Description
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and broccoli—this Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo is the ultimate easy, comforting pasta dinner!
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 12 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: Fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions, adding the broccoli florets to the pot for the last 2–3 minutes of cooking. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then cook until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
- In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Melt the butter, then sauté the garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add the cooked chicken, broccoli, and pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce if needed.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Top with extra Parmesan, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and cracked black pepper. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan — it melts better and gives the sauce amazing flavor.
- Don’t overcook the broccoli — it should be tender-crisp to contrast the creamy sauce.
- Adjust sauce consistency with pasta water as needed.
Keywords: chicken broccoli alfredo, easy alfredo pasta, creamy chicken pasta, 30-minute dinner, family-friendly meals, fettuccine alfredo, quick comfort food