If you are craving a meal that wraps comfort, flavor, and a bit of elegance all in one bowl, the Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Pasta Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine tender strips of chicken, vibrant green broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta all smothered in a creamy, cheesy Alfredo sauce that’s rich without overpowering. This dish brings a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that feels indulgent yet surprisingly easy to prepare on any busy weeknight or for a special dinner. The sauce clings beautifully to every strand of pasta and bite of chicken, making each forkful an absolute delight that’s guaranteed to satisfy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Pasta Recipe is simple yet essential, contributing its unique quality to create a balanced and irresistible dish. From the freshness of the broccoli to the richness of the Parmesan, every element plays a tasty role.
- 12 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice: Serves as the perfect base to soak up all that creamy Alfredo goodness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a light, fruity flavor and helps in cooking the chicken to golden perfection.
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (sliced into strips): Provides a tender, protein-packed element that pairs beautifully with the pasta.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors without overpowering.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Gives a vibrant color and a satisfying crunch, along with a nutritious boost.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Creates a rich base for the Alfredo sauce’s velvety texture.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with a fragrant depth that’s simply irresistible.
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream: The heart of the sauce, bringing luscious creaminess and body.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty undertones and helps to thicken the sauce naturally.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs that lift the flavor profile to classic Italian-American comfort food.
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional): A subtle hint of warmth that elevates the sauce’s complexity.
- Chopped parsley (for garnish): Offers a fresh, bright finish that enhances both flavor and presentation.
How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your fettuccine according to the package instructions for al dente perfection. During the last two minutes of cooking, toss in your broccoli florets. This step ensures the broccoli cooks just enough to be tender but still retains that satisfying slight crunch and vibrant green color. Once done, drain everything and set it aside, ready to unite with the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken Strips
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chicken strips generously with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in the hot skillet and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until the exterior is beautifully golden and the interior fully cooked through. This process seals in the juices, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, benefiting from all those lovely browned bits left behind by the chicken. Add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until you can smell that inviting aroma filling the kitchen—it’s a signal that things are getting delicious. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, watching as it begins to thicken slightly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and the optional pinch of nutmeg, whisking to combine so the sauce becomes luxuriously smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine Everything Together
Return the cooked pasta and broccoli into the skillet, followed by the cooked chicken strips. Toss everything carefully to coat all the ingredients evenly with the thick Alfredo sauce. Let it cook together for a minute or two so the dish is warmed through and all those flavors have a chance to meld perfectly before serving.
How to Serve Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing your Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Pasta Recipe with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a refreshing note to balance the richness of the sauce. For an extra touch of indulgence, feel free to add a little more Parmesan on top just before serving. It’s those small details that truly elevate the dish from great to memorable.
Side Dishes
This creamy pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or warm crusty bread rounds out the meal, perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce on your plate. If you want to keep things lighter, steamed or roasted vegetables make a great accompaniment that adds more texture and nutrients.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Pasta Recipe in individual ramekins or small bowls for a charming, restaurant-style presentation. Alternatively, garnish with toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of truffle oil to give it an elegant, gourmet upgrade that’s sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Not to worry. Store the Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Pasta in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to let it cool completely before sealing the container to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
While fresh Alfredo sauce is ideal, you can freeze leftover pasta if needed. Place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the texture of the cream sauce might loosen slightly once thawed, so gentle reheating with a splash of cream or milk can help reinvigorate it.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring often and adding a little cream or milk if the sauce feels too thick. Avoid microwave reheating at high heat to prevent the sauce from separating. This method helps keep the sauce silky smooth and the chicken tender.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional and helps hold the sauce well, you can substitute with penne, linguine, or even spiral pasta depending on your preference. Just make sure to cook it al dente for the best texture.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
You can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or use a lower-fat milk combined with a small amount of flour to thicken the sauce. This will reduce the richness while still keeping the creamy texture, making the dish a bit lighter but still flavorful.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, you can make the Alfredo sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to one day. When ready, gently reheat it on the stove and whisk in a little extra cream or milk to restore creaminess before tossing with pasta and chicken.
What’s the best way to cook the chicken to keep it juicy?
Cooking the chicken over medium-high heat for just the right amount of time keeps it tender and juicy. Avoid overcooking by removing it from the skillet as soon as it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Letting it rest a few minutes before slicing also helps retain the juices.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or bell peppers all make excellent additions to this recipe. Just sauté them along with the garlic or steam and toss them in with the broccoli for added color, flavor, and nutrition.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the cozy, indulgent comfort of a homemade Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Pasta Recipe to brighten up your dinner table. It’s a dish that brings together familiar flavors with just the right balance of creaminess and freshness. Once you try it, this recipe will become a cherished favorite that’s both easy to make and deeply satisfying, perfect for sharing with family or treating yourself to a special meal whenever you crave a little Italian-American magic.
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Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Pasta is a creamy, comforting Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken breast strips, fresh broccoli florets, and fettuccine pasta tossed in a rich homemade Alfredo sauce made with butter, garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, this meal combines flavorful sautéed chicken with healthy green vegetables in a luscious, cheesy cream sauce.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Alfredo Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Garnish
- Chopped parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta and broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to the package directions. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water with the pasta. Once cooked, drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add the chicken strips to the skillet and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until they are golden brown and thoroughly cooked. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Alfredo sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Add flavorings and thicken the sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and nutmeg if using. Continue to simmer the sauce for 3–4 minutes until it thickens slightly to a creamy consistency.
- Combine pasta, broccoli, and chicken: Return the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken strips to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss everything gently to coat all ingredients evenly and heat through for 1–2 minutes.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream if you prefer a lighter sauce.
- For a quicker meal, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken breasts.
- Add red pepper flakes to the sauce if you want a little heat and spice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
