I’m so excited to share one of my go-to family recipes with you today—Chicken Broccoli Alfredo! Now, I don’t know about you, but on busy weeknights, it can be a real challenge to whip up something that’s both quick and delicious. My family loves this dish, and honestly, it’s become a staple in our household. It’s creamy, it’s comforting, and it’s packed with flavors that everyone will love. Plus, you get the added bonus of broccoli, which makes me feel a little bit better about what I’m serving.
When I first tried making this Chicken Broccoli Alfredo, I was a bit intimidated. I thought it was going to be one of those fancy restaurant dishes that only chefs can prepare. But let me tell you, it’s so simple to throw together. With a little bit of prep, you can have a mouthwatering meal on the table in no time. I remember the first time I made it; I had just come home from a long day at work, and I wanted to make something special for my family without spending hours in the kitchen. They loved it and couldn’t stop asking for seconds!
This dish packs in all the good stuff—tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and the star of the show: a rich and creamy Alfredo sauce that’s so easy to make. I often find myself sneaking a taste as I cook, just to make sure everything’s coming together nicely. And those big bowls of fettuccine with alfredo sauce? They’re just the best! My kids never complain when they see this on the table, and I love that it’s a meal we can all enjoy together.
If you’ve got a busy schedule or just want a comforting meal that feels like a big hug, you’ll definitely want to give this Chicken Broccoli Alfredo a try. It’s great for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or even date nights at home. So grab those ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get cooking!
How to Make Chicken Broccoli Alfredo
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Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb broccoli (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt (to taste)
- 1 tsp pepper (to taste)
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
Directions
Start by cutting your chicken breast into strips that are about the same size to ensure they cook evenly. Season those strips with salt and pepper for flavor. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the chicken. Cook until it’s beautifully golden brown, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, set the chicken aside on a plate.
Next, grab a pot and fill it with water to boil. Add the fettuccine and cook it according to the package directions, but reduce the cooking time by two minutes. For a quick and easy way to cook your broccoli, toss it in the pot during the last three minutes of the pasta cooking time. After draining the pasta and broccoli, make sure to save a cup of the pasta water as it will help thicken your sauce.
Now, using the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, pour in the heavy whipping cream, butter, and minced garlic. Stir the mixture over a low to medium heat until the butter melts and the sauce starts bubbling. Add the grated parmesan cheese to this, mixing it well until you have a creamy texture.
Finally, it’s time to bring everything together. Add the cooked fettuccine, broccoli, and the sautéed chicken into the creamy sauce. Gently toss everything so that it’s nicely coated and heated through. Then, turn off the heat and serve your Chicken Broccoli Alfredo hot, topped with extra parmesan if you like!
Storing Suggestion
If you have leftovers of this delicious Chicken Broccoli Alfredo (which is a rare occurrence in our home), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to revive that creamy texture!
Cooking Tips
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Broccoli Alfredo pairs perfectly with a side salad or garlic bread. A light Caesar salad complements the richness of the dish quite well. And for drinks, I’d recommend a crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you’re short on heavy whipping cream, you can use half-and-half or even milk to lighten it up. For a dairy-free option, coconut cream works great, and you can substitute nutritional yeast for parmesan if you’re vegan.
Seasonal Variations
In the spring, consider adding asparagus or peas to this dish for a fresh touch. In the fall, roasted pumpkin or butternut squash would add a lovely sweetness that pairs beautifully with the creamy Alfrefo sauce.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains dairy products and gluten. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. If you’re lactose intolerant or vegan, use plant-based butter, lactose-free cream, and a vegan cheese alternative to enjoy this dish without any concerns.
FAQ:
Can I make Chicken Broccoli Alfredo ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, and store them separately. When you’re ready to eat, just cook the pasta, heat everything up together, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready to go without a lot of effort.
Can I freeze Chicken Broccoli Alfredo?
Yes, you can freeze this dish! Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove, adding a bit of cream or water to restore the creaminess.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover Chicken Broccoli Alfredo?
The best way to reheat this dish is on the stovetop over low heat. Adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water helps bring back that creamy texture. Stir it continuously to avoid sticking and burning.
Can I use other types of vegetables in this recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to swap out the broccoli for your favorite vegetables like spinach, peas, or zucchini. Just remember to cook them appropriately to ensure they’re tender but still vibrant when you serve the dish.
How can I make Chicken Broccoli Alfredo healthier?
To make this dish a little healthier, you can reduce the amount of butter and cheese used or substitute some of the heavy cream with Greek yogurt. Adding more vegetables is also a fantastic way to enhance the nutritional profile without sacrificing flavor.
Is Chicken Broccoli Alfredo a good dish for meal prep?
Yes, Chicken Broccoli Alfredo is a fantastic option for meal prep! You can portion it out into containers and store them in the fridge for quick, easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just reheat and enjoy!
Chicken Broccoli Alfredo
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast cut into strips
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb broccoli cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt to taste
- 1 tsp pepper to taste
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
Instructions
- Cut the chicken breast into strips, season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté the chicken until golden brown, then set aside.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to package instructions, reducing cooking time by 2 minutes. In the last 3 minutes, add broccoli. Drain, reserving some pasta water.
- In the same skillet used for chicken, add heavy cream, butter, minced garlic, and parmesan. Stir over medium-low heat until the sauce is creamy.
- Add the cooked fettuccine, broccoli, and chicken back into the sauce. Toss until well coated, then remove from heat.
- Serve with extra parmesan on top and enjoy.
