Broccoli Chicken Alfredo
A creamy and comforting dish made with tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and fettuccine pasta enveloped in rich Alfredo sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta (or your preferred pasta)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Use freshly grated for best results.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes Optional, for a hint of heat.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped For garnish.
Instructions
Cooking Pasta and Broccoli
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Drain the pasta and broccoli, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water. Set aside.
Cooking Chicken
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Making the Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Combining Ingredients
- Add the cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli back into the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta and broccoli are evenly coated in the Alfredo sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Broccoli Chicken Alfredo!
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture. Don't overcook the broccoli—it should be tender but still vibrant green. Reserve some pasta water before draining to help the sauce cling better to the pasta. For a lighter sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or half-and-half. Add lemon juice or nutmeg for extra flavor.