Description
This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo recipe combines tender chicken breasts, fresh broccoli florets, and rich Alfredo sauce made from butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine, this comforting Italian-inspired dish is ready in just 40 minutes and serves four people, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or cozy meal for the family.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces fettuccine
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3/4 teaspoons kosher salt (divided)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables
- 2 broccoli crowns (approximately 11 ounces, cut into florets and finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
Sauce
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (divided)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside to be combined later.
- Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, slice the chicken breasts in half crosswise to create thinner, even pieces for consistent cooking. Season the chicken with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and all of the black pepper evenly on both sides.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat one tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and hot. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook approximately four minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest briefly.
- Cook Broccoli and Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped broccoli florets and garlic, cooking for about five minutes until the broccoli softens and the garlic becomes fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and gently bring it to a simmer over medium-low heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue simmering for around five minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Cut the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Add the chicken back into the sauce in the skillet, stirring well to incorporate all the flavors evenly.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained fettuccine to the skillet and toss everything thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy broccoli Alfredo sauce. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding freshly cracked black pepper when serving.
- You can substitute fettuccine with other pasta types like penne or linguine.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best taste and texture.
- To make the dish lighter, reduce the amount of butter and heavy cream or substitute with half-and-half.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.