Description
Indulge in this creamy and comforting Chicken Broccoli Alfredo, a delightful combination of tender pasta, succulent chicken, and crisp broccoli, all enveloped in a rich homemade Alfredo sauce. This classic Italian-American dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering, bringing warmth and satisfaction to every bite.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Broccoli:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breasts, diced
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, steamed
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta:
- 1 pound fettuccine or pasta of your choice, cooked according to package directions
Instructions
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Alfredo Sauce:
- Melt the Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Sauté the Garlic: Add minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Cream and Cream Cheese: Pour in the heavy whipping cream and add the softened cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Season the Sauce: Stir in garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until it melts and the sauce is creamy.
Combine All Ingredients:
- Add Chicken and Broccoli: Gently fold the diced cooked chicken and steamed broccoli into the Alfredo sauce, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Toss with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
Serve: Divide the Chicken Broccoli Alfredo into serving plates. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Cream Cheese Addition: Incorporating cream cheese into the Alfredo sauce adds extra creaminess and helps stabilize the sauce, preventing it from separating.
- Pasta Water: Reserving a cup of pasta water before draining can be useful to adjust the sauce’s consistency. Add it gradually if the sauce becomes too thick.
- Variations: Feel free to substitute the chicken with shrimp or add other vegetables like sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a different twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 2 cups
- Calories: 800
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 50g
- Saturated Fat: 30g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: Chicken Broccoli Alfredo, Creamy Pasta, Easy Weeknight Dinner, Homemade Alfredo Sauce