Description
Chicken Broccoli Alfredo is a creamy, comforting pasta dish featuring tender chicken breasts, crisp broccoli florets, and a rich Alfredo sauce made from heavy cream, butter, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, this family-friendly recipe combines vibrant vegetables with savory flavors for a quick and nutritious dinner perfect for weeknights or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Vegetables
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
Pasta
- 8 ounces fettuccine or any pasta of choice
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
Cooking Oils & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside to rest before slicing.
- Cook the Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Three minutes before pasta is done, add broccoli florets to blanch until tender-crisp. Drain pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet used for cooking chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Gradually pour in heavy cream, stirring continuously. Add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Serve: Slice the cooked chicken into strips. Return the pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly and heat through for 1-2 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and smooth sauce texture.
- Do not overcook pasta; al dente helps sauce cling better.
- Sear chicken well for a flavorful crust and texture contrast.
- Slowly add cream to sauce to prevent curdling.
- Reserve some pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Chicken Broccoli Alfredo, creamy pasta, quick dinner, family meal, Italian-American, one-pot pasta, comfort food
