Name: Easy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo for Busy Nights Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen); 12 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 3 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and black pepper to taste; Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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If you’ve ever craved the comfort of creamy pasta but dreaded the long prep on a stressful evening, you’re going to fall hard for Easy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo for Busy Nights. This dish swoops in with a cozy, restaurant-worthy flavor, lots of juicy chicken, bright broccoli, and tender noodles luxuriously coated in a Parmesan garlic cream sauce—all in just about 30 minutes. It’s the ultimate game-changer when you want to gather your family around the table for something delicious, satisfying, and fuss-free.

Easy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo for Busy Nights Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is all about keeping things simple with staple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Each one brings something important, from richness to freshness or a subtle kick of flavor. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the chicken develop a golden, flavorful sear.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein—juicy, lean, and perfect for soaking up the Alfredo sauce.
Broccoli florets: Lend a pop of color, a nutritious crunch, and balance out the creamy sauce beautifully.
Fettuccine or pasta of choice: The classic base; fettuccine’s wide noodles carry the sauce, but use what you love.
Heavy cream: The secret to that irresistible, silky Alfredo texture you can’t help but crave.
Grated Parmesan cheese: For a salty tang and melt-in-your-mouth magic—freshly grated is best if you can swing it!
Garlic: A little goes a long way in adding aromatic warmth and depth.
Salt and black pepper: Vital for balancing and elevating every flavor in the dish.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Toss in a pinch for a gentle heat that cuts through the creaminess.
Fresh parsley (for garnish): Brightens and freshens up your plate just before serving—don’t skip it if you can help it!

How to Make Easy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo for Busy Nights

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta and Broccoli

Begin by boiling a big pot of salted water. Toss in your fettuccine (or pasta of choice) and let it cook according to package directions. With about 3 minutes left on the timer, add the broccoli florets right in with the pasta! This not only saves you an extra pot, but it also ensures broccoli that’s pleasantly crisp-tender. Drain both together and set aside—you’re already halfway to a delicious dinner.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

While the pasta and broccoli do their thing, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add those bite-sized chicken pieces, sprinkle on some salt and pepper, and let them cook without moving for a couple of minutes to get a nice golden crust. Stir and continue cooking for 5–7 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and beautifully browned. Transfer to a plate—don’t worry, it’s coming back soon!

Step 3: Build the Alfredo Sauce

Don’t wash your skillet! Toss in the chopped garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds—enough to become irresistible and fragrant, but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream, bring it to a gentle simmer, and then stir in the Parmesan cheese. Give it a few minutes over medium-low heat, stirring as the cheese melts, creating a smooth and oh-so-creamy sauce. It might look a bit thin at first, but it will thicken up perfectly.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the chicken back into the skillet, along with the drained pasta and broccoli. Using tongs, toss it all together so every noodle and piece of broccoli is blanketed in luscious Alfredo. If you like a little kick, now’s the time to sprinkle in those red pepper flakes. Taste, and season with more salt or pepper if needed. Take it off the heat—the hard work is done!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Just before serving, scatter on a shower of chopped fresh parsley. It adds color, aroma, and a welcome freshness that completes the dish. Plate it up, and prepare for oohs and aahs—even on your busiest nights, you’ve pulled off Easy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo for Busy Nights like a pro.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo for Busy Nights

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of a good garnish! Sprinkle plenty of fresh parsley for a pop of green. A final dusting of extra Parmesan and maybe a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes can make your Easy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo for Busy Nights truly restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

This creamy pasta is hearty on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some warm, crusty garlic bread can help round out your meal. For a lighter touch, a simple tomato-cucumber salad brightens things up without any extra effort.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress? Try serving your Easy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo for Busy Nights in shallow pasta bowls for cozy, rustic charm or twirl generous heaps into nests. You can also serve each portion with a lemon wedge for a zesty finish that cuts through the richness—simple, special, and stunning!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The sauce might thicken a bit as it sits, but it’s still incredibly delicious, especially if you add a little splash of milk or cream when reheating.

Freezing

If you want to make Easy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo for Busy Nights ahead, portion it into freezer-safe containers once cooled. For best quality, enjoy within two months. Cream sauces can separate slightly upon defrosting, but a gentle stir will usually bring it back to life.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring back its creaminess. If using the microwave, cover the dish and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring each time. Always be careful not to overheat to keep the sauce from separating.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken to save time?

Absolutely! If you have leftover or rotisserie chicken, just shred or dice it and add it directly into the sauce with the pasta and broccoli. This makes Easy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo for Busy Nights even faster to get on the table.

Will frozen broccoli work as well as fresh?

Frozen broccoli is a great shortcut. Just add it to the boiling pasta as suggested, and it’ll cook to tender perfection. There’s no need to defrost it first—convenience at its best for Easy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo for Busy Nights!

What if I don’t have fettuccine on hand?

No problem at all! Penne, linguine, spaghetti, or your favorite gluten-free pasta will work wonderfully in this recipe. The key is to choose a pasta that holds the creamy Alfredo sauce.

How do I prevent the Alfredo sauce from separating?

The trick is to cook the sauce gently and avoid boiling after the cheese is added. Stirring slowly and patiently helps the Parmesan melt smoothly, giving you a velvety result every time for Easy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo for Busy Nights.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! While broccoli is classic, feel free to stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even peas for a different twist that still keeps Easy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo for Busy Nights easy and flavorful.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try Easy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo for Busy Nights, you’ll find yourself adding it to your weeknight rotation again and again. Don’t be surprised if your family requests seconds—or thirds! Give it a try and savor just how rewarding a simple, homemade meal can be, no matter how busy your day gets.

Easy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo for Busy Nights Recipe

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4.6 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Easy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo is a quick and delicious pasta dish perfect for busy nights. Creamy alfredo sauce coats tender chicken, broccoli, and pasta for a comforting meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

For the Pasta:

2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
12 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice

For the Alfredo Sauce:

2 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta and Broccoli: Cook the pasta according to package directions in salted water. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli to the boiling water with the pasta. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5–7 minutes or until fully cooked and lightly browned. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and continue to stir until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
Combine Everything: Return the chicken to the skillet, then add the cooked pasta and broccoli. Toss everything together until well coated. Season with additional salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.