Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo in 25 Mins
Creamy chicken broccoli Alfredo ready in 25 minutes, perfect for quick weeknight dinners. This flavorful dish combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a velvety Alfredo sauce for a comforting and satisfying meal that is simple to prepare.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Not Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- Chicken breasts – thinly sliced, about 1 lb
- Broccoli florets – 2 cups, bite-sized
- Fettuccine pasta – 12 oz
- Heavy cream – 1 cup
- Parmesan cheese – 1 cup, freshly grated
- Garlic cloves – 3, minced
- Butter – 3 tablespoons
- Salt and pepper – to taste
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley – chopped, for garnish
Optional Variations
- Shrimp instead of chicken
- Gluten-free pasta substitute
- Mushrooms – sautéed with garlic
- Coconut cream and vegan Parmesan for dairy-free version
- Red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning for added spice
- Prepare Ingredients: Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips, chop broccoli into bite-sized florets, and mince the garlic to infuse the sauce with aroma.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook fettuccine until al dente according to package directions. Approximately 2 minutes before pasta is done, add broccoli florets to blanch, preserving their vibrant color and crunch. Drain pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced chicken, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and no longer pink inside, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: Lower heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in heavy cream, bring to a gentle simmer while stirring frequently.
- Add Cheese and Combine: Gradually stir in freshly grated Parmesan until sauce is smooth and creamy. Add cooked chicken, broccoli, and pasta to the sauce; toss gently to coat evenly.
- Finish and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped parsley or extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately warm for the best experience.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for better melting and authentic flavor.
- Blanch broccoli briefly in pasta water to keep it bright and crisp.
- Slice chicken thinly for even, quick cooking and better integration with sauce.
- Simmer the sauce gently—avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
- Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
Keywords: Chicken Alfredo, Broccoli Alfredo, Creamy pasta, Quick dinner, Weeknight meal