Easy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo: A Quick & Delicious Weeknight Meal

Craving a comforting and flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen? Look no further! This Easy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo recipe is your answer. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli florets, and a creamy, dreamy Alfredo sauce, all served over your favorite pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes and is sure to become a family favorite. This dish is not only delicious but also relatively healthy, packing in protein and vegetables. Let’s dive in and learn how to create this culinary masterpiece!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful and Delicious: The creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and fresh broccoli create a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
• Versatile: Easily customizable with different types of pasta, vegetables, and protein.
• Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will enjoy.
• Budget-Friendly: Made with readily available and affordable ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the protein star of this dish. You’ll need about 1 pound, cut into bite-sized pieces.
• Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets add a vibrant color and healthy dose of vitamins. About 1 large head, cut into small florets, is perfect.
• Pasta: Your favorite pasta shape! Fettuccine is the classic choice for Alfredo, but penne, spaghetti, linguine, or even rotini work well too. About 1 pound.
• Butter: Unsalted butter forms the base of the Alfredo sauce, adding richness and flavor.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the sauce with a delicious aroma and savory taste.
• Heavy Cream: The key ingredient for a creamy and decadent Alfredo sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps to thicken the sauce. Use a high-quality Parmesan for the best results.
• Salt and Pepper: To season the chicken, broccoli, and Alfredo sauce to perfection.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the chicken.
• Optional: Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, fresh parsley for garnish.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large Pot: For cooking the pasta.
• Large Skillet or Pan: For cooking the chicken and broccoli, and making the Alfredo sauce.
• Cutting Board and Knife: For prepping the chicken and broccoli.
• Garlic Press or Mincing Knife: For mincing the garlic.
• Grater: For grating the Parmesan cheese.
• Tongs or Spatula: For stirring and flipping the chicken and broccoli.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements of ingredients.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water – this will be useful for adjusting the consistency of the Alfredo sauce later.
2. Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
3. Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté the Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the same skillet. You can add a tablespoon of water and cover the skillet for a few minutes to help the broccoli steam and become tender-crisp. Cook until the broccoli is bright green and slightly tender, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the broccoli from the skillet and set aside.
5. Make the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic).
6. Add Heavy Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.
7. Add Parmesan Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
8. Season the Sauce: Season the Alfredo sauce with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
9. Combine Everything: Add the cooked chicken and broccoli to the Alfredo sauce. Stir to combine and coat everything evenly.
10. Add Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the Alfredo sauce, chicken, and broccoli.
11. Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley (optional) and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes (optional).

Tips for the Best Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta al dente, meaning it should be firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta will become mushy and won’t hold the sauce well.
• Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded Parmesan cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly into the sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan will create a much creamier and flavorful sauce.
• Don’t Burn the Garlic: Garlic can burn easily, so keep a close eye on it while sautéing and reduce the heat if necessary. Burnt garlic will have a bitter taste.
• Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the Alfredo sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken.
• Season to Taste: Taste the Alfredo sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remember that Parmesan cheese is already salty, so you may not need to add much salt.
• Add a Touch of Lemon: For a brighter flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice to the Alfredo sauce.
• Use High-Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality ingredients, especially Parmesan cheese and heavy cream, will make a significant difference in the flavor of the dish.

Variations and Substitutions

• Different Protein: Instead of chicken, try using shrimp, sausage, or tofu.
• Different Vegetables: Feel free to substitute broccoli with other vegetables like asparagus, mushrooms, peas, or spinach.
• Different Pasta: Use any pasta shape you like! Gluten-free pasta is also a great option.
• Spicy Alfredo: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce for a touch of heat.
• Creamy Garlic Alfredo: Add more garlic to the sauce for a stronger garlic flavor.
• Lighter Alfredo: For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but be aware that the sauce will be less rich and creamy. You can also add a tablespoon of cream cheese to help thicken the sauce.
• Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of flavor and a chewy texture to the dish.
• Use Different Cheese: Try adding a blend of cheeses, such as mozzarella, provolone, or Asiago, to the Alfredo sauce.
• Vegetarian Alfredo: Omit the chicken and add more vegetables for a vegetarian version.

Serving Suggestions

This Easy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or garlic bread.

• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing complement to the rich and creamy Alfredo.
• Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious Alfredo sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots make a healthy and flavorful side dish.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with a crusty loaf of bread for dipping into the sauce.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

Make-Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and broccoli ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. You can also make the Alfredo sauce ahead of time and reheat it gently over low heat, adding a little bit of milk or cream to thin it out if needed. Cook the pasta just before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy.

Storage: Store leftover Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a little bit of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

• Calories: 600-800 per serving
• Protein: 40-50 grams
• Fat: 30-40 grams
• Carbohydrates: 50-60 grams

Conclusion

This Easy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo recipe is a guaranteed winner for any night of the week. It’s quick, easy, delicious, and customizable to your liking. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy a comforting and satisfying meal that your family will love. Bon appétit!