If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal, this Easy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy Alfredo sauce with fettuccine pasta, this dish brings together the best of Italian comfort food with a wholesome twist. Not only is it full of flavor, but it’s also packed with essential nutrients, making it a great choice for a balanced weeknight dinner. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for leftovers to enjoy later, this recipe delivers on convenience, taste, and nutrition.
This Easy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo is a creamy and flavorful pasta dish that combines tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and fettuccine coated in a rich Alfredo sauce. The garlic and Parmesan add a savory depth to the sauce, making it a truly satisfying meal. This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight when you need something quick, comforting, and full of flavor. It’s also versatile—try adding extra vegetables or swapping the fettuccine for your favorite type of pasta. It’s a great way to make a classic Italian favorite with a little twist!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 jar (15 oz) Alfredo sauce
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions. Add broccoli florets during the last 4 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Pour in Alfredo sauce, stirring to coat the chicken. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked fettuccine and broccoli to the skillet and toss to combine. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Background and Origins of Chicken Alfredo
Chicken Alfredo has its roots in Italian-American cuisine, with its foundational sauce, Alfredo, originating from Italy in the early 20th century. The original Fettuccine Alfredo was created by chef Alfredo di Lelio in Rome, and it was initially a simple combination of pasta, butter, and Parmesan cheese. It became popular in the United States after Hollywood stars dined at Alfredo’s restaurant and raved about the dish. Over time, the recipe evolved in America, with cream and additional ingredients such as chicken and vegetables being added to cater to a wider audience’s tastes and nutritional needs.
Broccoli became a favorite addition to the dish, complementing the richness of the Alfredo sauce with its fresh, slightly bitter flavor. Adding chicken made the meal more substantial, offering a good source of protein and transforming Alfredo from a side dish into a hearty, well-rounded dinner.
This Easy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo is a classic Italian-American dish that brings together the richness of Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and nutritious broccoli for a wholesome, delicious meal. The creamy sauce, made from a jar for convenience, is elevated with added garlic and Parmesan for an extra burst of flavor. Paired with fettuccine, this dish is not only comforting but also filling and easy to make—ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: With a total cooking time of just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for those nights when you’re short on time but still want a homemade meal.
- Kid-Friendly: The creamy Alfredo sauce and pasta are favorites among kids, and you can sneak in some extra veggies like broccoli without them noticing too much.
- Customizable: This recipe is very flexible! You can easily swap out the fettuccine for any other pasta like penne or spaghetti, or even use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option. Feel free to add mushrooms, spinach, or even peas for an extra boost of veggies.
- Nutritious: The chicken provides a great source of protein, while broccoli adds vitamins and fiber, making this dish both indulgent and nutritious.
- One-Pan Simplicity: By cooking everything in a skillet, you cut down on extra dishes, making cleanup as easy as the cooking process.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo:
- Cooking the Chicken: Make sure to cook the chicken pieces in butter until they are golden brown. This ensures that the chicken remains juicy while also adding a nice caramelized flavor that enhances the entire dish.
- Perfect Broccoli: Adding the broccoli to the pasta during the last 4 minutes of cooking keeps it vibrant and crisp. Overcooking can cause the broccoli to lose its color and texture, so be sure to follow the timing carefully.
- Extra Creaminess: For an even creamier sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream or milk when combining the Alfredo sauce with the pasta and chicken.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan will always taste better than pre-grated options. If you have time, shred your Parmesan cheese right before using it for maximum flavor and creaminess.
Healthier Variations:
- Light Alfredo: Swap out the traditional Alfredo sauce for a lighter version by using Greek yogurt, low-fat cream cheese, or a combination of milk and flour to create a healthier creamy sauce.
- Gluten-Free: For those with gluten sensitivities, simply replace the fettuccine with a gluten-free pasta option. Many brands now offer high-quality gluten-free pasta that works perfectly with creamy sauces like Alfredo.
- Vegetarian Option: To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and add more veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. You could also use a plant-based protein alternative to keep it filling.
Perfect Pairings:
- Garlic Bread: Nothing goes better with creamy pasta than a side of warm, crispy garlic bread. The garlic butter complements the Alfredo sauce perfectly.
- Caesar Salad: A light Caesar salad with crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and a tangy dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the rich Alfredo sauce.
- White Wine: A glass of chilled white wine, like a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, pairs beautifully with the creamy, cheesy flavors of Chicken Alfredo.
Why This Recipe is the Best:
- Balanced Nutrition: This recipe provides a great balance of essential nutrients. Chicken is a high-protein food that helps in muscle repair and growth. Broccoli adds vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants to the meal, while the fettuccine provides the necessary carbohydrates for energy. The Alfredo sauce, rich in calcium from the Parmesan cheese, rounds off this dish with a creamy, indulgent texture that satisfies comfort food cravings without being overly heavy.
- Quick and Convenient: This recipe can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights. The combination of store-bought Alfredo sauce and fresh ingredients allows you to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort. It’s ideal for both novice cooks and those with a tight schedule who still want a home-cooked, nourishing dinner.
- Customizable: One of the best aspects of this dish is its versatility. You can easily adjust the ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs. Want more vegetables? Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach. Looking for a lower-carb option? Replace the fettuccine with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. This recipe also allows you to swap out regular pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free versions to accommodate different dietary lifestyles.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo is a family-friendly meal that appeals to both adults and children. The creamy Alfredo sauce is often a hit with kids, while parents appreciate the balance of protein and vegetables in the dish. It’s also a great option for dinner parties or gatherings, as it can easily be doubled or tripled to serve a larger crowd.
Benefits of this Recipe:
- Time-Saving: In our busy lives, finding time to cook healthy, delicious meals can be a challenge. This recipe solves that problem by offering a quick-cook meal without sacrificing taste or nutrition. In just 30 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality dish on the table, perfect for families with hectic schedules or anyone who wants to enjoy a comforting meal after a long day.
- Balanced Meal: This Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo is a complete meal on its own. Chicken provides lean protein, essential for muscle maintenance and repair, while broccoli offers a wealth of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C for immune health and fiber for digestion. Combined with pasta for carbohydrates, this dish offers a balance of protein, vegetables, and energy to keep you full and satisfied.
- Affordable: The ingredients for this recipe are not only easy to find, but they’re also budget-friendly. A jar of Alfredo sauce, some chicken breasts, broccoli, and pasta are relatively inexpensive, making this recipe great for families looking to prepare meals without breaking the bank.
- Great for Leftovers: This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Store any leftovers in the fridge, and you’ll have a delicious lunch ready to go for the next day. You can also freeze portions of it for future meals.
- Family-Friendly: Creamy, cheesy sauces are often a hit with kids, and this dish is no exception. Chicken and broccoli make it a hearty, nutritious meal that even picky eaters will enjoy.
Conclusion
The versatility and convenience of this recipe are what make it a standout. Whether you’re feeding your family, hosting a casual dinner, or meal prepping for the week, this dish delivers. It’s a fantastic example of how you can take a beloved Italian-inspired dish and turn it into a complete meal that checks all the boxes: nutritious, affordable, and easy to make.
