Description
Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo is a quick and comforting dish ready in just 25 minutes, featuring tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich, cheesy Alfredo sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it combines classic flavors with a healthy twist for a satisfying and family-friendly meal that requires minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
Dairy & Fats
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
Oils & Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather and chop your chicken into bite-sized pieces and cut broccoli into small florets to ensure quick cooking. Grate your Parmesan cheese freshly for the best flavor, and mince the garlic to release its aroma.
- Cook the Pasta and Broccoli: Boil your pasta in salted water until just shy of al dente, then add the broccoli florets in the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain both together to save time and keep the broccoli tender but crisp.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add seasoned chicken pieces. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes, removing from the pan once done.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and add garlic, cooking just until fragrant. Slowly pour in heavy cream and stir continuously, letting it gently thicken. Then, sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and stir until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken back into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve Immediately: Plate your delicious Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo while it’s hot, ready to be enjoyed by everyone at your table.
Notes
- Use Fresh Parmesan: It melts better and brings a sharper, fresher flavor than pre-grated options.
- Don’t Overcook Broccoli: Adding it towards the end ensures it stays bright green and crisp-tender.
- Rest the Chicken: Let cooked chicken rest a few minutes off heat for juicier bites.
- Low and Slow for Sauce: Simmer sauce gently to avoid curdling and keep it silky smooth.
- Reserve Pasta Water: A splash of starchy pasta water can loosen the sauce and help it cling better to noodles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop Cooking
- 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