Creamy Garlic Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli & Fettuccine Recipe
Introduction
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli & Fettuccine is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Tender chicken and crisp broccoli are coated in a rich, cheesy garlic sauce that pairs beautifully with fettuccine pasta.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook fettuccine according to package directions. Add broccoli to the pot during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken strips, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked (about 6–8 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese, a pinch of nutmeg, and cook until sauce thickens slightly (about 3–4 minutes).
- Step 5: Return chicken to the skillet and add cooked pasta and broccoli. Toss everything together until well coated.
- Step 6: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in garlic and Italian herbs before cooking.
- Substitute broccoli with asparagus or spinach for a different vegetable twist.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best taste and a smoother sauce.
- Add red pepper flakes to the sauce if you prefer a little heat.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave to prevent the sauce from separating. Add a splash of cream or milk when reheating if the sauce seems too thick.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute fettuccine with linguine, penne, or any pasta shape you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative and a vegan Parmesan substitute. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will differ slightly from the original.
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Creamy Garlic Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli & Fettuccine Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli & Fettuccine is a rich and comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken strips sautéed with garlic, served on a bed of perfectly cooked fettuccine and crisp broccoli florets, all coated in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. This one-pan skillet recipe is easy to prepare and makes a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Proteins
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
Pasta & Vegetables
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Fats & Dairy
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot to blanch them. Drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of nutmeg if using. Continue cooking for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet, then add the cooked fettuccine and broccoli. Toss everything together gently to coat the pasta and vegetables evenly with the creamy Alfredo sauce.
- Serve: Serve the creamy garlic chicken Alfredo immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired for color and a touch of freshness.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smoothest sauce.
- Make sure not to overcook the broccoli; adding it in during the last few minutes ensures it stays crisp-tender.
- If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of milk or pasta water.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half but expect a less rich sauce.
- Nutmeg is optional but adds a subtle warmth to the sauce.
- Use fresh garlic for a bright, punchy flavor rather than pre-minced.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Creamy garlic chicken alfredo, Chicken fettuccine recipe, Broccoli alfredo pasta, Easy stovetop dinner, Italian chicken pasta
