Chicken Broccoli Alfredo – Hearty Dish for Graduation. Imagine a creamy, dreamy plate of fettuccine coated in rich Alfredo sauce, with tender chicken and vibrant broccoli mingling together like old friends at a graduation party. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, promising a taste experience that feels celebratory and indulgent.
This Chicken Broccoli Alfredo isn’t just food; it’s a delicious memory waiting to happen. Picture it: the crowd cheering as you toss your cap into the air, followed by laughter and stories shared over this hearty dish. Perfect for graduation gatherings or cozy family dinners, this recipe is a ticket to flavor town that you won’t want to miss!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Chicken Broccoli Alfredo is easy to whip up, making it perfect for any busy celebration
- With its velvety sauce and fresh ingredients, it delights the palate while looking stunning on the table
- It’s versatile enough to serve as a main dish or side, catering to various tastes and dietary preferences
Sharing this dish at our family gatherings always brings smiles and compliments from everyone around the table.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
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Fresh Broccoli: Choose bright green florets; they add color and nutrition to your dish.
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Fettuccine Pasta: The classic choice for Alfredo; its wide shape holds onto that creamy sauce beautifully.
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Heavy Cream: Essential for that luscious sauce; don’t skimp on quality here!
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Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best for maximum flavor; it melts into the sauce perfectly.
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Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic gives an aromatic depth that elevates this dish.
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Butter: A little goes a long way in creating a rich sauce base.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all those delightful flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper before adding them to the skillet. Cook until golden brown on both sides, about 6-7 minutes each side.
Add Garlic and Broccoli: Once chicken is cooked through, remove from pan and cover with foil. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and chopped broccoli. Sauté until broccoli is bright green and tender yet crisp.
Create the Sauce: Pour heavy cream into the skillet with broccoli. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
Toss Everything Together: Slice cooked chicken into strips and add back into the skillet along with drained pasta. Toss everything together gently until each strand of fettuccine is coated in creamy goodness.
Serve Hot!: Plate your Chicken Broccoli Alfredo while it’s still warm! Garnish with additional Parmesan if desired—and watch those smiles appear as you dig in!
This Chicken Broccoli Alfredo isn’t just about satisfying hunger; it’s about creating moments worth celebrating! Enjoy every bite at graduation or any special occasion where delicious food brings people closer together!
You Must Know
- This Chicken Broccoli Alfredo is a great crowd-pleaser, perfect for graduation celebrations
- The creamy sauce and tender chicken create a memorable dish that leaves everyone smiling
- Plus, it’s easy to customize based on your taste preferences or what you have in the pantry
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the chicken to lock in flavors, then cook your pasta while preparing the creamy Alfredo sauce for seamless timing and perfect results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out broccoli for your favorite veggies like spinach or asparagus. Adding garlic or Parmesan can elevate the flavor profile too!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For a silky sauce, use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-shredded cheese
- Ensure you cook pasta just until al dente for better texture
- A dash of nutmeg can add depth to your Alfredo sauce that surprises everyone!
Sharing this recipe always brings back memories of my friend’s graduation dinner when we couldn’t stop raving about it. The joy on everyone’s faces truly made it a special occasion.
FAQ
What can I substitute for heavy cream in Chicken Broccoli Alfredo?
You can use half-and-half or yogurt for a lighter version without losing creaminess.
How do I make my Chicken Broccoli Alfredo gluten-free?
Simply swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta and ensure your other ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I add more vegetables to the Chicken Broccoli Alfredo?
Absolutely! Peas, bell peppers, or zucchini work great and add vibrant color to the dish.
Chicken Broccoli Alfredo
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Chicken Broccoli Alfredo is the ultimate creamy pasta dish that brings comfort and celebration to any table. This indulgent recipe features tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and fettuccine pasta enveloped in a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce. Perfect for graduation parties or family dinners, this dish promises to create delicious memories with every bite. It’s easy to prepare and customizable to suit various tastes, making it a go-to favorite for gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1. Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot. Add fettuccine and cook until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- 2. Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown on both sides (6-7 minutes each side). Remove from skillet and cover.
- 3. Add Garlic and Broccoli: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and chopped broccoli. Sauté until broccoli is bright green and tender yet crisp (about 3 minutes).
- 4. Create the Sauce: Pour heavy cream into the skillet and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning.
- 5. Toss Everything Together: Slice cooked chicken and return it to the skillet with drained pasta. Mix gently until fettuccine is coated in sauce.
- 6. Serve Hot: Plate while warm, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 400g)
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
