Description
This Easy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo recipe is a perfect creamy, comforting dish ideal for busy weeknights. Featuring tender bite-sized chicken pieces, fresh broccoli florets, and a luscious Parmesan-infused Alfredo sauce tossed with fettuccine pasta, this meal comes together quickly on the stovetop with minimal cleanup. Garnished with fresh parsley and a hint of red pepper flakes, it delivers rich Italian-American flavors that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & Vegetables
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
Pasta
- 12 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
Sauce & Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions. During the final 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling pasta water. Once cooked, drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 5–7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and lightly browned on the outside. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, continuing to stir until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken, about 3–4 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Then add the drained pasta and broccoli. Toss everything together until the pasta and vegetables are well coated with the creamy sauce.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving warm.
Notes
- To save time, substitute with pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and/or frozen steamed broccoli.
- This recipe remains delicious using penne, linguine, or gluten-free pasta.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though sauce will be less rich.
