Chicken And Broccoli Alfredo Recipe

Are you craving a delicious and comforting meal? Look no further than this irresistible Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo recipe. With tender pieces of chicken, crisp broccoli florets, and a creamy Alfredo sauce, this dish is the perfect blend of flavors and textures. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to savor every mouthful of this delectable meal that will leave you wanting more.

Table of Contents

Ingredients

To make the delicious Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo, you will need the following ingredients:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups broccoli florets
8 ounces fettuccine pasta
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Preparation

Before you start cooking, it’s important to prep your ingredients. Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and seasoning them with salt and pepper. Next, cut the broccoli florets into small, bite-sized pieces as well. Finally, mince the garlic cloves for added flavor.

Cooking the Chicken

In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for about 6-8 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through. Make sure to stir occasionally for even cooking. Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a plate and set it aside.

Blanching the Broccoli

To blanch the broccoli, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets to the boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they are bright green and slightly tender. It’s important not to overcook them, as you want to maintain their crispness. Once they are done, drain the broccoli and immediately transfer it to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This will help preserve their vibrant color.

Making the Alfredo Sauce

Using the same skillet you used to cook the chicken, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until it melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combining the Ingredients

Now it’s time to bring all the components together. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Add the cooked chicken, blanched broccoli, and Alfredo sauce to the pot. Gently toss everything together until the pasta and ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.

Baking the Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mixture from the pot to a baking dish and spread it out evenly. Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 20 minutes to ensure all the flavors meld together. This step also helps to create a deliciously cheesy, golden crust on top.

Garnishing and Serving

Once the dish is out of the oven, remove the foil and give it a final garnish. Sprinkle some fresh parsley over the top for a touch of vibrant green. This not only adds a pop of color but also imparts a fresh, earthy flavor. Your Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo is now ready to be served!

Variations

While the classic Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo is a crowd-pleaser, there are a few variations you can try to add some personal flair. For a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos to the Alfredo sauce. If you’re a fan of mushrooms, sauté some sliced mushrooms and add them to the dish for an extra depth of flavor. You can also experiment with different types of cheese like Gruyere or Fontina to give the sauce a unique twist.

Tips and Tricks

To ensure moist and tender chicken, avoid overcooking it. As soon as the chicken is no longer pink in the center, remove it from the heat to prevent dryness.
If you prefer your broccoli to be more tender, you can blanch it for a longer period of time. Just make sure to keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
For a lighter version of this dish, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream. The sauce will be slightly less rich but still delicious.
Make sure to use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for optimal flavor. Pre-packaged grated cheese may contain additives that affect the taste and texture of the sauce.
To add a burst of freshness, squeeze a little lemon juice over the finished dish just before serving. The acidity of the lemon complements the richness of the Alfredo sauce beautifully.

So there you have it – a delightful Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo recipe that is sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or impressing guests, this dish is a winner. With a creamy, cheesy sauce enveloping tender chicken and crisp broccoli, each bite is bursting with flavor. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to indulge in a comforting and delicious meal!