How to Make Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken and Broccoli

Fettuccine alfredo with chicken and broccoli is a delicious and easy pasta dish that makes for a great weeknight meal. This creamy pasta combines tender fettuccine, juicy chicken, crisp broccoli florets, and a velvety alfredo sauce for a satisfying dinner the whole family will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make fettuccine alfredo with chicken and broccoli, you’ll need:

• You can use fresh or dried fettuccine. For the best texture, look for fettuccine made with durum wheat flour.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – cut into bite-size pieces. Chicken thighs also work well.

• Broccoli florets – fresh or frozen Cut or break into bite-size pieces.

• Butter – for cooking the chicken and making the sauce.

• Garlic – minced, for flavoring the sauce.

• Heavy cream or half-and-half – for making the creamy alfredo sauce.

• Parmesan cheese – grated, for the sauce. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.

• Chicken broth or milk – optional, to thin out the sauce if needed.

• Salt, pepper, Italian seasoning – for seasoning the chicken and sauce.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for how to make fettuccine alfredo with chicken and broccoli:

1. Cook the Fettuccine

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the fettuccine and set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 Tbsp olive oil and the chicken pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. For 5 to 6 minutes on each side, until browned and done, cook the chicken. Set the cooked chicken aside.

3. Cook the Broccoli

Add the broccoli florets to the boiling pasta water during the last 2 minutes of cook time. Drain along with the pasta and set aside.

4. Make the Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt 4 Tbsp butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Whisk in 2 cups heavy cream and 1⁄2 cup Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.

5. Combine Everything

Put the broccoli, chicken, and cooked fettuccine in the pan with the sauce. Gently toss everything together until fully coated. Add more Parmesan, salt, and pepper to taste.

6. Serve Warm

Divide the fettuccine alfredo between plates or pasta bowls. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper. Serve immediately while hot and delicious.

Tips for Making the Best Pasta Alfredo

• Use high-quality ingredients like durum wheat pasta, real Parmesan, and heavy cream or half-and-half for the richest flavor.

• Undercook the pasta slightly so it finishes cooking in the sauce without getting overdone.

• Cook the chicken breasts until browned but still moist inside for tender, juicy meat.

• Steam or sauté the broccoli florets until crisp-tender; don’t overcook them.

• Simmer the sauce gently to avoid curdling or separating the cream.

• Toss everything together while the pasta is hot to allow it to absorb the sauce.

• Add starchy pasta water to the sauce to thin it out and help it coat the noodles.

• Sprinkle each serving with extra grated Parmesan cheese for a delicious finishing touch.

• Serve the pasta immediately while hot for the best texture and flavor.

Variations

• Substitute shrimp, scallops, salmon, or your favorite protein for the chicken.

• Use different vegetables like asparagus tips, peas, or roasted red peppers.

• Add mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.

• Stir in herbs like parsley, basil, oregano, or red pepper flakes.

• To make it extra creamy, use mascarpone cheese in addition to Parmesan.

• For a lighter sauce, use half cream and half milk or chicken broth.

Perfect Pairings

Fettuccine alfredo with chicken and broccoli is delicious on its own but also pairs well with a few simple additions:

• Garlic bread – for soaking up the creamy sauce.

• Garden salad – balance the richness with fresh greens.

• Wine – try a light white wine, rosé, or sparkling wine.

• Side of sautéed veggies like zucchini or squash.

• Fresh fruit like berries or melon for a sweet contrast.

This quick and easy fettuccine alfredo is a great way to use up chicken or vegetables that you have left over. You can make it your own by adding different herbs, vegetables, spices, or protein. Best of all, it only takes 30 minutes to make, so it’s a quick dinner that the whole family will love during the week.