Fettuccine alfredo with chicken and broccoli is a delicious and easy pasta dish that makes for a great weeknight meal. This creamy pasta combines tender fettuccine, juicy chicken, crisp broccoli florets, and a velvety alfredo sauce for a satisfying dinner the whole family will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make fettuccine alfredo with chicken and broccoli, you’ll need:
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Fettuccine pasta – fresh or dried fettuccine works well Look for fettuccine made with durum wheat flour for best texture,
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Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – cut into bite-size pieces. Chicken thighs also work well.
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Broccoli florets – fresh or frozen Cut or break into bite-size pieces.
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Butter – for cooking the chicken and making the sauce.
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Garlic – minced, for flavoring the sauce.
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Heavy cream or half-and-half – for making the creamy alfredo sauce.
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Parmesan cheese – grated, for the sauce. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
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Chicken broth or milk – optional, to thin out the sauce if needed.
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Salt, pepper, Italian seasoning – for seasoning the chicken and sauce.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for how to make fettuccine alfredo with chicken and broccoli:
1. Cook the Fettuccine
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the fettuccine and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 Tbsp olive oil and the chicken pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Set the cooked chicken aside.
3. Cook the Broccoli
Add the broccoli florets to the boiling pasta water during the last 2 minutes of cook time. Drain along with the pasta and set aside.
4. Make the Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt 4 Tbsp butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Whisk in 2 cups heavy cream and 1⁄2 cup Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.
5. Combine Everything
Add the cooked fettuccine, chicken, and broccoli to the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss everything together until fully coated. Add more Parmesan, salt, and pepper to taste.
6. Serve Warm
Divide the fettuccine alfredo between plates or pasta bowls. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper. Serve immediately while hot and delicious.
Tips for Making the Best Pasta Alfredo
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Use high-quality ingredients like durum wheat pasta, real Parmesan, and heavy cream or half-and-half for the richest flavor.
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Undercook the pasta slightly so it finishes cooking in the sauce without getting overdone.
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Cook the chicken breasts until browned but still moist inside for tender, juicy meat.
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Steam or sauté the broccoli florets until crisp-tender; don’t overcook them.
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Simmer the sauce gently to avoid curdling or separating the cream.
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Toss everything together while the pasta is hot to allow it to absorb the sauce.
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Add starchy pasta water to the sauce to thin it out and help it coat the noodles.
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Sprinkle each serving with extra grated Parmesan cheese for a delicious finishing touch.
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Serve the pasta immediately while hot for the best texture and flavor.
Variations
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Substitute shrimp, scallops, salmon, or your favorite protein for the chicken.
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Use different vegetables like asparagus tips, peas, or roasted red peppers.
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Add mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
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Stir in herbs like parsley, basil, oregano, or red pepper flakes.
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To make it extra creamy, use mascarpone cheese in addition to Parmesan.
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For a lighter sauce, use half cream and half milk or chicken broth.
Perfect Pairings
Fettuccine alfredo with chicken and broccoli is delicious on its own but also pairs well with a few simple additions:
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Garlic bread – for soaking up the creamy sauce.
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Garden salad – balance the richness with fresh greens.
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Wine – try a light white wine, rosé, or sparkling wine.
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Side of sautéed veggies like zucchini or squash.
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Fresh fruit like berries or melon for a sweet contrast.
This easy fettuccine alfredo is a great way to use up leftover chicken or vegetables. Customize it to your taste by adding different seasonings, vegetables, herbs or protein. Best of all, it comes together in just 30 minutes for a fast weeknight family dinner everyone will love.
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EASY CHICKEN BROCCOLI ALFREDO | RICHARD IN THE KITCHEN
FAQ
Can you add broccoli to chicken alfredo?
Is broccoli good in fettuccine alfredo?
Broccoli Fettuccine Alfredo cooks in just one pot and is ready in 30 minutes! Fettuccine noodles, seasonings, broccoli, and parmesan cheese make this meatless pasta dish so yummy, creamy, and perfect for picky eaters.
What can I add to fettuccine alfredo to make it taste better?
In addition to extra black pepper, I like to add Italian spices to my alfredo sauce. I start with a dash of oregano and thyme.Feb 29, 2024
What are the ingredients for chicken fettuccine alfredo?
What is fettuccine alfredo with chicken & broccoli?
Serve up this Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken & Broccoli tonight! This creamy pasta is made up of penne pasta, chicken, fresh broccoli, a four cheese alfredo sauce, parmesan cheese and more. Our Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken & Broccoli is easy to make and your family will love every bite!
How do you make chicken alfredo with chicken & broccoli?
While sauce is cooking, cut chicken into thin strips. Drain pasta mixture; place in large bowl. Add pasta sauce; mix lightly. Top with chicken and cheese. Serve up this Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken & Broccoli tonight! This creamy pasta is made up of penne pasta, chicken, fresh broccoli, a four cheese alfredo sauce, parmesan cheese and more.
How long does fettuccine chicken broccoli Alfredo take?
This quick and easy fettuccine chicken broccoli Alfredo is a one-pan dinner, ready in 25 minutes! With tender broccoli florets, juicy chicken bites, and pasta tossed in homemade Alfredo sauce. Want to save this recipe?
What is fettuccine Alfredo?
Fettuccine Alfredo is a classic comfort food that tastes like it took all day but is actually really quick and easy to make. Throw in some fresh broccoli, chicken breasts, and creamy homemade alfredo sauce, and you have the most delicious Chicken Broccoli Alfredo recipe loved by kids and adults.
What goes well with chicken fettuccine Alfredo?
This chicken fettuccine Alfredo with broccoli goes great with homemade focaccia or a starter of caponata and a fresh tomato cucumber salad, washed down with a glass of Pinot Grigio. For an after-dinner treat, the whole family loves these fudgy chocolate brownies. Refrigerate.
Should you add milk to chicken broccoli Alfredo?
Cook the Flour. Only once the flour turns golden brown should you start adding in the evaporated milk. Adding the milk too soon will give your sauce a raw flour taste, which isn’t what you want in chicken broccoli Alfredo. Save the Day if You Forget to Save the Pasta Water. It happens!