliced or cubed
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)
For homemade Alfredo sauce (optional):
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat up. If using store-bought pizza dough, allow it to come to room temperature for about 20-30 minutes. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to your desired thickness (about 12-14 inches in diameter for a standard pizza). Lightly brush the edges with olive oil for a crispier crust.
Step 2: Make the Alfredo Sauce (Optional)
If you prefer making your Alfredo sauce from scratch, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Gradually whisk in ¾ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and allow the sauce to thicken for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Toppings
In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Toss in the fresh spinach leaves and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
If your grilled chicken is not pre-cooked, grill or pan-sear the chicken breasts, seasoning them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 6-8 minutes per side until fully cooked through. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing or cubing.
Step 4: Assemble the Pizza
Spread a generous layer of Alfredo sauce (store-bought or your homemade version) evenly over the rolled-out pizza dough, leaving about ½ inch around the edges. Top the sauce with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Evenly distribute the grilled chicken pieces and sautéed spinach over the cheese layer. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan over the top.
Step 5: Bake the Pizza
Carefully transfer the assembled pizza to the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Keep an eye on the pizza as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes before slicing. For added flavor, sprinkle with red pepper flakes and an extra drizzle of olive oil, if desired. Serve immediately while the pizza is hot, with a crisp crust and melty cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sodium: 700mg
- Protein: 22g