If you are craving a meal that is both indulgently comforting and packed with vibrant flavors, this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Fettuccine Recipe will quickly become your new favorite go-to. Imagine tender slices of golden chicken, perfectly cooked broccoli bursting with freshness, and fettuccine noodles luxuriously coated in a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce made from garlic, cream, and Parmesan cheese. This dish effortlessly brings together wholesome ingredients with creamy decadence that makes every bite an absolute delight for your taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients often create the most spectacular dishes, and this recipe is no exception. Each ingredient contributes an essential element—whether it’s the hearty texture of chicken, the vibrant color and crunch of broccoli, or the creamy richness of the Alfredo sauce—that transforms everyday pantry staples into a memorable meal.
- 1 lb fettuccine pasta: The perfect broad noodle to soak up every bit of creamy sauce.
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced: Provides tender, juicy protein that complements the sauce beautifully.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Adds a pop of color and a fresh, slightly crisp texture to balance the creaminess.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Used for sautéing chicken and adding depth to the dish.
- 3 tbsp butter: Gives the Alfredo sauce a silky richness and helps develop flavor when cooking garlic.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth and slight pungency.
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream: Creates the luxuriously smooth and creamy base of the Alfredo sauce.
- 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for a deeply savory, nutty flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the ingredients’ natural flavors.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a fresh, vibrant finish and a burst of green color.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Fettuccine Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Fettuccine
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook it just until al dente, following the package instructions. This ensures the noodles have a slight firmness to their bite, so they won’t get mushy when coated with the creamy sauce later. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside for combining.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Season the sliced chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper before adding them to the pan. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side, until it has a beautiful golden sear and is cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm while preparing the rest of the dish.
Step 3: Steam the Broccoli
While the chicken cooks, steam the broccoli florets for 3 to 4 minutes. This quick steaming keeps the broccoli tender but still crisp and retains its vivid green color and fresh flavor, adding a lovely contrast to the creamy richness of the Alfredo sauce.
Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce
Using the same skillet you cooked the chicken in, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until its aroma fills the kitchen and just begins to turn golden—this step is crucial for that punch of garlic flavor. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the cream to thicken slightly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese bit by bit, ensuring it melts smoothly into the sauce. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Combine All Components
Next, toss the cooked fettuccine and steamed broccoli directly into the Alfredo sauce, gently stirring to ensure every noodle and floret is coated in the luscious creamy mixture. Finally, lay the golden chicken slices on top, ready to be served with just a few final touches.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Transfer the fettuccine to serving plates, then sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top, along with an optional extra dusting of Parmesan cheese for added flavor and visual appeal. Serve immediately to enjoy the dish at its warm, creamy best.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Fettuccine Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic garnish here, offering a pop of color and a hint of herbaceous brightness that balances the richness. You can also add a sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a few extra shavings of Parmesan cheese for an elegant touch that enhances the overall experience.
Side Dishes
Pair this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Fettuccine Recipe with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or simple garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce. Roasted cherry tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms also make fantastic complementary sides, adding more textures and flavors to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For an inviting presentation, serve the pasta in warm deep bowls and create small nests of fettuccine with the chicken arranged artfully on top. Garnish with a few whole parsley leaves or a lemon wedge on the side for added freshness and visual appeal. Using colorful serving ware can further brighten the table and make the meal feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Since Alfredo sauce can thicken upon cooling, adding a splash of milk or cream when reheating helps restore its creamy texture.
Freezing
Freezing Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Fettuccine Recipe is possible, though the texture of the broccoli may soften after thawing. Freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To prevent sauce separation, reheat gently and stir often.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a little milk or cream to loosen the sauce and bring back the luscious creaminess. Avoid using high heat to prevent the sauce from breaking or becoming grainy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional for Alfredo, you can substitute with linguine, penne, or even rigatoni depending on your preference. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the chicken and consider adding more broccoli, mushrooms, or even roasted vegetables to keep the dish hearty and satisfying.
Can I substitute heavy cream with something lighter?
Heavy cream is key for the signature creamy texture, but you can try half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, though the sauce may not be as thick or rich.
How do I make sure the chicken stays juicy?
Make sure not to overcook the chicken breasts. Sear them on medium heat until just cooked through and golden on the outside. Resting the chicken briefly after cooking also helps retain juiciness.
What if I don’t have fresh garlic?
You can use garlic powder in a pinch, but fresh garlic really makes a difference in the sauce’s bright flavor. Use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder if fresh cloves aren’t available.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the comforting embrace of this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Fettuccine Recipe to make any evening feel special. It’s warm, inviting, and downright delicious—a perfect blend of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant broccoli. Give it a try and enjoy the smiles it brings around your table!
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Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Fettuccine Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A rich and creamy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Fettuccine that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta in a luscious Parmesan Alfredo sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting Italian-inspired dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb fettuccine pasta
Protein & Vegetables
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Cooking fats & aromatics
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the fettuccine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Steam the broccoli: Steam the broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes until they are tender yet still vibrant green. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Alfredo sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently for 3-4 minutes. Stir continuously and then add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine: Add the cooked fettuccine and steamed broccoli into the Alfredo sauce in the skillet. Toss everything together to evenly coat the pasta and vegetables with the sauce.
- Serve: Arrange the cooked chicken slices on top of the pasta mixture. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- You can substitute broccoli with other vegetables like asparagus or peas for variation.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Ensure not to overcook the broccoli to retain its bright color and a slight crunch.
- Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if it gets too thick.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smoothest sauce texture.
