Who doesnโt love a creamy, cheesy pasta dish thatโs as comforting as it is satisfying? This Chicken Broccoli Alfredo is exactly thatโa perfect balance of tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich, velvety alfredo sauce. Itโs a classic that never gets old, and trust me, itโll quickly become one of your go-to recipes. Whether youโre craving a cozy family dinner or planning to impress friends with your cooking skills, this dish delivers on both flavor and ease. Itโs a one-pan wonder thatโs sure to have everyone asking for seconds!
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Why Youโll Love Chicken Broccoli Alfredo
Let me tell you, this dish is a winner for so many reasons:
Comforting & Creamy: Thereโs something about that luscious, creamy alfredo sauce that makes every bite feel like a hug. Add in the tender chicken and crisp-tender broccoli, and youโve got a meal thatโs pure comfort.
Quick & Easy: No need to spend hours in the kitchen. This dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when youโre craving something homemade but donโt have a lot of time.
Balanced Meal: Youโve got your protein (chicken), your veggies (broccoli), and your carbs (pasta), all in one dish. Itโs a well-rounded meal thatโs satisfying without being too heavy.
Crowd-Pleasing: This recipe is a hit with kids and adults alike. Itโs creamy, cheesy, and full of flavorโwhatโs not to love? Plus, itโs super versatile, so you can add your own twist by tossing in extra veggies or different seasonings.
Ingredients
Hereโs what youโll need to make this delicious Chicken Broccoli Alfredo:
For the Chicken:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Salt & pepper
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- Butter
- Heavy cream
- Garlic (minced)
- Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- Salt & pepper
For the Broccoli and Pasta:
- Fresh broccoli florets
- Fettuccine pasta (or your favorite pasta)
(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Now, letโs get this dish cooking:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, and cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest. Once cooled slightly, slice into strips.
2. Cook the Pasta and Broccoli:
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the water. Drain the pasta and broccoli, and set aside.
3. Make the Alfredo Sauce:
In the same skillet you used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, and bring it to a simmer. Stir occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine Everything:
Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet with the sauce, and toss to coat. Add the sliced chicken on top, and give everything a good mix to combine. Let it all heat through for another minute or two.
5. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve your Chicken Broccoli Alfredo warm with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and a dash of black pepper. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
How to Serve Chicken Broccoli Alfredo
This dish is rich and filling on its own, but you can serve it with these extras to make it even more satisfying:
- Garlic Bread: Serve alongside some warm, crispy garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Salad: Pair it with a light, refreshing green salad to balance the richness of the alfredo sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, zucchini, or asparagus are great veggie sides to add some color and crunch.
Additional Tips
Here are some tips to make your Chicken Broccoli Alfredo even better:
- Make It Lighter: If you want a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or use a lighter Alfredo sauce made with milk and less butter.
- Spice It Up: Want a bit of heat? Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick!
- Use Different Pasta: While fettuccine is the classic choice, you can use any pasta you likeโpenne, rigatoni, or spaghetti all work well.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in some other veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrients.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
A1: Yes, frozen broccoli works just fine. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the dish.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: This dish is best served fresh, but you can cook the chicken and pasta in advance and store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, just make the sauce and reheat everything.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a little milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
Q4: Can I freeze Chicken Broccoli Alfredo?
A4: Yes, this dish freezes well! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will last up to 2 months in the freezer. Reheat on the stove, adding extra cream or milk if needed.
Q5: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A5: Absolutely! Chicken thighs are more flavorful and tender. Just make sure to cook them thoroughly and slice them before adding to the pasta.
Q6: Can I make this dish without the chicken?
A6: Yes! You can easily make it vegetarian by skipping the chicken and adding extra broccoli or even some mushrooms or spinach for additional flavor.
Q7: Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?
A7: While fresh Parmesan is always best for the creamiest texture, you can use pre-grated Parmesan in a pinch. Just know that the texture may be a little different.
Q8: How do I get a thicker sauce?
A8: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply simmer it a bit longer to allow it to reduce. You can also add a bit more Parmesan to help thicken it up.
Q9: How can I make the alfredo sauce lighter?
A9: To lighten up the sauce, you can use a lower-fat milk or half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and reduce the butter.
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes! You can easily double the ingredients for a larger batch. Just make sure your skillet or pan is large enough to accommodate everything.
Conclusion
This Chicken Broccoli Alfredo is the ultimate comfort foodโcreamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Itโs quick enough for a weeknight dinner and elegant enough for guests. With tender chicken, perfectly cooked broccoli, and that dreamy alfredo sauce, youโll find yourself making this dish again and again. So grab your ingredients, whip up this dish, and enjoy the smiles around the table!
PrintChicken Broccoli Alfredo
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A tropical dessert made with a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy pineapple-flavored filling, and topped with fluffy whipped cream and crunchy nuts. This easy pie is a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup melted butter
For the Filling:
- 12 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, separated
For the Topping:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or almonds (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350ยฐF (180ยฐC).
- Prepare the Crust: In a bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the base of a 9-inch pie dish to form the crust.
- Prepare the Filling: Beat the softened cream cheese and sugar in a mixing bowl until smooth. Add the crushed pineapple, vanilla extract, and egg yolks, mixing until well combined.
- Assemble the Pie: Pour the cream cheese filling into the prepared graham cracker crust.
- Bake: Place the pie in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until the filling is set.
- Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Finish the Pie: Once the pie has cooled, top it with the whipped cream and sprinkle with chopped pecans or almonds (if using).
- Chill: Refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours before serving to allow it to firm up.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, use non-dairy cream cheese and whipped topping.
- Garnish with extra pineapple chunks for a more tropical flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 180mg2
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg