Imagine diving into a creamy plate of Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta, where tender chicken, vibrant green broccoli, and luscious pasta dance together in a velvety sauce. The aroma wafts through the air, drawing everyone into the kitchen like moths to a flame, promising a delightful meal that wraps you in comfort. This dish isn’t just food; it’s a warm hug after a long day, perfect for cozy dinners or family gatherings.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>How to Make Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use frozen broccoli in Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta?
- What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
- How can I make this dish lighter?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Every time I whip up this Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta, it brings back memories of my kids fighting over the last noodle while I roll my eyes, knowing they’ll pile on more broccoli next time. It’s one of those recipes that turn ordinary evenings into special occasions filled with laughter and full bellies. Get ready for an unforgettable flavor experience that will have you dreaming about seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta is incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners stress-free
- The creamy sauce perfectly balances savory chicken and fresh broccoli for an irresistible flavor profile
- Visually appealing with its vibrant colors, this dish looks stunning on any dinner table
- It’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite vegetables or add extra cheese for indulgence
I still remember the first time I made this dish for my family; their delighted faces were priceless as they devoured every last bite.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust depending on how many people you’re feeding.
Fresh Broccoli Florets: Choose bright green florets; they add color and nutrition to the dish.
Pasta (Fettuccine or Penne): I recommend using fettuccine for its ability to hold the creamy sauce well.
Heavy Cream: This is key for that rich and smooth alfredo sauce; don’t skimp here!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese enhances flavor better than pre-packaged options.
Garlic Cloves: Use fresh garlic for the best flavor; it adds depth to the sauce.
Olive Oil: A splash of olive oil helps cook the chicken and adds richness.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust these to taste as you cook.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta
Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps for a creamy pasta masterpiece that will impress everyone at your dinner table.
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your fettuccine or penne and cook until al dente according to package instructions—tender but still firm when bitten.
Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil before placing bite-sized chicken pieces in the pan. Sauté until golden brown and cooked through—about 6-8 minutes.
Add Garlic and Broccoli: Once the chicken is cooked, toss in minced garlic and fresh broccoli florets. Cook until fragrant and broccoli turns vibrant green—around 3-4 minutes.
Create the Sauce: Pour in heavy cream while stirring gently. Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese gradually until melted and smooth—this creates that dreamy alfredo sauce everyone loves!
Toss Everything Together: Add cooked pasta directly into the skillet with your creamy sauce mixture. Toss everything together so each piece is generously coated—let those flavors mingle beautifully!
Season and Serve!: Taste your creation and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on top if desired—enjoy every bite!
With these simple steps, you’ll create an unforgettable Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta that’ll keep everyone coming back for more!
You Must Know
- This Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta not only tantalizes your taste buds but also makes weeknight dinners a breeze
- The creamy texture and delightful aroma will have your family asking for seconds in no time
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt to what you have on hand
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the chicken first, then boil the pasta while preparing the luscious Alfredo sauce. This sequence ensures everything is perfectly cooked and ready to combine for ultimate deliciousness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap the broccoli for spinach or add some sun-dried tomatoes for an extra flavor kick. You can also sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of milk to revive the creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To make your Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta truly shine, use fresh ingredients whenever possible
- Don’t forget to season layers of flavors as you cook; this makes a big difference
- Lastly, let the pasta rest after cooking to absorb all that creamy goodness!
Cooking this dish takes me back to family gatherings, where laughter and delicious flavors filled the air—everyone loved it, especially my picky cousin who devoured two plates!
FAQ
Can I use frozen broccoli in Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well; just thaw and add it during the last few minutes of cooking.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
Fettuccine or penne pasta are excellent choices as they hold the sauce beautifully.
How can I make this dish lighter?
Use whole wheat pasta and substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or low-fat milk for a healthier option.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and al dente pasta enveloped in a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, this recipe promises to delight your taste buds and create lasting memories around the dinner table. With easy-to-follow steps and customizable ingredients, you can enjoy a delicious meal in no time!
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot. Add fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add bite-sized chicken pieces and sauté for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add Garlic and Broccoli: Stir in minced garlic and broccoli; sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant.
- Create the Sauce: Pour in heavy cream, stirring gently. Gradually add Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Toss Everything Together: Combine cooked pasta with the sauce mixture in the skillet, tossing to coat evenly.
- Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot with additional Parmesan if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
