Looking for the perfect comfort food that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy alfredo sauce? This chicken broccoli alfredo recipe brings restaurant quality right to your home kitchen. In just 30 minutes, you'll have a rich, satisfying pasta dish that's perfect for both family dinners and special occasions. The combination of perfectly cooked fettuccine, juicy chicken breast, and crisp-tender broccoli all wrapped in a homemade alfredo sauce will make this your new go-to pasta recipe.
Why You'll Love This Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe
This chicken and broccoli alfredo recipe stands out for its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The homemade alfredo sauce is rich and velvety without being heavy, while the broccoli adds a fresh element and beautiful color contrast. It's an excellent way to incorporate vegetables into a pasta dish that even picky eaters will enjoy. Plus, it's versatile enough to serve year-round and makes fantastic leftovers for lunch the next day.
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Ingredients
the Chicken and Pasta:
- 1 pound fettuccine pasta
- 2 large chicken breasts (about 1 pound), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
the Alfredo Sauce:
- ½ cup butter (1 stick)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Prep the Ingredients
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil for the pasta
- Cut chicken breasts into even, bite-sized pieces
- Wash and cut broccoli into similar-sized florets
- Mince garlic and grate Parmesan cheese if not already prepared
Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
- Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning
- Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside
Cook Pasta and Broccoli
- Add fettuccine to boiling water and cook according to package directions
- During the last 3-4 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets to the pasta water
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining
- Drain pasta and broccoli in a colander
Make the Alfredo Sauce
- In the same skillet used for chicken, melt butter over medium heat
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer
- Gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth
- Season with white pepper, nutmeg (if using), and salt to taste
- If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time
Combine and Serve
- Add cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet with alfredo sauce
- Return chicken to the skillet
- Toss everything together until well combined and heated through
- Serve immediately with extra grated Parmesan and fresh black pepper
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Make it lighter by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream
- Substitute whole wheat pasta for added fiber
- Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time
- Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce's creamy texture. Heat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating.
Equipment For Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe
- Large pasta pot
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Colander
- Cheese grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Top Tip
Don't rinse your pasta after cooking – the starch helps the sauce stick better
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated for the smoothest sauce
Cut chicken pieces uniformly for even cooking
Don't overcook the broccoli – it should be bright green and crisp-tender
FAQ
Can I make this chicken broccoli alfredo ahead of time?
While best served fresh, you can prepare components separately up to a day in advance. Store the cooked chicken and sauce separately, then combine with fresh pasta when ready to serve.
Can I freeze this chicken and broccoli alfredo recipe?
Cream-based sauces don't typically freeze well as they can separate when thawed. If you need to freeze it, expect the texture to be slightly different when reheated.
How do I prevent my alfredo sauce from becoming grainy?
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese and add it gradually to the warm (not boiling) cream while stirring constantly. Avoid high heat which can cause the cheese to become grainy.
What can I serve with chicken broccoli alfredo?
Serve with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables. A light Caesar salad makes an excellent starter.
This chicken broccoli alfredo brings restaurant-quality pasta right to your dinner table. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked broccoli, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Give it a try and share your results in the comments below. We'd love to see how your version turns out!
Recent Recipe: If you enjoyed the Easy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe, try the Easy Turkey Soup Recipe for a cozy, flavorful dish.
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Easy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe
Equipment
- Large pasta pot
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Colander
- Cheese grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
the Chicken and Pasta:
- 1 pound fettuccine pasta
- 2 large chicken breasts about 1 pound
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
the Alfredo Sauce:
- ½ cup butter 1 stick
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg optional
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Cook fettuccine according to package directions. Add broccoli during last 3-4 minutes.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook in olive oil over medium-high heat until golden (5-7 minutes).
- Remove chicken. In same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic (1-2 minutes).
- Add cream, bring to simmer. Stir in Parmesan until smooth.
- Season with white pepper, nutmeg, and salt.
- Combine sauce with pasta, broccoli, and chicken.
- Serve hot with extra Parmesan.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best results
- Reserve 1 cup pasta water to thin sauce if needed
- Store leftovers up to 3 days in refrigerator
- Reheat gently with splash of cream
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