If you love rich, comforting pasta dishes that feel like a warm hug on a plate, you are going to adore this Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe. Combining tender, golden chicken breast with vibrant broccoli florets and a luscious homemade Alfredo sauce, this dish is a beautiful balance of creamy texture and fresh flavors. The silky fettuccine noodles soak up the sauce perfectly, making every bite a satisfying delight that’s as indulgent as it is wholesome. It’s a fantastic recipe to keep in your dinner rotation when you want to treat yourself without fussing over complicated ingredients or techniques.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe comes together with a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that each bring their own magic to the dish. From the tender chicken providing protein and savoriness to the broccoli adding a fresh, healthy crunch, every item is carefully chosen to build the layers of flavor and texture you crave in a creamy Alfredo.
- Fettuccine pasta: The perfect flat, wide noodles to catch that dreamy sauce in every forkful.
- Chicken breast: Sliced thin for a quick sear and tender bite, seasoned simply to enhance its natural flavor.
- Broccoli florets: Bring color, nutrition, and a slight crispness that cuts through the richness beautifully.
- Butter: Adds depth and a silky mouthfeel to the Alfredo sauce when melted down.
- Heavy cream: The creamy backbone of the sauce, giving it that luxurious texture we all love.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for a nutty, savory punch that thickens and flavors the sauce perfectly.
- Garlic: Just a touch to infuse warmth and aromatic complexity.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance every flavor in the dish.
- Olive oil: For cooking the chicken to a golden perfection with a hint of fruity richness.
How to Make Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and let it cook until it’s al dente—firm but tender to the bite. This ensures your noodles hold up nicely without becoming mushy under that creamy sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside; now it’s ready to soak up all the delicious flavors in the next steps.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
While your pasta is cooking, heat a splash of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken slices with salt and pepper, then cook them in the skillet until they’re golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Cooking the chicken first allows you to lock in those beautiful flavors and juicy texture. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside for the finish.
Step 3: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté it just until fragrant, releasing its wonderful aroma without browning. Then gently stir in the heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer. This step lays the creamy foundation that makes this dish so irresistible.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Broccoli
Now it’s time to add the grated Parmesan cheese to the cream mixture. Stir it in, letting the cheese melt and thicken the sauce slightly, creating that signature Alfredo texture. At this point, toss in the steamed broccoli florets and the cooked fettuccine. Mix everything thoroughly so the noodles and veggies are well coated, ensuring every bite delivers that creamy, cheesy goodness balanced by bright green broccoli.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Finally, plate the pasta and top it with the beautifully seared chicken slices. The contrast between warm, tender chicken and the silky, creamy sauce makes this Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe truly special. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor experience.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a vibrant splash of color and fresh herbal notes that brighten this indulgent dish. You might also consider a light dusting of extra Parmesan or a grind of fresh black pepper on top for a finishing touch that invites everyone to dive in.
Side Dishes
A simple side salad with crisp greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette complements the rich pasta wonderfully, balancing the meal without overpowering it. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is also a classic pairing that helps scoop up every last bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties or special occasions, serve the Alfredo in shallow bowls to showcase the beautiful creamy sauce pooled around the pasta. You can also arrange the chicken slices fan-like on top for an elegant finish. A drizzle of infused olive oil or a few chili flakes can add excitement for those who like a little heat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken and the broccoli soften a bit, but reheating gently will restore that creamy texture, making your next meal a breeze.
Freezing
This Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe doesn’t freeze as well as some other dishes because the cream sauce can separate when thawed. If you want to save portions, consider freezing the chicken separately without sauce, then combining everything fresh when ready to eat.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce and keep it creamy. Avoid microwaving at high heat, which can cause the sauce to split and the chicken to dry out.
FAQs
Can I use another type of pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional and ideal for Alfredo sauce, you can substitute with linguine, tagliatelle, or even penne if you prefer. Just pick a pasta shape that holds sauce well.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the chicken and consider adding mushrooms or extra broccoli for substance. You can also use vegetable broth to add depth while cooking the sauce.
Can I use a lighter cream for the sauce?
Using lighter cream options like half-and-half can work but might result in a thinner sauce that doesn’t coat the pasta as richly. For best texture, stick to heavy cream when possible.
How do I steam broccoli quickly?
A quick way is to microwave the broccoli florets in a covered dish with a splash of water for 2 to 3 minutes until just tender but still vibrant green.
What’s the best way to get the chicken really flavorful?
Season generously with salt and pepper, and cook over medium heat without overcrowding the pan. This helps create a golden crust that locks in juices and adds plenty of savory taste.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a special treat but comes together easily enough for any weeknight. It’s creamy, comforting, and packed with fresh ingredients that make it bright and satisfying. I promise once you try this, it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen just like it is in mine. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, cook up some happiness, and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite with loved ones around your table.
Print
Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Fettuccine Alfredo is a classic Italian-inspired pasta dish featuring tender chicken breast, fresh broccoli florets, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. Perfectly cooked fettuccine is tossed in a rich, garlicky Alfredo sauce, then topped with golden grilled chicken for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Pasta & Vegetables
- 200 g fettuccine pasta
- 1 cup broccoli florets
Protein
- 250 g chicken breast, sliced
Sauce & Seasoning
- 2 tbsp butter
- 200 ml heavy cream
- 50 g Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the sliced chicken breast with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet 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 1-2 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Combine sauce and pasta: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to simmer until the sauce thickens slightly. Add the steamed broccoli florets and cooked fettuccine to the skillet, tossing to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
- Serve: Plate the creamy fettuccine and broccoli mixture and top with the grilled chicken slices. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- To steam broccoli, place florets in a steamer basket over boiling water for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Grate fresh Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture in the Alfredo sauce.
- Season the chicken well to enhance overall taste.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
