Easy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe: A Simple Yet Delicious Comfort Food for Any Night of the Week
### DescriptionAre you looking for a quick and delicious meal that the whole family will love? Look no further! This easy chicken broccoli alfredo recipe is……
### Description
Are you looking for a quick and delicious meal that the whole family will love? Look no further! This easy chicken broccoli alfredo recipe is not only simple to prepare but also packed with flavor and nutrition. It’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights when you want something comforting yet wholesome.
#### Ingredients You'll Need
To make this delightful dish, you’ll need some basic ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
- **Chicken Breast**: Fresh or frozen, boneless, and skinless chicken breasts work best. They cook quickly and absorb flavors beautifully.
- **Broccoli**: Fresh or frozen broccoli florets add a vibrant color and a nutritious touch to the dish. They are also a great source of vitamins.
- **Fettuccine or Pasta of Choice**: Traditional alfredo is served with fettuccine, but you can use any pasta you have on hand.
- **Heavy Cream**: This is the base of the alfredo sauce, giving it that rich and creamy texture we all love.
- **Parmesan Cheese**: Freshly grated parmesan adds a nutty flavor that makes the sauce irresistible.
- **Garlic**: Fresh minced garlic enhances the flavor profile and adds a delightful aroma.
- **Butter**: A little butter helps to create a silky sauce.
- **Salt and Pepper**: Basic seasonings to taste.
#### Step-by-Step Instructions
1. **Cook the Pasta**: Start by boiling a pot of salted water and cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining, as it can be used to adjust the sauce's consistency later.
2. **Prepare the Chicken**: While the pasta is cooking, season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, melt some butter over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
3. **Sauté the Broccoli**: In the same skillet, add a little more butter if needed and toss in the broccoli florets. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender but still vibrant green. You can add a splash of water to help steam them if necessary.
4. **Make the Alfredo Sauce**: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then pour in the heavy cream. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes, stirring occasionally. Gradually whisk in the grated parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce thickens. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
5. **Combine Everything**: Add the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and sautéed broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything together to ensure that all the ingredients are well-coated with the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
6. **Serve**: Serve your easy chicken broccoli alfredo recipe hot, garnished with extra parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper if desired.
#### Why This Recipe Works
This easy chicken broccoli alfredo recipe is not just quick to make; it’s also a versatile dish that can be customized according to your family’s preferences. You can easily swap out the chicken for shrimp or add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
Moreover, the combination of protein from the chicken and the vitamins from the broccoli makes this dish a balanced meal that satisfies both hunger and nutritional needs.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, a partner, or the whole family, this easy chicken broccoli alfredo recipe is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Enjoy the creamy richness and delightful flavors that make this dish a favorite among many!