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
Scale
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.