Quick Answer
Yes, the Costco chicken alfredo is fully cooked and ready to eat straight from the package. Costco prepares their chicken alfredo in a commercial kitchen and cooks it to food safety standards before packaging and shipping to stores. Customers do not need to cook Costco chicken alfredo before eating – it can be heated up as-is or consumed cold right out of the container.
In-depth Answer
Costco’s popular refrigerated chicken alfredo pasta is a ready-to-eat meal that requires no additional cooking prior to consumption. Here are more details on how it’s prepared and why it can be eaten right away:
Commercial Cooking Process
Costco does not sell any raw, uncooked refrigerated meals. All their prepared pasta dishes, salads, sandwiches, etc. are fully cooked at Costco’s own central kitchen facility before being distributed to warehouses.
For the chicken alfredo specifically, Costco takes raw boneless skinless chicken breasts and cooks them sous vide – a method of cooking vacuum-sealed foods in a precise temperature water bath. The chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F, which ensures it is cooked through and safe to eat.
Once the chicken is fully cooked, it is combined with the alfredo sauce ingredients and pasta. The alfredo sauce is also cooked to appropriate temperatures during preparation. Finally, the cooked chicken alfredo pasta is portioned into plastic containers and sealed.
Meets USDA Standards
As a food manufacturer, Costco’s central kitchen follows U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines for poultry processing and cooked products. Chicken must reach an internal temperature of 165°F to eliminate harmful bacteria and be considered safe.
Costco’s chicken alfredo meets these USDA standards and undergoes quality assurance checks during production to verify it is fully cooked. Consumers can be confident that buying pre-made meals like chicken alfredo from Costco means the cooking is already done to food safety specifications.
Pasteurization Process
In addition to being cooked to proper temperatures, Costco’s chicken alfredo goes through a pasteurization process to destroy any remaining pathogens or bacteria.
According to Costco’s website FAQs, their cooked refrigerated foods are rapidly chilled after cooking then reheated to at least 145°F and held for a minimum of 30 minutes. This pasteurization process makes the meals shelf-stable and safe for consumption even though they are kept refrigerated.
Between the initial cooking, pasteurization, and constant refrigeration, Costco’s ready-to-eat foods like chicken alfredo achieve a very high level of food safety from production to table.
Costco Chicken Alfredo Nutrition & Ingredients
Here is a breakdown of the nutrition facts and ingredients contained in Costco’s popular chicken alfredo pasta meal:
Nutrition Facts
| Serving Size | 1 container (560g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1610 |
| Total Fat | 84g |
| Protein | 86g |
*Percent Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
As you can see, one container of Costco chicken alfredo contains a hefty 1610 calories and 86g of protein. It has high amounts of fat coming from the alfredo sauce and cheese. Keep this in mind if monitoring your caloric or fat intake.
Ingredients
Costco chicken alfredo contains the following ingredients:
– Cooked chicken breast
– Heavy cream
– Parmesan cheese
– Romano cheese
– Garlic
– Onion
– Skim milk
– Salt
– Black pepper
– Pasta (typically fettuccine)
The primary ingredients are chicken, cream, cheese, and pasta. Costco uses whole chicken breasts rather than smaller pieces or processed meat. The cheeses include parmesan and romano, which provide that authentic alfredo flavor.
Cost and Portion Sizes
Costco sells their chicken alfredo pasta in large 2-pound containers. Here are some details on pricing and servings:
Pricing
A 2-pound container of Costco chicken alfredo costs between $8.99 – $9.99. This price may vary slightly by location. Given the large size, this equals out to just $1.25 – $1.40 per serving. Making homemade alfredo of similar restaurant quality would likely cost much more.
Portion Sizes
Each 2-pound container has approximately 4 servings at about 560 grams (1.25 pounds) each. This makes a generous portion for one hungry adult. For smaller appetites or children, you may get up to 6 smaller portions out of a single container.
Nutrition Per Serving
Based on 4 servings per container, the nutrition facts break down as follows per serving:
– Calories: 402
– Total Fat: 21g
– Protein: 22g
So each 560g serving provides 402 calories, which is reasonable for a meal. Keep in mind the high fat content if you are limiting fat intake.
Cooking Instructions
As discussed above, the Costco chicken alfredo is already fully cooked when purchased. But if you wish to heat it up before eating, follow these instructions:
Microwave
– Remove lid and cover loosely with a paper towel
– Microwave on HIGH for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally
Stovetop
– Pour alfredo into a saucepan and heat on medium-low, stirring regularly
– Bring to a gentle simmer, about 5 minutes
– DO NOT boil
Oven
– Preheat oven to 350°F
– Transfer alfredo to a casserole dish, cover with foil
– Bake for 20 minutes until hot throughout
The pasta may continue absorbing liquid while reheating, so add a splash of milk or cream if it seems dry. Reheating on the stovetop gives the best texture.
Storage Instructions
Costco chicken alfredo should be kept refrigerated at 40°F or below. Follow these guidelines for food safety:
Unopened
An unopened container of chicken alfredo is good for:
– Refrigerator: Use by sell-by date, about 4-5 days
– Freezer: 6 months in freezer section (does not need to be thawed before microwaving)
After Opening
After opening the chicken alfredo, it should be tightly sealed and stored in the fridge. Use within:
– 3-4 days
To maximize freshness, eat leftovers as soon as possible and do not freeze after opening. Reheat thoroughly before consuming leftovers.
Where to Buy Costco Chicken Alfredo
Costco chicken alfredo can be purchased directly in Costco warehouse stores or online via Costco.com. Here are the details:
In-Store
You can find refrigerated packages of Costco chicken alfredo in the prepared foods section at your local Costco warehouse. It will be in the coolers alongside other ready-to-eat Costco items like salads, sandwiches, pasta, and entrees.
Stock varies by location and season – popular items like the chicken alfredo tend to be in high demand. Check your Costco food court menu or ask at the counter to see if it’s currently in stock.
Online
Costco offers grocery delivery in many locations through their Instacart-powered website Costco.com. You can add the chicken alfredo to your cart from the “Prepared Meals” category.
Keep in mind that quantities may be limited for online ordering if inventory is low at your local warehouse. Make sure to check delivery costs and minimum order sizes in your area as well.
For easy pickup without having to enter the warehouse, you can also use Costco.com to order the chicken alfredo for same-day pickup at your local Costco Business Center location if available near you.
Tips for Enjoying Costco Chicken Alfredo
To get the most out of Costco’s convenient chicken alfredo, follow these pro tips:
– Stir thoroughly when reheating as ingredients can separate
– Add extra Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to boost flavors
– Pour into a casserole dish and top with breadcrumbs or additional cheese before baking
– Mix in roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or sun-dried tomatoes
– Make it a full meal with a side salad and piece of Costco garlic bread
– Customize with shrimp or a grilled Costco chicken breast
– Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and Parmesan before serving
With a few small tweaks, Costco’s chicken alfredo pasta can be elevated into a restaurant-quality dish the whole family will love. Get creative with add-ins and toppings to make a filling and tasty meal in minutes.
Conclusion
In summary, Costco’s refrigerated chicken alfredo pasta is a convenient, budget-friendly option for a fully cooked ready-to-eat meal. It is cooked to food safety standards and simply needs to be heated and enjoyed, either as-is or with additional mix-ins. With a tasty homemade alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and large portions for under $10, it’s no wonder Costco’s chicken alfredo has become a customer favorite. Keep an eye out for it in the refrigerated section or order online next time you need a quick and delicious dinner.