Delicious Chicken Broccoli Alfredo for Graduation Celebration

There’s something about Chicken Broccoli Alfredo that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Picture this: tender chicken, vibrant green broccoli, and creamy Alfredo sauce dancing together in perfect harmony. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, teasing your senses with promises of comfort and satisfaction. You can practically hear the angels singing as you take your first bite.

I remember the first time I made this dish for my family; it was graduation night, and I wanted to celebrate with something special. As we gathered around the table, laughter filled the air, and that creamy goodness had everyone asking for seconds (and thirds). It was a night filled with joy, and every forkful reminded us that some moments are best celebrated with good food.

Every time I serve this dish, friends and family can’t help but rave about it; they often ask me for the recipe.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Aim for 3-4 chicken breasts depending on how many hungry mouths you’re feeding.

• Fresh Broccoli Florets: Look for bright green florets to add color and nutrition to your meal.

• Fettuccine Pasta: The classic choice here; its wide shape captures the creamy sauce perfectly.

• Heavy Cream: For that rich texture that makes Alfredo so indulgent—don’t skimp on this!

• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best; it melts beautifully into the sauce.

• Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic adds an aromatic depth; use more if you’re feeling adventurous.

• Butter: For sautéing and enriching the sauce; it’s essential for flavor.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out all those wonderful flavors.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make It Together

Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add fettuccine and cook until al dente according to package instructions—about 8-10 minutes should do.

Sauté Chicken & Broccoli: In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add diced chicken. Cook until golden brown and no longer pink inside—around 6-8 minutes. Toss in broccoli during the last 3 minutes of cooking.

Create the Sauce: Once chicken is cooked, add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant—about 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream, stirring gently as it heats up.

Add Cheese & Seasoning: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined smoothly into the sauce. Season liberally with salt and pepper to suit your taste.

Toss Everything Together: Drain pasta but reserve some cooking water. Add pasta straight into the skillet with sauce, tossing everything together until well-coated; add reserved water if needed for consistency.

Enjoy every creamy bite of this Chicken Broccoli Alfredo while relishing the memories created around your dinner table!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken until golden brown, then cook the pasta while preparing the rich Alfredo sauce. This sequence ensures everything finishes at the same time, creating a seamless dish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chicken for shrimp or add sun-dried tomatoes for an extra flavor punch. Experimenting with seasonings can also elevate your Chicken Broccoli Alfredo experience.

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 the sauce thickens too much.

Cooking Chicken Broccoli Alfredo reminds me of my friend’s graduation party where everyone devoured it in minutes and asked for seconds—it was an instant hit!

FAQ

What can I substitute for heavy cream in Chicken Broccoli Alfredo?

You can use half-and-half or a plant-based cream for a lighter option.

Can I freeze Chicken Broccoli Alfredo?

Yes, but the texture may change upon reheating after freezing.

How do I make Chicken Broccoli Alfredo spicy?

Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce for some heat.

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Chicken Broccoli Alfredo

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• Author: Rachel Simmons
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4

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Description

Chicken Broccoli Alfredo is a comforting, creamy dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and rich fettuccine pasta. Perfect for family dinners or celebrations, this recipe creates a satisfying meal that’s both visually appealing and delicious. With a few simple ingredients and steps, you can enjoy this classic Italian-American favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 12 oz fettuccine pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook fettuccine until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add diced chicken. Cook until golden brown and no longer pink (6-8 minutes). Add broccoli during the last 3 minutes of cooking.
3. Stir in minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute). Pour in heavy cream and heat gently.
4. Add grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Toss cooked pasta with the sauce in the skillet, adding reserved pasta water if necessary for consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 250g)
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 19g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: For added flavor, consider substituting chicken with shrimp or adding sun-dried tomatoes. To prevent mushy broccoli, add it to boiling pasta water for just two minutes before draining.