Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Pasta Recipe
If you are craving a dish that combines creamy indulgence with hearty and wholesome flavors, this Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Pasta Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender chicken pieces, vibrant green broccoli, and perfectly cooked fettuccine all enveloped in a silky homemade Alfredo sauce that creates a comforting, restaurant-quality meal right at home. This recipe not only satisfies your taste buds but also brings a beautiful balance of protein, veggies, and carbs that feels both nourishing and satisfyingly rich.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Pasta Recipe relies on simple, quality ingredients that work harmoniously to deliver a dish bursting with flavor and texture. Each element plays a special role from the creamy sauce to the tender chicken and crisp broccoli.
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta: The perfect pasta shape to catch and hold the luscious Alfredo sauce.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the chicken to golden perfection without overpowering flavors.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and ease of eating.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle hint of warmth and depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts the garlicky aroma and taste without extra chopping.
- 3 cups broccoli florets: Brings fresh green color and a nice crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Creates that rich, velvety base for the Alfredo sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds fresh, sharp garlic flavor that makes the sauce unforgettable.
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream: The creamy heart of the recipe that makes it indulgently smooth.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Provides a salty, nutty depth that defines classic Alfredo sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional): A little warm spice that subtly lifts the sauce’s flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a gentle kick of heat.
- Extra Parmesan and fresh parsley for garnish: Adds brightness and a touch of freshness when serving.
How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook Pasta and Broccoli
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine until al dente according to package instructions. Add the broccoli florets to the boiling pasta water during the last two minutes of cooking. This step ensures the broccoli is tender but still vibrant and slightly crisp, perfectly complementing the creamy sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
While your pasta and broccoli cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to infuse them with flavor from the start. Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Once done, set the chicken aside—the juices and color you’ve developed will add fantastic flavor to the dish.
Step 3: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce
Using the same skillet ensures no flavor is lost. Melt the butter over medium heat and add the minced garlic, cooking just until fragrant, about one minute. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan, plus nutmeg and red pepper flakes if desired, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly into that dreamy, creamy consistency.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken, drained pasta, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything together gently, allowing the sauce to coat every bite of pasta and vegetable. Let it heat through for another minute or two so all the flavors meld together into a perfectly harmonious dish.
How to Serve Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley not only adds an extra layer of flavor but also gives the dish a beautiful, inviting look. The parsley’s green freshness cuts through the richness of the sauce effortlessly.
Side Dishes
If you want to round out the meal, consider serving this pasta alongside a crisp Caesar salad or some warm garlic bread. Both options complement the creamy texture of the Alfredo and add a nice contrast in texture to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, try serving the pasta in individual shallow bowls with a delicate drizzle of olive oil and a few extra red pepper flakes for color and heat. Or, top it with toasted pine nuts for a delightful crunch that adds surprising depth to this classic dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Pasta Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors tend to meld beautifully after resting overnight, making for a tasty next-day meal.
Freezing
While fresh Alfredo sauce freezes okay, it may separate a little upon thawing. If you plan to freeze leftovers, portion the pasta without sauce separately, then add freshly reheated sauce when ready to serve to maintain that creamy texture.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the pasta gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess. Stir frequently to prevent the sauce from breaking and to heat everything evenly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta in this Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional and ideal for holding the sauce, penne, linguine, or even rigatoni work wonderfully. Just make sure to adjust cooking times as needed to keep your pasta perfectly al dente.
Is there a lighter version of this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream to lighten the sauce. Keep in mind the sauce will be less thick, so you might want to add a bit more Parmesan to maintain richness.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Certainly! Simply omit the chicken and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or extra broccoli for substance. The Alfredo sauce itself is naturally vegetarian if you use Parmesan made without animal rennet.
What’s the best way to cook the chicken to keep it juicy?
Cooking chicken bite-sized and not overcrowding the pan helps it brown beautifully without steaming. Cook over medium-high heat and resist the urge to stir constantly—let it get that golden crust before flipping.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a party?
You can prep the sauce and cook the pasta and chicken ahead, keeping them separate. Reheat and combine everything just before serving to retain the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Pasta Recipe is a true comfort-food classic that never fails to impress. Its creamy, cheesy sauce balanced with tender chicken and fresh broccoli makes it the perfect meal anytime you want something that feels cozy but special. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming a beloved staple in your kitchen as it has been in mine!
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Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A rich and creamy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Pasta featuring tender chicken, fresh broccoli florets, and fettuccine tossed in a homemade Alfredo sauce with Parmesan and garlic. Perfect for a comforting Italian-American main dish ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cups broccoli florets
Pasta
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
Sauce and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Extra Parmesan and fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water with the pasta. Drain both and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden and fully cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Simmer the sauce until it thickens slightly, about 3–4 minutes.
- Combine and Heat Through: Return the cooked chicken, drained pasta, and broccoli to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss everything to coat evenly. Cook together for another 1–2 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the pasta with extra grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation.
- Swap fettuccine with penne or linguine if preferred.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
