Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo: A Simple, Satisfying Recipe
Are you craving a comforting yet elegant meal? Look no further than this creamy chicken and broccoli Alfredo recipe. This dish is surprisingly easy to make, yet delivers a restaurant-quality experience right in your own kitchen. It's the perfect weeknight dinner, satisfying enough for a cozy night in, yet impressive enough for a dinner party.
Why This Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Recipe is a Winner
This recipe stands out for several reasons:
- Simplicity: The ingredients are readily available, and the instructions are straightforward, making it perfect for even novice cooks.
- Flavor: The rich, creamy Alfredo sauce perfectly complements the tender chicken and crisp-tender broccoli, creating a delightful balance of textures and tastes.
- Versatility: Feel free to customize it! Add some red pepper flakes for a kick, or sprinkle with parmesan cheese for extra richness.
- Healthier Twist: Compared to traditional heavy cream-based Alfredo sauces, this recipe incorporates a few techniques to lighten things up, while maintaining that decadent creaminess.
Ingredients You'll Need
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or a combination of heavy cream and milk for a lighter version)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pasta water (reserved from cooking pasta)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked pasta of your choice (fettuccine or linguine recommended)
Step-by-Step Instructions: Mastering the Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo
Get Started:
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package directions. Important: Reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta water before draining.
Prepare the Chicken and Broccoli:
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Steam the Broccoli: In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets and a splash of water. Cover and cook until tender-crisp, about 3-5 minutes.
Create the Creamy Alfredo Sauce:
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Whisk in the Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream (and milk, if using) and bring to a simmer. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to thin the sauce to your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine and Serve:
- Add Chicken and Broccoli: Return the cooked chicken and broccoli to the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything in the creamy Alfredo sauce.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo over your cooked pasta. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Dish
- Don't Overcook the Broccoli: Overcooked broccoli becomes mushy. Aim for tender-crisp.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the salt and pepper to your preference.
- Get Creative with Garnishes: Fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts can elevate the dish.
- Make it a Complete Meal: Serve with a side salad for a well-rounded and healthy meal.
This Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!
