The alluring aroma of Chicken Broccoli Alfredo wafts through the air, wrapping you in a warm embrace of creamy goodness and savory delight. Picture tender chicken nestled among vibrant green broccoli, all blanketed in a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce that dances upon your taste buds with every bite.
This dish isn’t just food; it’s a comforting hug on a chilly evening or the star of your dinner party that will have guests raving. Whether you’re reliving childhood memories or creating new ones, Chicken Broccoli Alfredo is perfect for any occasion when you crave something delicious and satisfying.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Chicken Broccoli Alfredo recipe is simple enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for entertaining guests
- The creamy sauce blends beautifully with fresh ingredients, creating a mouthwatering flavor profile
- It looks stunning on the plate with its bright colors and textures, making it an eye-catching centerpiece
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite veggies or proteins, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table
Ingredients for Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Approximately 3-4 chicken breasts are ideal, but feel free to adjust based on your crowd size.
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Fresh Broccoli Florets: Use about 2 cups of fresh broccoli for a vibrant color and crisp texture.
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Fettuccine Pasta: About 8 ounces of fettuccine gives the dish heartiness while soaking up the sauce perfectly.
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Heavy Cream: One cup adds richness and creaminess to the sauce, making it utterly indulgent.
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Parmesan Cheese: A generous half-cup of freshly grated Parmesan brings depth and flavor to your Alfredo sauce.
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Garlic: Two cloves of minced garlic infuse the dish with aromatic goodness that elevates the overall flavor profile.
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Butter: A couple of tablespoons of unsalted butter enhance the creaminess and flavor of the sauce.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning, adjust these to taste for optimal flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Cook the Fettuccine
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside while you work on the next steps.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Season both sides of each chicken breast with salt and pepper. Heat a tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about six minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from pan and let rest before slicing into strips.
Step 3: Blanch the Broccoli
In the same pot used for pasta, add broccoli florets to boiling water for about two minutes until bright green but still crisp. Quickly transfer them to an ice bath (a bowl filled with ice water) to stop cooking. Drain well.
Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce
In your skillet, lower heat and melt another tablespoon of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about one minute! Gradually whisk in heavy cream until smooth, then stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add cooked fettuccine, sliced chicken, and blanched broccoli into your Alfredo sauce in the skillet. Toss gently until everything is coated evenly in that luscious sauce.
Step 6: Serve It Up
Transfer your Chicken Broccoli Alfredo onto plates or into bowls. For an extra touch, sprinkle some additional Parmesan on top before serving!
And there you have it! Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch.
With each forkful of Chicken Broccoli Alfredo, you’ll find yourself lost in its creamy embrace—a comforting meal that brings happiness not only through flavors but also through memories made around the dinner table! Enjoy!
You Must Know
- This delightful Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe not only tantalizes your taste buds but also simplifies dinner prep
- With its creamy goodness and vibrant colors, it’s sure to impress anyone at your table
- Perfect for a cozy family night or an elegant gathering
Perfecting the Cooking Process
First, sear the chicken in a hot skillet until golden brown. While the chicken is sizzling, cook your pasta in a separate pot. Once cooked, combine everything with the creamy sauce for a harmonious blend of flavors.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out broccoli for spinach or add sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. Experiment with different cheeses or spices to make this Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe uniquely yours and even more delicious.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to revive that glorious creaminess without drying it out.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfectly tender chicken, let it rest after cooking before slicing into it
- Use freshly grated cheese for a creamier sauce that melds beautifully
- When cooking pasta, salt the water generously for added flavor throughout your dish
The first time I made this Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe, my friends couldn’t believe how easy it was! They devoured every last bite and declared me the “Alfredo Queen” of our group. What an honor!
FAQs:
What ingredients are needed for Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe?
To make a delicious Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe, you will need fresh broccoli, boneless chicken breasts, fettuccine pasta, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and butter. Season the chicken with salt and pepper before cooking. For a flavorful sauce, use minced garlic and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This combination creates a rich and creamy dish that everyone will love.
How long does it take to prepare Chicken Broccoli Alfredo?
The total time to prepare Chicken Broccoli Alfredo is about 30-40 minutes. You will spend around 10 minutes gathering the ingredients and preparing the chicken and broccoli. Cooking the fettuccine takes about 10-12 minutes, while making the creamy Alfredo sauce requires an additional 10-15 minutes. This quick recipe makes it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Can I make Chicken Broccoli Alfredo ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Chicken Broccoli Alfredo ahead of time. Prepare the dish as instructed, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove over low heat. You may need to add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens during storage.
What variations can I try with Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe?
You can customize your Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt. Additionally, using whole wheat pasta adds fiber and makes this dish healthier without sacrificing taste.
Conclusion for Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe:
In summary, the Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe combines tender chicken and fresh broccoli in a creamy, rich sauce over fettuccine pasta. With just a few simple ingredients and easy preparation steps, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it on a busy weeknight or serve it at gatherings, it’s sure to impress your family and friends. Don’t forget to try different variations to keep things exciting!
Chicken Broccoli Alfredo
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Chicken Broccoli Alfredo is a creamy and comforting dish that beautifully combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and fettuccine pasta in a rich Alfredo sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, impressing family and friends with its delightful flavors and gorgeous presentation.
Ingredients
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the fettuccine in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tbsp of butter and cook chicken for about 6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and let rest before slicing.
- Blanch the broccoli in the same pot of boiling water for about 2 minutes until bright green. Transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking and drain well.
- In the skillet, melt the remaining butter over low heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute). Gradually whisk in heavy cream, then stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Combine cooked fettuccine, sliced chicken, and blanched broccoli into the Alfredo sauce. Toss gently to coat.
- Serve hot with additional Parmesan sprinkled on top.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 360g)
- Calories: 630
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
