Description
Creamy, comforting, and loaded with tender chicken and fresh broccoli — this Chicken Broccoli Alfredo is a classic family-favorite pasta that comes together in under 30 minutes. Rich Alfredo sauce coats every delicious bite, making it perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta & Vegetables
- 8 oz fettuccine (or pasta of choice)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Protein & Fats
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into strips
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
Sauce & Seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup pasta water (reserved)
- ½ tsp salt (to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta and Broccoli: Cook pasta according to package directions. Add broccoli florets to the boiling pasta water during the last 2 minutes of cook time. Drain both pasta and broccoli, reserving ½ cup of pasta water for the sauce.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Season the sliced chicken breast with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken strips for 5–7 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to release the garlic’s aroma without burning.
- Prepare the Alfredo Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss everything together to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time as needed to thin the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo.
Notes
- Half & half can replace heavy cream for a lighter sauce, but you may need to add extra pasta water to achieve the right consistency.
- Add red pepper flakes during cooking for a spicy kick.
- Substitute shrimp or Italian sausage for chicken for a delicious variation.
- For gluten-free dietary needs, use gluten-free pasta instead of regular pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
