Name: Simple and Delicious Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Americans
Ingredients: • 12 oz (340g) fettuccine pasta• 1 lb (454g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes• 3 cups (240g) broccoli florets• 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil• 3 cloves garlic, minced• 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream• 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese• 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) salt• 1/4 tsp (1.25ml) black pepper

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Get ready to indulge in a delectable and simple Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta recipe that will transport your taste buds to a world of creamy, comforting goodness. This dish is the epitome of indulgence, blending tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a silky smooth Alfredo sauce, all tossed with perfectly al dente pasta. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a dish to impress your guests, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.

Imagine the aroma of garlic and Parmesan wafting through your kitchen as you stir the rich, velvety sauce. The tender chicken and crisp-tender broccoli florets add both texture and flavor, while the pasta serves as the perfect vessel to soak up every last bit of the creamy goodness. This dish is a culinary symphony that will leave your taste buds singing with delight.

What sets this Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta recipe apart is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The creamy Alfredo sauce is made with a combination of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of garlic, creating a luxurious and indulgent base. The addition of tender, juicy chicken and fresh broccoli florets adds both nutrition and a delightful contrast to the richness of the sauce. And let’s not forget the perfectly cooked pasta, which serves as the foundation for this mouthwatering dish.

🎯 What Sets This Amazing Recipe Apart?

This Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta recipe is truly a standout because of its exceptional flavor profile and texture. The key to its success lies in the attention to detail and the careful selection of ingredients. The Alfredo sauce is made from scratch, using high-quality heavy cream, freshly grated Parmesan, and a hint of garlic, which creates a velvety and intensely flavored base. The chicken is perfectly cooked to tender perfection, and the broccoli florets are sautéed until they’re crisp-tender, adding a delightful crunch to the dish.

What really sets this recipe apart, though, is the level of ease and convenience it offers. While the end result is a restaurant-quality dish, the preparation is remarkably simple. The entire meal can be assembled in under an hour, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining guests. With its irresistible combination of flavors and textures, and its straightforward preparation, this Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta recipe is truly a winner.

🥕 A Look at What Goes Into This Dish

• 12 oz (340g) fettuccine pasta
• 1 lb (454g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 cups (240g) broccoli florets
• 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) salt
• 1/4 tsp (1.25ml) black pepper

The key ingredients in this dish are the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, which come together to create the rich and velvety Alfredo sauce. The heavy cream provides a luxurious mouthfeel, while the Parmesan cheese adds a savory, nutty flavor that perfectly complements the chicken and broccoli. Additionally, the minced garlic infuses the sauce with a subtle yet crucial aromatic depth.

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Guide to Perfection

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and sauté until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Cook the Broccoli: In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets and sauté for 4-5 minutes, until they’re crisp-tender. Remove the broccoli from the skillet and set it aside.
Make the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Whisk in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine the Dish: Add the cooked fettuccine, chicken, and broccoli to the Alfredo sauce. Gently toss the ingredients together until they’re evenly coated and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.

⏱️ Timing Overview

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes

🍏 Healthy Bites: Nutrition Information

Nutritional information is an estimate per serving, based on 4 servings.

• Calories: 638 kcal
• Protein: 38 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fat: 37 g
• Fiber: 4 g

🎨 Make It Your Own: Substitutions & Ideas

• For a Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free pasta blend, such as a rice and quinoa mix. The liquid ratios should remain the same, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to account for the different pasta type.
• To Make it Vegan: Replace the chicken with cubed firm tofu or tempeh, and use a dairy-free heavy cream substitute (such as unsweetened almond or coconut milk) and vegan Parmesan cheese. Adjust the seasoning as needed to compensate for the lack of dairy.
• To Add a Spicy Kick: Stir in a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a finely chopped fresh chili pepper along with the garlic when making the Alfredo sauce. This will add a delightful heat that complements the creamy richness.

🎉 Elevate Your Meal with These Serving Tips

• Main Course Pairing: Serve this Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta as the main course, accompanied by a fresh garden salad or a simple side of roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts.
• Garnish Suggestions: Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh, chopped parsley, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, and a light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese.
• Beverage Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp, unoaked Chardonnay or a refreshing sparkling water with a twist of lemon or lime.

🚫 Your Guide to a Flawless Execution

• Mistake 1 – Overcrowding the Pan: Avoid overcrowding the pan when sautéing the chicken and broccoli. This can cause the ingredients to steam instead of sear, resulting in a less flavorful dish. Cook the chicken and broccoli in batches, if necessary, to ensure they brown properly.
• Mistake 2 – Using Cold Ingredients: Make sure all the ingredients are at room temperature before beginning the recipe. Using cold dairy products, such as the heavy cream, can cause the Alfredo sauce to seize up and become grainy.
• Mistake 3 – Not Preheating the Oven: This recipe doesn’t require the oven, but it’s important to preheat your skillet before adding the oil and ingredients. This helps ensure even cooking and prevents the chicken and broccoli from sticking to the pan.

🥡 Smart Storage for Maximum Flavor

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. When ready to serve, thaw the pasta in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop until heated through.
• Reheating: The best way to reheat this dish is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it’s warm and the sauce is creamy again.

❓ FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can absolutely use frozen broccoli florets in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding them to the skillet. The cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly, as frozen broccoli tends to release more moisture.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta dairy-free, you can replace the heavy cream with a unsweetened almond or coconut milk, and use a dairy-free Parmesan cheese substitute. You may need to adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding a bit more milk or cornstarch to achieve the desired creamy texture.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While fettuccine is the traditional choice for Alfredo dishes, you can use a variety of other pasta shapes, such as penne, rigatoni, or even spiralized zucchini noodles. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the pasta is cooked al dente.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the fettuccine with a gluten-free pasta, such as a rice or quinoa-based blend. The rest of the recipe will remain the same, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure the pasta is cooked through.

Can I add any additional vegetables to this dish?

Yes, you can certainly add more vegetables to this Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta recipe. Some great options include sautéed mushrooms, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or even roasted red peppers. Just be mindful of the cooking times and adjust the recipe as needed to ensure all the ingredients are cooked through.

💌 Enjoy Your Delicious Creation!

Indulge in the comforting and creamy goodness of this Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta recipe, and savor every bite. The combination of tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and the silky smooth Alfredo sauce is a true delight for the senses. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or enjoying it as a cozy weeknight meal, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite. Bon appétit!