Description
This Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, blending juicy chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this dish is guaranteed to impress your taste buds and satisfy the whole family.
Ingredients
For the pasta and broccoli:
- 12 oz (340 g) fettuccine or your favorite pasta
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 medium head)
For the chicken:
- 2 medium chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
For the Alfredo sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Cook the pasta and broccoli:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. During the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water with the pasta. Drain the pasta and broccoli, then set aside.Cook the chicken:
Season the chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil or butter. Add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and lightly golden on the edges. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.Make the Alfredo sauce:
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant (be careful not to burn it). Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.Add Parmesan and seasonings:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste the sauce and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.Combine everything:
Add the cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce and warmed through, about 2-3 minutes.Serve and garnish:
Transfer the pasta to a serving dish or individual plates. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese for a beautiful finishing touch. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Make it lighter: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter sauce, though it won’t be as rich.
- Vegetarian option: Skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or extra veggies like zucchini or bell peppers.
- Add flavor: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a pinch of nutmeg enhances the Alfredo sauce beautifully.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet + Stovetop
- Cuisine: italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
Keywords: : Chicken Alfredo, Broccoli Alfredo Pasta, Creamy Pasta, Family Dinner, One-Pot Meal