Chicken Broccoli Alfredo
A quick and comforting Chicken Broccoli Alfredo featuring tender chicken and vibrant broccoli in a creamy Alfredo sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. This balanced dish blends protein, vegetables, and rich flavors for a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and clean up.
- Author: Maria
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Vegetables
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
Pasta
- 8 ounces fettuccine or pasta of choice (gluten-free optional)
Seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil or additional butter for cooking chicken
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat a little oil or butter in a hot skillet and cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and slice or cube for serving.
- Cook the Broccoli: In the same skillet, add the fresh broccoli florets. Sauté for a few minutes until bright green and just tender, maintaining a slight crunch to contrast with the creamy sauce.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: Lower the heat and add butter to the pan. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and silky. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the Pasta: In a separate pot, boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente following package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving a splash of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked chicken and broccoli back into the Alfredo sauce, then toss in the drained pasta. Stir gently to coat all ingredients evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water little by little to reach the desired consistency. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting and flavor.
- Don’t overcook broccoli; keep it slightly firm for optimal texture and color.
- Slice chicken thinly for even cooking and easy mixing with pasta and sauce.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency while keeping it silky.
- Cook sauce on low heat and add cheese gradually to prevent clumping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Chicken Broccoli Alfredo, creamy chicken pasta, easy Alfredo recipe, weeknight dinner, gluten-free pasta, one-pan meal