Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Delight

This creamy chicken broccoli Alfredo has been a favorite weeknight dinner in my house for years. It brings together tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and rich Alfredo sauce to create a dish that feels both comforting and elegant. Perfect for when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

I first made this when I was craving something creamy but wholesome. Now it’s become a family request every time I want to treat everyone to something special but easy.

Ingredients

• Olive oil: makes sure the chicken gets a beautiful sear and adds a subtle depth of flavor. Choose extra virgin for best results
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: cut into bite-size pieces for quick cooking and easy eating. Look for fresh, firm flesh with no discoloration
• Salt: divided to season the chicken well and bring out flavors in the sauce. Use kosher salt for balanced seasoning
• Black pepper: freshly ground will add gentle heat and complexity
• Salted butter: provides a rich, silky base for the sauce. High quality butter will improve the sauce texture
• Minced garlic: fresh for bright aromatic flavor. You can substitute with garlic powder but fresh always wins here
• Garlic powder: adds a mild depth to the garlic flavor and enhances the sauce
• All-purpose flour: is used to thicken the sauce. Sift it if clumpy to avoid lumps in the sauce
• Whole milk and heavy whipping cream: blend for the creamy Alfredo texture. Use full fat for richness
• Grated Parmesan cheese: essential for the nutty, salty flavor that makes Alfredo sauce shine. Freshly grated is best
• Fettuccine noodles: cooked al dente provide the traditional pasta base to carry the sauce. Cook according to package and drain well
• Fresh broccoli florets: steamed just until bright green and tender to keep their nutrients and add color

Instructions

Sear the Chicken:

Heat olive oil in a large 12-inch heavy-duty skillet over medium high heat. Add chicken pieces with one teaspoon salt and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through about six to eight minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Build the Flavor Base:

Reduce heat to medium and add salted butter, minced garlic, garlic powder, and remaining half teaspoon salt to the skillet. Cook just until the garlic becomes tender and fragrant, about one minute, being careful not to burn it.

Create the Roux:

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the garlic butter mixture. Whisk immediately and continuously until the flour is absorbed and forms a smooth paste with the butter, about one minute. This roux will thicken your sauce.

Make the Alfredo Sauce:

Slowly pour in the whole milk and heavy cream while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the sauce to a gentle bubble, then reduce heat to low and simmer for two to three minutes, whisking frequently. The sauce will thicken and become creamy.

Add Cheese and Combine:

Whisk in grated parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth. Then add cooked fettuccine noodles, steamed broccoli florets, and the cooked chicken pieces. Using tongs, fold everything together gently so all ingredients are evenly coated with sauce. Remove from heat.

Garnish and Serve:

If you like, sprinkle additional parmesan cheese on top before serving. Enjoy immediately while warm and creamy.

Parmesan cheese is my favorite part of this dish. I remember one family dinner when I forgot to buy it and tried substituting with shredded mozzarella. It simply didn’t have the same flavor impact. Now I always make sure to stock good parm for authentic Alfredo taste. The broccoli adds just the right pop of green so the dish never feels heavy or dull.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to avoid separating the cream sauce. Adding a splash of milk while reheating keeps the sauce creamy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for extra juiciness Half and half can replace heavy cream for a lighter sauce but it will be less rich Gluten-free flour or cornstarch can thicken the sauce if avoiding gluten Use cauliflower florets instead of broccoli for a milder vegetable option

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness Garlic bread or focaccia are great for soaking up any extra sauce on your plate A glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon pairs nicely with this dish

This Alfredo is a perfect balance of creamy indulgence and fresh vegetable goodness. It’s sure to become a weeknight favorite in your home too.

FAQs about Recipes

→ How do you ensure the chicken stays tender?

Cook the chicken pieces over medium-high heat until just golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes, to lock in moisture and flavor.

→ What’s the best way to cook broccoli for this dish?

Steam broccoli florets until they are slightly tender but still bright green, preserving their color and crunch.

→ How do you prevent lumps in the sauce?

Whisk the flour into the melted butter thoroughly before adding milk and cream slowly while stirring constantly to ensure a smooth sauce.

→ Can I substitute Parmesan cheese?

Parmesan is ideal for its sharp, nutty flavor, but aged Asiago or Pecorino Romano can work as alternatives.

→ How do I achieve a creamy Alfredo sauce consistency?

Simmer the sauce gently while whisking often until it thickens, then fold in cheese off the heat to keep it smooth and creamy.