Description
This Easy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo is a creamy, comforting pasta dish perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich Alfredo sauce made with heavy cream and Parmesan, it’s a delicious one-pan meal that comes together quickly on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins and Dairy
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 3 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Pantry Items and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 12 ounces fettuccine or pasta of choice
- 1/4 cup pasta water (reserved)
- Optional: parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, season with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté garlic and broccoli: In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they become bright green and slightly tender.
- Make the Alfredo sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the broccoli and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and the reserved pasta water to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Combine chicken and pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and let it simmer in the sauce for 2 to 3 minutes to meld the flavors together. Then add the cooked pasta and toss everything well to coat the noodles evenly with the Alfredo sauce.
- Serve: Serve the Chicken Broccoli Alfredo warm, garnished with chopped parsley if desired for a fresh, colorful finish.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker meal option.
- Frozen broccoli can be added directly to the skillet without thawing.
- Fettuccine works best for this dish, but penne or linguine are great substitutes.
