If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Fettuccine Recipe. It combines tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and velvety Alfredo sauce tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine to create a meal that satisfies every craving. This recipe is a delightful blend of creamy richness and fresh, vibrant flavors that come together quickly, making it an ideal choice for a comforting weeknight dinner or a dish to impress friends around your table. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to become one of your favorite go-to recipes for a delicious, hearty meal with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Fettuccine Recipe uses a handful of simple but essential ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the luscious cream and sharp Parmesan to the fresh broccoli and golden sautéed chicken, every component is thoughtfully chosen to create that perfect balance.
- Fettuccine pasta: The wide, flat noodles hold onto the rich Alfredo sauce beautifully, making every bite luscious.
- Chicken breasts: Thinly sliced for quick cooking and a tender, juicy protein addition.
- Broccoli florets: Adds a pop of green and a healthy, slightly crunchy texture that complements the creamy sauce.
- Olive oil: For sautéing chicken, it gives a mild fruity undertone and helps achieve that golden crust.
- Butter: The base of the Alfredo sauce, contributing to its silky, rich mouthfeel.
- Garlic cloves: Minced and lightly sautéed to infuse a fragrant, savory depth to the sauce.
- Heavy cream: Creates the signature creamy, dreamy texture you expect from Alfredo sauce.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for the sharp, nutty flavor that melts into perfection.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing flavors and seasoning each element.
- Fresh parsley: For garnish, adding a bright, herbaceous finish and a lovely color contrast.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Fettuccine Recipe
Step 1: Cook the fettuccine
Begin by cooking the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions. This usually means boiling it in salted water until it is al dente, tender but with a slight bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside so we can focus on the rest of the dish. The pasta serves as the perfect canvas for the creamy sauce and toppings.
Step 2: Sauté the chicken
While your pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the hot oil. Cook the chicken slices until they develop a beautiful golden crust on each side and are cooked through, which usually takes around 5 to 7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest. This step ensures juicy, flavorful protein in every bite.
Step 3: Steam the broccoli
Next, steam your broccoli florets for just 3 to 4 minutes until they are tender but still bright green and full of life. This brief steaming keeps their nutrients and provides a wonderful pop of texture and color to the dish. Set the broccoli aside until you’re ready to combine everything.
Step 4: Make the Alfredo sauce
In the same skillet used for the chicken (use those flavorful drippings!), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant—about a minute—being careful not to burn it. Then pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely, resulting in a smooth, creamy, and irresistible sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, because that final touch makes all the difference.
Step 5: Combine everything
Now it’s time to bring all the components together. Toss the cooked fettuccine and steamed broccoli right into the Alfredo sauce, coating the pasta luxuriously. Arrange the golden chicken slices on top, letting their lovely color shine through. This layering of creamy sauce, vibrant broccoli, and tender chicken is everything you want in a comfort food meal.
Step 6: Serve and garnish
Finally, garnish your masterpiece with freshly chopped parsley and, if you like, an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Fettuccine Recipe piping hot for the best experience. The inviting aroma, creamy texture, and colorful presentation make it a true winner at any table.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Fettuccine Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a fresh garnish can elevate this dish from delicious to downright dazzling. Chopped fresh parsley adds not only a burst of color but also a slight herbal brightness that cuts through the richness. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese introduces an extra layer of savory sharpness that ties the dish together beautifully. You can also add a little cracked black pepper on top for a mild punch.
Side Dishes
While this dish is quite rich and filling on its own, pairing it with a crisp, light side can create a balanced meal. Consider a simple mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette to refresh the palate. Garlic bread or warm, crusty baguette slices also complement the creamy fettuccine delightfully and help scoop up any extra sauce lingering on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress your guests or loved ones even more? Serve the pasta in shallow, wide bowls to showcase the creamy sauce and vibrant broccoli. Drizzle a touch of high-quality olive oil over the top for a glossy finish. For a colorful pop, add halved cherry tomatoes or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat contrast. For a family-style meal, present the pasta in a large serving dish with the chicken artistically arranged on top so everyone can help themselves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers of this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Fettuccine Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Because the sauce is rich, be sure to give it a good stir while reheating to redistribute the cream and cheese evenly.
Freezing
While freezing creamy pasta dishes can be a bit tricky due to texture changes, you can freeze the components separately for better results. Freeze cooked chicken and broccoli in one container and Alfredo sauce in another. When you want to enjoy the dish later, thaw both slowly in the fridge overnight and then combine them with freshly cooked pasta for near-fresh taste and texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the Alfredo sauce from breaking. Add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened in the fridge. Microwave reheating works too, but do it in short bursts, stirring frequently, to maintain the creamy consistency without drying out the chicken or pasta.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta in this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Fettuccine Recipe?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional and excellent for holding Alfredo sauce, feel free to swap in linguine, penne, or even rigatoni depending on your preference. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and consider adding mushrooms or extra broccoli for heartiness. You can also use a plant-based chicken substitute if you want to keep the texture and protein component.
Can I reduce the fat content in this dish?
You can lighten things up by using half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream, but keep in mind the sauce may not be as rich or thick. Using less butter and cheese can also help, though it will affect the authentic Alfredo texture and flavor.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the slices should be opaque and no longer pink inside. Cooking times can vary, so using a meat thermometer is the safest way to ensure doneness.
Can I prepare this dish in advance for a dinner party?
You can prep the sauce and cook the chicken and broccoli a few hours beforehand, then reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta just before serving. This keeps the pasta al dente and ensures the dish stays fresh and vibrant for your guests.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a warm, comforting bowl of creamy pasta, especially when it’s loaded with tender chicken and fresh broccoli. This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Fettuccine Recipe delivers that perfect mix of indulgence and balance that’s easy enough for weeknights but elegant enough to share. I encourage you to try it out soon and watch it become a beloved staple on your dinner rotation. Once you taste the rich sauce, the juicy chicken, and crisp broccoli together, you’ll understand why this dish feels like a celebration of good food and good company.
Print
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Fettuccine Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Fettuccine is a comforting and rich Italian-inspired pasta dish featuring tender chicken breasts, lightly steamed broccoli, and a luscious homemade Alfredo sauce made with garlic, butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that combines creamy flavors and fresh ingredients.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb fettuccine pasta
Protein
- 2 chicken breasts (sliced)
Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Cooking Fats & Oils
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter
Flavorings
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the fettuccine: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Sauté the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken slices for about 5-7 minutes per side or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Steam the broccoli: Steam the broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes until they are tender yet still bright green. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Alfredo sauce: Using the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until it is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine pasta and vegetables with sauce: Add the cooked fettuccine and steamed broccoli to the Alfredo sauce in the skillet. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta and broccoli evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Arrange the cooked chicken slices on top of the coated pasta and broccoli. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated for a creamier sauce.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts if preferred, adjusting cooking time as needed.
- Steaming the broccoli just until tender keeps it vibrant and maintains a nice texture in the dish.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce thickens too much when cold.
