Chicken Broccoli Alfredo
Experience the ultimate comfort food with this chicken broccoli alfredo recipe. Creamy, rich, and satisfying, this dish is a perfect blend of flavors and textures. The tender chicken and vibrant broccoli paired with a luscious Alfredo sauce create a meal that’s sure to delight your taste buds and warm your heart. Ideal for family dinners or impressing guests, this recipe is both simple and delicious.
Ingredients
– 2 cups fettuccine pasta
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil for cooking
– Fresh parsley for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, with a cooking time of about 25 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1/4 of the recipe) contains approximately 550 calories, 30g of protein, 40g of carbohydrates, and 35g of fat. This is based on standard ingredient measurements.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the fettuccine according to package instructions.
- While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the chicken.
- Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest before slicing.
- Add butter to the same skillet and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer, stirring frequently.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the broccoli florets and cook until tender, about 4-5 minutes.
- Drain the pasta and combine it with the Alfredo sauce, mixing well.
- Slice the chicken and serve it on top of the pasta and broccoli, garnished with parsley.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce or use whole wheat pasta for added nutrition. Grilled shrimp or tofu can replace chicken for a different protein option.
Serving and Pairings
This chicken broccoli alfredo pairs wonderfully with a fresh garden salad or garlic bread. A glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay, complements the creamy flavors beautifully.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess. This dish is not ideal for freezing, as the sauce may separate.
Cooking Mistakes
- Don’t overcook the pasta; it should be al dente.
- Be careful not to let the cream boil rapidly, as it can curdle.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through to avoid dryness.
- Season each component (chicken, pasta, sauce) for balanced flavor.
- Don’t skip the resting time for the chicken; it helps retain juices.
Helpful Tips
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Experiment with adding other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
- For extra flavor, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Consider marinating the chicken beforehand for added moisture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just add it to the sauce for a few extra minutes until heated through.
What pasta works best for chicken broccoli alfredo?
Fettuccine is traditional, but you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or rotini.
How can I make this dish lighter?
Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use low-fat milk. You can also reduce the amount of cheese.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time, but it’s best to reheat it gently to prevent separation.
What can I serve with chicken broccoli alfredo?
It pairs well with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Chicken broccoli alfredo is a delightful dish that combines the richness of creamy sauce with wholesome ingredients. Perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy the comforting flavors and satisfying textures that make this dish a family favorite.
Chicken Broccoli Alfredo
Ingredients
- 2 cups fettuccine pasta
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the fettuccine according to package instructions.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the chicken.
- Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest before slicing.
- Add butter to the same skillet and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer, stirring frequently.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the broccoli florets and cook until tender, about 4-5 minutes.
- Drain the pasta and combine it with the Alfredo sauce, mixing well.
- Slice the chicken and serve it on top of the pasta and broccoli, garnished with parsley.
