Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo a Weeknight Wonder
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook: Fancy a bowl of creamy comfort?
Ever had one of those days where only proper comfort food will do? This Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo is exactly what you need.
It is pure, unadulterated, creamy, cheesy goodness. Honestly, it’s a hug in a bowl!
Brief Overview: A Classic with a Homemade Twist
This Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo is an Italian American classic. It’s normally served on a quick and easy weeknight meal. We will be using tender chicken and yummy broccoli tossed in Homemade Alfredo Sauce .
Forget the jarred stuff. This recipe is easy (honestly!), takes about 40 minutes to make, and serves 4 hungry people.
Main Benefits: More than just comfort!
Did you know broccoli is packed with Vitamin C? It totally adds a health boost. This Creamy Alfredo Recipe is perfect for a family dinner, or anytime you need a Quick Chicken Alfredo Recipe .
What makes it special? The homemade sauce is so worth it!
Time to grab those ingredients, here is everything you need.
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Broccoli:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons water
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
For Serving:
- 1 pound pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne work well)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Ingredients & Equipment for a Cracking Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo
Alright, let's talk ingredients. To nail this Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo , you gotta have the right bits and bobs.
Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward, but a few key things make all the difference. This is one of those yummy dinners that's both comforting and relatively quick to make.
Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show
- Chicken: 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch pieces. You want good quality chicken here nice and pink, not grey. Trust me, it matters!
- Broccoli: 1 head (about 1 pound/450g) broccoli, cut into florets. Fresh is best. If it looks a bit tired, give it a miss.
- Pasta: 1 pound (450g) fettuccine (or linguine, or penne whatever floats your boat).
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml) .
- Butter: ½ cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. (Don't be shy with it!)
- Heavy Cream: 1 ½ cups (360ml) . Full fat, baby! This is not the time to skimp.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup (100g) freshly grated, plus more for serving. Freshly grated, mind you. Pre-shredded stuff just doesn't melt the same.
- Water: 2 tablespoons (30ml)
Seasoning Notes: Spicing Things Up
For seasonings, we're keeping it classic. Garlic powder at 1 teaspoon (5g) is great for the chicken. Salt at ½ teaspoon (3g) , black pepper at ¼ teaspoon (1g) , and white pepper at ¼ teaspoon (1g) are essential.
A pinch of red pepper flakes can add some kick for the chicken and broccoli alfredo easy recipe. Don’t be shy season to taste! For flavor enhancers, you can play around with nutmeg in the homemade alfredo sauce , but the fresh parmesan is the true champion.
Equipment Needed: Tools of the Trade
Honestly, you don't need a fancy kitchen for this. Just the basics:
- A large pot for the pasta.
- A large skillet or sauté pan.
- A colander for draining pasta.
- A whisk for the sauce.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
If you don't have a whisk, a fork will do in a pinch. You know? We're not aiming for Michelin stars here, just a delicious weeknight chicken alfredo meal! You got this.
It's all about enjoying the process. This creamy alfredo recipe has gotten me out of plenty of sticky situations. Honestly, once you get the hang of it, you'll be making it all the time!
Cooking Up Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo
Fancy a proper comforting bowl of Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo ? Honestly, this stuff is pure magic. It's one of those yummy dinners that everyone loves.
We're ditching the jarred sauce and going homemade. Trust me, it's worth the extra few minutes. Let's get cracking!
Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place is Key
First things first, get your ingredients sorted. Chop your broccoli into florets. Cube the chicken . Grate that Parmesan. Mince the garlic.
You know, the usual stuff. Having everything ready saves you time and stress later. Safety wise, watch those fingers when chopping!
step-by-step: From Pan to Plate
Alright, here's the lowdown on how to make this Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Easy :
- Boil your pasta until it is al dente . Don't forget to save some pasta water.
- Season the chicken with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Sauté the chicken in olive oil until it is cooked to 165° F/ 74° C . Set aside.
- Steam the broccoli in the same pan. Should be tender crisp in around 5 minutes .
- Melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. About a minute will do it.
- Add the cream, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently.
- Whisk in the Parmesan until smooth.
- Combine everything. Add the chicken, broccoli, and pasta to the sauce. Toss it around. Add pasta water if it gets too thick.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Alfredo Game
Grate your own Parmesan! It melts better. Don't overcook the broccoli. You want a bit of bite. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of that reserved pasta water.
And hey, don't be shy with the seasoning! Give it a taste and adjust. You can even make the Homemade Alfredo Sauce ahead of time.
Just store it in the fridge. Now, that is convenient.
I'm telling you, making your own Alfredo is a game changer. It is super simple, and is one of the best chicken dishes you can make.
You will love this Creamy Alfredo Recipe . Trust me, this will be your go to weeknight chicken alfredo dinner.
Recipe Notes for Your Amazing Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo
Alright, so you're ready to tackle this Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Easy recipe. Ace! Before you start slinging pots and pans, let's talk a bit about making it your own .
Honestly, this is where the magic happens. Here are some tips and tricks to help you nail it.
How to Serve Your Creamy Chicken Alfredo Recipe
Presentation is key, innit? I reckon piling the Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken and Broccoli high in a bowl looks amazing.
Sprinkle with extra parmesan because, why not? A sprig of parsley adds a pop of colour.
On the side, you can't go wrong with some garlic bread, it’s a classic. A simple side salad balances the richness perfectly.
Fancy a tipple? A crisp white wine is a good shout.
Nifty Storage Tips
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Pop the Chicken Dinner into an airtight container and it'll be grand in the fridge for up to three days.
For longer storage, freezing works a treat. Just thaw it overnight before reheating.
Reheating is easy. A microwave does the job, or you can gently heat it in a pan on the hob.
Add a splash of milk or cream if it seems a bit dry.
Variations on Yummy Dinners
Fancy a change? Of course, you do! You can easily adapt this recipe.
- For a vegetarian option, skip the chicken and add mushrooms or bell peppers.
- Want to lighten it up? Use half and-half instead of heavy cream. It won't be quite as decadent, but it'll still taste fab! Also, you can replace the chicken to your liking like shrimp or turkey.
Chicken Dishes Nutrition: The Basics
Okay, let's talk nutrition. This Chicken Broccoli Alfredo is rich and satisfying. Each serving is roughly 750 calories. You are getting about 45g of protein, 50g of fat and 40g of carbs.
It's packed with protein from the chicken, and the broccoli adds some vitamins and fiber. Just remember, it's a treat.
And a perfect for any Weeknight Chicken Alfredo . Portion control is your friend!
So there you have it! Making Homemade Alfredo Sauce might seem daunting but with practice it will become second nature.
Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Cooking should be fun! And this Quick Chicken Alfredo Recipe is a guaranteed crowd pleaser.
Get cooking, you got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make chicken and broccoli alfredo ahead of time?
While it's best served fresh, you can prep some components ahead. Cook the chicken and broccoli separately, and make the alfredo sauce just before serving. The sauce can thicken as it sits, so you might need to add a splash of milk or pasta water when reheating to restore its creamy texture.
Nobody wants a gluey Alfredo!
How do I prevent my chicken and broccoli alfredo sauce from being too thin or too thick?
The key is controlling the heat and adding Parmesan gradually. If the sauce is too thin, simmer it gently for a few more minutes to allow it to reduce and thicken. If it becomes too thick, whisk in a little reserved pasta water or milk until you reach your desired consistency.
You're aiming for a sauce that lightly coats the pasta, not one that's like wallpaper paste!
What are some good substitutions for ingredients in chicken and broccoli alfredo?
Absolutely! If you're out of heavy cream, half and-half can work in a pinch, though the sauce won't be as rich. For pasta, fettuccine, linguine or penne are good substitutes. And if you are lacking parmesan, you can use pecorino cheese instead.
Feel free to swap out chicken for shrimp, or add other veggies like mushrooms or peas. Cooking should be fun, so don't be afraid to experiment like you are on "Ready Steady Cook!"
How long does leftover chicken and broccoli alfredo last? What's the best way to store it?
Leftover chicken and broccoli alfredo will generally keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and prevent it from drying out. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and prevent it from becoming gloopy.
A quick zap in the microwave or a gentle reheat on the hob should do the trick!
Can I make this chicken and broccoli alfredo healthier?
You bet! Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber. Try using half and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce, though it won't be quite as decadent. Load up on the broccoli (or add other veggies!) to increase the nutritional value.
You could even grill the chicken instead of sautéing it to cut down on the fat. Small changes can make a big difference without sacrificing the tasty flavours! Think of it as a "fakeaway" meal from "Eat Well For Less".
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish, and how can I make it?
Definitely! Simply omit the chicken and double up on the broccoli. Other delicious additions include mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or even roasted asparagus. You could also add some chickpeas or white beans for extra protein. It's all about creating a hearty and satisfying veggie packed Alfredo.
You can then rename the dish Broccoli Alfredo to reflect the changes!
Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo A Weeknight Wond
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 750 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 50g |
| Fiber | 3g |
