Creamy Garlic Chicken Dinner

This creamy garlic chicken alfredo with broccoli and fettuccine has been my go-to dinner recipe for busy weeknights when I need something comforting yet impressive enough for impromptu guests. The silky sauce coats each strand of pasta perfectly while tender chicken and fresh broccoli make it a complete meal in one pan.

I first created this recipe when my daughter requested "fancy pasta" for her birthday dinner. The look on her face when she took that first bite convinced me this needed to become part of our regular rotation. Three years later, it still gets the same delighted reaction.

Ingredients

• Fettuccine: Forms the classic base for this dish the wide noodles perfectly capture the creamy sauce
• Broccoli florets: Add color nutrition and a slight crunch to balance the richness
• Chicken breasts: Provide lean protein look for even thickness for consistent cooking
• Olive oil: For searing the chicken use a good quality oil that can handle medium high heat
• Butter: Creates the foundation for the sauce use unsalted to control seasoning
• Fresh garlic cloves: Deliver aromatic flavor always use fresh rather than jarred for best results
• Heavy cream: Produces that signature alfredo richness no substitutes will achieve the same silky texture
• Parmesan cheese: Brings nutty saltiness use freshly grated not the shelf stable kind in shakers
• Italian seasoning: Adds subtle herb notes without overpowering the delicate cream sauce
• Fresh parsley: Brightens the finished dish both visually and with its clean herbaceous flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook Pasta and Broccoli:

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add a generous tablespoon of salt. The water should taste salty like the sea. Add fettuccine and cook according to package directions until just al dente. During the final 3 minutes add the broccoli florets to blanch them perfectly. Reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining everything together.

Prepare the Chicken:

Pat chicken strips completely dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet until shimmering but not smoking. Place chicken pieces in a single layer giving them plenty of space. Cook undisturbed for 4 minutes until golden then flip and finish cooking about 4 more minutes. The chicken should reach 165°F internally. Remove to a plate and tent loosely with foil.

Create the Alfredo Base:

Without cleaning the skillet lower heat to medium and add butter allowing it to melt completely. Add minced garlic and cook for exactly 60 seconds stirring constantly until fragrant but not browned. Garlic burns quickly and becomes bitter so watch carefully. Pour in heavy cream in a slow stream while stirring to incorporate all the flavorful bits from the pan bottom.

Develop the Sauce:

Let cream mixture simmer gently for 2 minutes until it begins to reduce slightly. Add Parmesan cheese in small handfuls stirring between additions to ensure smooth melting. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning if using. Allow sauce to bubble gently for 2 more minutes until it coats the back of a spoon. If too thick add splashes of reserved pasta water.

Combine Components:

Return chicken to the skillet along with any accumulated juices. Add drained pasta and broccoli tossing everything gently with tongs to coat evenly in the sauce. Allow everything to heat together for 1 minute so flavors can meld. If sauce becomes too thick add more reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time.

Final Presentation:

Transfer pasta to warmed serving plates or a large platter. Sprinkle generously with additional fresh Parmesan and scatter chopped parsley over the top. Serve immediately while hot and creamy with crusty bread for sauce mopping.

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My absolute favorite moment with this dish was when my Italian neighbor asked for the recipe after a community potluck. She claimed it reminded her of her grandmother's cooking which is perhaps the highest compliment an alfredo pasta could receive. The secret is definitely in taking your time with the garlic butter base.

Make Ahead Options

This alfredo pasta can be partially prepared ahead of time to make dinner even quicker. Cook the pasta until just shy of al dente drain and toss with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours. The chicken can be cooked and refrigerated separately. When ready to serve simply make the sauce and combine with the precooked components allowing a bit more simmering time to heat everything through properly.

Ingredient Substitutions

While classic alfredo uses heavy cream you can create a lighter version using half and half mixed with 2 tablespoons of cream cheese for body. The sauce won't be quite as rich but still delicious. For a vegetarian version replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. Those avoiding gluten can substitute gluten free fettuccine or zucchini noodles though the sauce may need slight adjustments in thickness.

Flavor Variations

This recipe serves as an excellent base for countless variations. For a seafood twist replace chicken with sautéed shrimp or scallops adding them at the last minute to avoid overcooking. Sun dried tomatoes and spinach create a colorful variation with Mediterranean flair. For extra decadence add 4 ounces of cream cheese to the sauce or fold in crabmeat at the end. A sprinkle of nutmeg in the sauce adds traditional Italian depth while smoked paprika creates an unexpected warmth.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I cook the broccoli without overcooking?

Add the broccoli to the pasta water during the last 3 minutes of cooking to keep it tender-crisp.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Yes, chicken thighs work perfectly, offering a richer flavor and tender texture.

→ How do I thicken the Alfredo sauce?

Let the sauce simmer gently and add more Parmesan cheese if needed to achieve the desired thickness.

→ What pasta alternatives work well in this dish?

You can use penne, linguine, or even gluten-free pasta as a substitute for fettuccine.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the components in advance, but for best results, combine and serve fresh to maintain the sauce's texture.

→ Can I add extra vegetables?

Yes, mushrooms or spinach pair wonderfully with the creamy Alfredo sauce and can be sautéed before mixing.