Description
This 30-Minute Chicken Broccoli Alfredo is a creamy, comforting pasta dish featuring tender chicken breast, crisp broccoli florets, and a rich homemade Alfredo sauce made with garlic, butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. It’s a quick and satisfying Italian-American main course perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta & Add-Ins
- 12 oz fettuccine (or pasta of choice)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- Salt, for pasta water
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Alfredo Sauce
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package directions. During the last 2 to 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling pasta water. Once cooked, drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
- Prepare Chicken: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the sliced chicken breast with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5–6 minutes until it turns golden brown and is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, cooking for 3–4 minutes while stirring gently to combine flavors.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and nutmeg (if using) until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Taste and adjust salt and black pepper as needed.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss everything gently to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Serve: Serve the Chicken Broccoli Alfredo immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter, less rich sauce.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a hint of heat.
- Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
