This simple chicken and broccoli Alfredo recipe is a weeknight dinner winner! It's creamy, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks. Forget complicated recipes and expensive takeout; this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. We'll cover everything from prepping the ingredients to achieving that perfect creamy sauce, ensuring a delicious and satisfying meal every time.
What Makes This Recipe Simple?
This recipe prioritizes simplicity without sacrificing flavor. We're using readily available ingredients and straightforward techniques. No specialized kitchen equipment or culinary skills are required – just a little time and a desire for a tasty, home-cooked meal. The key is using a simple Alfredo sauce base that's easily customizable to your preferences.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a touch of heat
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
-
Prep the Chicken and Broccoli: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and the broccoli into florets. This ensures even cooking.
-
Cook the Chicken: Heat the 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.
-
Sauté the Broccoli: In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes, until slightly tender-crisp.
-
Make the Alfredo Sauce: Add the butter to the skillet and melt over medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
-
Combine and Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
-
Add Chicken and Broccoli: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked broccoli and stir to combine, ensuring everything is coated in the creamy Alfredo sauce.
-
Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley (optional). This dish pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, or even on its own.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use different types of pasta with this recipe?
Absolutely! This chicken and broccoli Alfredo is delicious served over fettuccine, linguine, spaghetti, or even your favorite gluten-free pasta. Cook the pasta according to package directions before adding the sauce and chicken.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make this recipe healthier, you can use reduced-fat heavy cream or a combination of heavy cream and milk. You can also increase the amount of broccoli for added nutrients. Consider using whole wheat pasta for added fiber.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While it's best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken and broccoli separately ahead of time and reheat them gently before adding the Alfredo sauce. The sauce itself is best made just before serving to maintain its creamy texture.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
While heavy cream provides the best creamy texture, you can try substituting with half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream cheese for a lighter version. However, the sauce's consistency might be slightly different.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Yes! Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers. Add them along with the broccoli or sauté them separately before adding to the sauce.
This simple chicken and broccoli Alfredo recipe is a versatile and delicious meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Enjoy!
