If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe is your new best friend. Picture tender slices of chicken mingling with tender-crisp broccoli, all enveloped in a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce that clings lovingly to every strand of pasta. It’s a comforting meal that comes together quickly, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without a fuss. Whether you’re an Alfredo aficionado or trying this classic for the first time, this recipe delivers creamy, cheesy goodness with a vibrant pop of green that’s as delightful to eat as it is to look at.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet flavorful ingredients is what makes this Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe so irresistible and straightforward. Each component plays a vital role in building the creamy, savory, and slightly garlicky profile that makes this dish a standout.
- Chicken breasts: Cooked and sliced chicken provides tender protein that pairs perfectly with pasta.
- Fettuccine or penne: Choose your favorite pasta shape to soak up that luscious Alfredo sauce.
- Broccoli florets: Adds a fresh, crisp texture and beautiful green color to the plate.
- Butter: Forms a rich base for the sauce that carries the garlic and cream flavors.
- Heavy cream: Creates the signature silky and indulgent Alfredo sauce.
- Grated Parmesan: Delivers salty, nutty sharpness essential to a true Alfredo experience.
- Garlic, minced: Adds aromatic depth and a savory punch to the sauce.
- Salt & pepper: Simple seasonings to elevate all the natural flavors.
How to Make Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your chosen pasta according to the package instructions; when there are about three minutes left on the timer, toss in the broccoli florets. This method ensures the broccoli becomes perfectly tender but retains a bit of bite and its vivid green color. Drain everything together and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Alfredo Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until it sizzles lightly. Add the minced garlic and let it cook until fragrant—just about a minute. Then pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it reduce slightly for around three minutes while stirring occasionally to meld those luxurious flavors.
Step 3: Combine Parmesan, Chicken, and Pasta
Stir the grated Parmesan into the sauce, whisking continuously to create a perfectly smooth and velvety texture. Once the cheese has melted into the sauce, add the cooked chicken slices along with the drained pasta and broccoli. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every bite is coated in creamy Alfredo goodness.
Step 4: Serve Immediately
Once everything is warmed through and coated, your Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe is ready to plate. Serve it steaming hot for the ultimate cheesy, creamy indulgence you’ll want to dive into right away.
How to Serve Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a light dusting of extra Parmesan can add a fresh touch and make the dish look extra special. If you love a bit of zing, a pinch of lemon zest will brighten up the creamy flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Since the Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe is a hearty, all-in-one meal, keep sides simple with a crisp green salad or garlic bread. These complements add texture contrast and a satisfying crunch to round out the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, serve your Alfredo in individual ramekins topped with a broiled Parmesan crust. Or layer pasta, chicken, and broccoli in a shallow casserole dish, finishing with extra cheese and baking briefly to create a bubbly, golden top. Presentation ideas like these make this recipe perfect for company or special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the meal, transfer any leftover Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to three days, making it a great option for next-day lunch or a quick dinner.
Freezing
Because Alfredo sauce can sometimes separate upon freezing, this dish is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated. However, if you want to freeze it, place leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to one month and thaw slowly overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk if needed to restore the sauce’s creamy texture. Avoid microwaving at high heat which can cause the sauce to break.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring extra juiciness and flavor, though you may want to adjust cooking times slightly to ensure they’re cooked through before slicing.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute heavy cream with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream or cashew cream, and use a vegan Parmesan substitute, though the flavor and texture will differ slightly.
What’s the best pasta to use for this dish?
Fettuccine or penne are classic choices that hold the sauce well. However, you can use any pasta shape you love or have on hand, such as linguine, rigatoni, or even gluten-free varieties.
Can I add other vegetables besides broccoli?
Definitely! Mushrooms, peas, or spinach are wonderful additions that complement the creamy sauce and chicken beautifully.
How do I make the sauce less thick?
If the Alfredo sauce feels too thick, simply stir in a little more cream, milk, or reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe is one of those dishes that feels both indulgent and wonderfully nourishing, perfect for any night you want to treat yourself or your loved ones. Its effortless preparation and comforting flavors make it a timeless favorite that you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again. Give it a try soon — your pasta-loving heart will thank you!
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Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: High Protein
Description
Creamy Alfredo pasta with tender chicken and crisp broccoli — a comforting one-pan dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and sliced
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta and broccoli: Prepare the pasta according to the package directions, adding the broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes of cooking to ensure they remain tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Alfredo sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
- Combine sauce and cheese: Stir the grated Parmesan cheese into the cream mixture until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss everything together: Add the cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Serve immediately: Plate the creamy chicken broccoli Alfredo while warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Add lemon zest to the sauce for a fresh, bright flavor contrast.
- Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to create a lighter sauce without sacrificing creaminess.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for a more authentic and rich taste.
- Ensure the broccoli remains crisp by not overcooking it during the pasta boiling step.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner / Main
- Method: Boiling and Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
