Creamy Chicken Alfredo Delight

This creamy chicken broccoli Alfredo pasta combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich homemade sauce for the ultimate comfort food dinner. The silky Alfredo sauce envelops every bite with its cheesy goodness while the broccoli adds color and nutrition to this family favorite.

I started making this pasta when my kids were going through picky phases. The creamy sauce convinced them to eat broccoli without complaints, and now it's requested at least once a week in our house.

Ingredients

• Fettuccine or penne pasta: provides the perfect base for catching all that creamy sauce. I prefer fettuccine for the traditional experience.
• Broccoli florets: add vibrant color, nutrients, and a tender texture. Cut them uniformly for even cooking.
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: offer lean protein. Ensure pieces are cut consistently for even cooking.
• Olive oil: helps prevent sticking and creates a golden exterior on the chicken.
• Garlic powder: adds convenience for seasoning the chicken quickly.
• Butter: creates the rich foundation for our Alfredo sauce. Use unsalted to control sodium.
• Fresh garlic cloves: provide aromatic flavor that powdered versions simply cannot match.
• Heavy cream: delivers that signature Alfredo richness. Full fat is essential here.
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: melts beautifully and creates the silky texture. Avoid pre-shredded for best results.
• Italian seasoning: adds herbal notes without requiring multiple spice jars.
• Nutmeg: brings subtle warmth that enhances cream sauces without being identifiable.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta and Broccoli:

Fill a large pot with water, adding about 1 tablespoon of salt per gallon of water. Bring to a rolling boil before adding pasta. Time your pasta according to package directions for al dente texture. When just 2 to 3 minutes of cooking time remain, carefully add the broccoli florets to the same pot. This one pot method saves time and ensures perfectly tender crisp broccoli. Once done, reserve about 1/4 cup pasta water before draining.

Prepare the Chicken:

Heat a large skillet over medium high heat until you can feel warmth hovering your hand above it. Add olive oil and swirl to coat the surface. Season chicken pieces generously with garlic powder, salt and pepper. Arrange in a single layer without overcrowding to ensure proper browning. Let pieces cook undisturbed for 3 minutes before flipping to develop golden color. Cook additional 2 to 4 minutes until no pink remains and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a clean plate.

Create the Alfredo Sauce:

Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet, utilizing all those flavorful chicken bits. Once butter melts completely, add minced garlic and cook for exactly 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Pour heavy cream in slowly while whisking to incorporate any browned bits from the pan bottom. Allow mixture to come to a gentle simmer where small bubbles appear around the edges. Add Parmesan cheese in three batches, whisking thoroughly between each addition until completely melted. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning and let sauce simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until it coats the back of a spoon.

Combine Components:

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Add drained pasta and broccoli, gently folding everything together with tongs or a large spoon. If sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time. Continue tossing until every piece is coated in sauce and all components are evenly distributed and heated through.

The freshly grated Parmesan makes all the difference in this recipe. I once tried using pre-shredded cheese from a package and ended up with a grainy sauce instead of the silky texture we love. My daughter still teases me about that dinner disaster whenever I reach for the cheese grater.

Storage Solutions

This pasta keeps beautifully in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce which tends to thicken when chilled. For best results, warm gently over medium low heat rather than using high heat which can cause the sauce to separate. Stir frequently during reheating for even warming.

Make It Your Own

This versatile recipe welcomes many variations. Swap chicken for sautéed shrimp or sliced Italian sausage. Vegetarians can substitute mushrooms or extra vegetables. The broccoli can be exchanged for asparagus, peas, or spinach depending on seasonal availability. For a lighter version, substitute half the cream with chicken broth and reduce the cheese slightly. The core technique remains the same regardless of your protein or vegetable choices.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty pasta with a simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread makes an excellent accompaniment for sopping up extra sauce. For wine pairing, choose a crisp Pinot Grigio or unoaked Chardonnay that complements the creamy sauce without overwhelming it. For special occasions, consider serving smaller portions as a first course before a simple protein main.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Keep the heat at medium or low when making the Alfredo sauce and avoid boiling it. Stir constantly to blend the ingredients smoothly.

→ Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, you can. Simply warm the pre-cooked chicken and add it to the sauce along with the pasta and broccoli.

→ What pasta works best with this dish?

Fettuccine and penne are excellent choices, but you can also use spaghetti, linguine, or your favorite pasta shape.

→ Can I substitute Parmesan cheese?

While Parmesan is traditional, you can use Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano for a similar flavor. Adjust seasoning as needed since these cheeses are saltier.

→ How can I make this dish lighter?

Swap heavy cream for half-and-half and use a lighter olive oil-based sauce instead of butter for a healthier alternative.

→ Can I make it vegetarian?

Simply omit the chicken and add extra broccoli or substitute with mushrooms, spinach, or another protein like tofu.