Chicken Alfredo Broccoli is a comforting, hearty dish that brings together tender pieces of chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce. The pasta is perfectly coated in the creamy sauce, making every bite indulgent yet satisfying for a cozy dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients Substitute
- You can make the alfredo sauce either with heavy whipping cream or heavy cream (whichever you have in hand), or you can use half and half or milk instead of heavy cream (just use more butter in this case).
- I am using Parmesan cheese but this recipe works well with shredded Monterey Jack cheese, Mozzarella cheese.
- If you don’t have penne pasta then use fettuccine pasta instead. See the recipe for Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo.
- You can use frozen rotisserie chicken instead of the fresh one.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Chicken Alfredo Broccoli
- Chicken Breasts or Thighs – For the best flavor and texture, boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs work well. Chicken thighs will offer a juicier, more tender bite, while breasts provide leaner protein.
- Broccoli Florets – Fresh broccoli florets are key to adding crunch and color to your dish. You can also use frozen broccoli, but fresh is preferred for texture.
- Fettuccine Pasta – Traditional for Alfredo dishes, fettuccine holds the creamy sauce beautifully. If you prefer a lighter option, you can opt for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.
- Heavy Cream – This is the secret to the luxuriously creamy Alfredo sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan adds richness and depth of flavor.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with a wonderful aromatic flavor.
- Butter and Olive Oil – For cooking the chicken and creating the base for your sauce.
- Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning throughout the dish.
- Optional Garnishes – Fresh parsley or additional grated Parmesan for a finishing touch.
Chicken Alfredo broccoli Important Tips
- If your sauce is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a couple of tablespoons of milk or cream.
- Always remember to simmer the sauce on medium heat, avoid high heat.
Variations of Chicken Alfredo Broccoli
- Chicken Alfredo with Bacon – Add crispy bacon to the dish for an extra layer of flavor. Bacon pairs beautifully with the creamy Alfredo sauce and adds a nice crunch.
- Chicken Alfredo with Spinach – Add fresh spinach for a pop of color and additional nutrients. Spinach wilts down quickly, so add it just before combining everything.
- Shrimp Alfredo Broccoli – If you prefer seafood, swap the chicken for shrimp. The shrimp cooks quickly and pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
- Vegan Chicken Alfredo Broccoli – For a plant-based version, use vegan chicken substitutes, dairy-free butter, and a combination of coconut milk and cashews to make a rich, dairy-free Alfredo sauce.
How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Broccoli
- As a Main Dish – Chicken Alfredo Broccoli is a complete meal, but you can serve it alongside a fresh side salad or garlic bread to round out the meal.
- For Meal Prep – This dish can be easily stored and reheated, making it an ideal option for meal prepping. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
How to Store Chicken Alfredo Broccoli
To store leftover Chicken Alfredo Broccoli, allow the dish to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce, as it may thicken in the fridge.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, though fresh broccoli will provide a better texture. If using frozen, be sure to thaw it and drain any excess water before adding it to the dish.
Can I make Chicken Alfredo Broccoli ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components (chicken, pasta, sauce) ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, combine everything and reheat it gently.
Can I freeze Chicken Alfredo Broccoli?
While you can freeze the dish, the texture of the cream sauce may change upon thawing and reheating. If you do freeze it, be sure to store it in a well-sealed container, and reheat gently on the stove, adding a little cream to smooth out the sauce.
What’s the best way to reheat Chicken Alfredo Broccoli?
Reheat on the stove over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to help restore the sauce’s creamy texture. Stir occasionally until hot.
Chicken Alfredo Broccoli (Penne Pasta)
Chicken Alfredo Broccoli is a comforting, hearty dish that brings together tender pieces of chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce. The pasta is perfectly coated in the creamy sauce, making every bite indulgent yet satisfying for a cozy dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless cubed
- 2 cups broccoli floret
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ pound penne pasta (8 ounces)
- salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or use half and half)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg, optional
- 1 ½ cups grated parmesan cheese (or any other shredded cheese)
To garnish
- Extra parmesan cheese
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over high heat, add water and a little salt to taste.
- Cook the pasta for about 8 minutes or as per the package instruction.
- Add the broccoli to the same pot and simmer for about 4 minutes.
- Strain the broccoli and pasta and wash the broccoli with cold water to prevent overcooking.
- Heat a pot over medium-high heat, add olive oil, once hot, add the chicken.
- Season with salt and pepper. Stir well and cook the chicken for a few minutes or until its done. Remove from the pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, add butter, once melted, add minced garlic and stir for 10 seconds.
- Pour in the heavy cream, pepper, salt, and nutmeg. Stir and cook until the sauce starts to bubble.
- Add in Parmesan cheese and continue to stir until the sauce thickens.
- Now add the chicken, pasta, and broccoli, and give it a good mix or until fully combined.
- Done! Top with red chili flakes or extra Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
4Amount Per Serving Calories 748Total Fat 54gSaturated Fat 29gTrans Fat 2gUnsaturated Fat 20gCholesterol 182mgSodium 1222mgCarbohydrates 31gFiber 4gSugar 3gProtein 37g
dinnerbytes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although dinnerbytes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
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Chicken Alfredo Broccoli is more than just a comforting meal – it’s a versatile dish that can easily be adapted to suit various dietary preferences and flavor profiles. Whether you’re enjoying it as-is or experimenting with different add-ins, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at the table. So go ahead, give it a try, and experience the creamy, indulgent goodness of Chicken Alfredo Broccoli at home!
