why make this recipe
Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta is a delightful meal that combines tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and rich, creamy sauce over fettuccine. This recipe not only tastes amazing but is also straightforward to make. It’s a great way to enjoy a filling dinner that the whole family will love. Plus, it pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread, making it a perfect option for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
how to make Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta
Ingredients:
- 2 large chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Directions:
- Slice chicken breasts into thin strips and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- Boil fettuccine in salted water according to package instructions. Add broccoli in the last 2–3 minutes. Drain both.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and simmer gently for 3–5 minutes.
- Reduce heat and slowly stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Return pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the skillet. Toss everything to coat in the sauce.
- Heat for another 1–2 minutes, season to taste, and serve hot with extra Parmesan.
how to serve Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta
Serve Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta warm right after cooking. Add extra Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor. You can also sprinkle some black pepper or chopped parsley to enhance the dish’s presentation. It pairs well with a light salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
how to store Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta
To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely. Place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for about 3–4 days. To reheat, warm it in the microwave or on the stove with a little extra cream or milk to keep it creamy.
tips to make Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta
- Use fresh broccoli for a better texture, but frozen works too if you’re in a pinch.
- Don’t skip the Parmesan cheese; it adds the creaminess and flavor that make this dish special.
- Adjust the garlic to your liking: add more if you love garlic or reduce it for a milder taste.
- If you want more veggies, you can add spinach or bell peppers.
variation
You can easily change this recipe by using shrimp instead of chicken or adding different vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms. For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Reheat and cook the pasta just before serving for the best results.
2. Can I freeze Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta?
Freezing is not recommended for this dish because the cream can separate when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
3. What can I serve with Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta?
This dish goes well with a simple green salad or garlic bread. You can also add a side of steamed vegetables for more nutrition.
Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta
A delightful meal combining tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and rich, creamy sauce over fettuccine that the whole family will love.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Slice chicken breasts into thin strips and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- Boil fettuccine in salted water according to package instructions. Add broccoli in the last 2–3 minutes. Drain both.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and simmer gently for 3–5 minutes.
- Reduce heat and slowly stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Return pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the skillet. Toss everything to coat in the sauce.
- Heat for another 1–2 minutes, season to taste, and serve hot with extra Parmesan.
Notes
Serve warm with extra Parmesan and sprinkle of black pepper or chopped parsley. Pairs well with a salad or garlic bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg