🥦🍗 Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Pasta
This rich and comforting pasta combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and silky Alfredo sauce tossed with fettuccine. It’s a perfect family dinner that’s ready in about 35 minutes!
📝 Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta
- 12 oz (340 g) fettuccine pasta
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- Salt for the pasta water
For the Alfredo Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta & Broccoli
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the fettuccine according to the package directions.
- During the last 2–3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets.
- Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Cook the Chicken
- Season the chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Make the Alfredo Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the butter.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, mozzarella (if using), Italian seasoning, black pepper, and nutmeg.
- Cook until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth. If it’s too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
4. Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the sauce.
- Toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and gently mix.
- Simmer for 1–2 minutes until heated through.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Serve with warm garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright finish.
💡 Tips
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts much better than pre-shredded cheese.
- Don’t boil the Alfredo sauce after adding the cheese, or it may become grainy.
- For extra flavor, add sautéed mushrooms or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4