chicken broccoli alfredo recipe

The Best chicken broccoli alfredo recipe

Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta

4.7 from 1736 votes

A creamy, comforting pasta dish featuring tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and rich alfredo sauce. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy weeknight meal.

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Prep Time20 mins

Cook Time35 mins

Resting Time0 mins

Total Time55 mins

Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Alfredo Sauce

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 cup butter

Optional Additions

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (extra for garnish)
• Fresh parsley, chopped

👨‍🍳Directions

1. 1
   Cook pasta according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
2. 2
   Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until golden and fully cooked (6-7 minutes per side). Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. 3
   In the same skillet, add broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender. Remove broccoli and set aside.
4. 4
   In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, milk, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg until smooth.
5. 5
   In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat. Gradually whisk in flour to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly golden. Slowly pour in the cream mixture while whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
6. 6
   Continue whisking until the sauce thickens (about 3-5 minutes). Stir in reserved pasta water if needed for a smoother sauce. Add cooked chicken and broccoli back into the pan, mixing well to coat everything in the sauce.
7. 7
   If using, sprinkle shredded mozzarella and extra Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Cover and let it sit for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese slightly.
8. 8
   Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with additional Parmesan cheese on top.

🔧Equipment

• Large skillet
• Pot for boiling pasta
• Mixing bowls
• Knife and cutting board
• Parchment paper
• Cheese grater

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22💛Saturated Fat: 14❤️Cholesterol: 80🧂Sodium: 850🌾Total Carbs: 55🥦Dietary Fiber: 4🍬Sugars: 6🥩Protein: 30

📝Notes

Tips

• For extra flavor, add a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• You can substitute chicken with shrimp or white fish for a lighter option.
• To make ahead, prepare the sauce and pasta separately, then combine and reheat before serving.

Substitutions

• Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist.
• Replace heavy cream with cashew cream for a vegan option.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta

What is the best way to prepare the chicken breast for the Chicken Broccoli Alfredo?

For the best texture and flavor, season the chicken breast with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder or paprika. Pound it slightly with a meat mallet to even out thickness and then cook it in a hot pan with olive oil until fully cooked through (165°F/74°C internal temperature). Avoid overcooking to keep it tender.

Can I substitute regular broccoli with other vegetables in the sauce?

Yes! You can replace broccoli with asparagus, green beans, zucchini, or even bell peppers. For a richer texture, sauté the veggies in the same pan as the chicken before adding the Alfredo sauce. Just adjust cooking times to avoid overcooking.

Why does my Alfredo sauce turn out grainy or lumpy?

Grainy Alfredo sauce usually happens when the butter or cream isn’t melted properly or when the sauce is stirred too quickly. To fix it, melt the butter and cream slowly over low heat, whisking constantly. If it’s already lumpy, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve for a smoother texture.

How can I make this dish healthier without sacrificing flavor?

To make it healthier, swap heavy cream for lighter Greek yogurt or half-and-half, use whole wheat pasta (or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option), and add extra veggies like spinach or mushrooms. Lightly grilling the chicken instead of pan-frying can also reduce fat.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time and reheat it safely?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken and broccoli separately, store them in the fridge for up to 2 days, and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying. The Alfredo sauce can be made a day ahead but should be reheated gently to avoid curdling—whisking helps!