Description
This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta is a delicious and comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts, al dente fettuccine, and crisp broccoli florets all tossed in a rich, homemade Alfredo sauce made with butter, garlic, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that combines protein, vegetables, and indulgent flavors in one creamy skillet meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (divided)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Garnish
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Additional Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Season and cook chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from skillet and slice into strips.
- Cook pasta and broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Add the broccoli florets to the boiling pasta water for the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain both and set aside.
- Prepare Alfredo sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and allow it to simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
- Add Parmesan cheese: Gradually stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously until the sauce becomes smooth, rich, and creamy.
- Toss pasta and broccoli in sauce: Add the drained fettuccine and broccoli to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss everything carefully to coat the pasta and vegetables evenly with the sauce.
- Add sliced chicken and warm through: Return the sliced chicken strips to the pan. Gently stir and heat until the chicken is warmed through. Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve: Serve the creamy chicken broccoli Alfredo pasta warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and lemon zest if desired for an added bright flavor.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and a smooth sauce texture.
- Be sure not to overcook the pasta; it should be al dente to hold up well when tossed in the sauce.
- Lemon zest is optional but adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sauce.
- You can substitute chicken with shrimp or mushrooms for a different variation.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
