Decadent Chicken Alfredo Angel Hair Pasta Broccoli Dish
There’s something about a creamy, dreamy pasta dish that instantly transports me to cozy dinners with family. I vividly remember evenings in our kitchen, the smell of garlic and butter wafting through the air as we gathered around the table, laughter filling every corner. This Chicken Alfredo with Angel Hair Pasta and Broccoli Delights takes me right back to those moments. It’s one of those recipes that beautifully balances comfort and elegance, making it perfect for both a casual weeknight meal and a special occasion.
As the seasons change and the days grow shorter, I find myself craving hearty, filling dishes like this one. The blend of creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, delicate angel hair pasta, and crisp-tender broccoli creates a symphony of flavors that warm the soul. Trust me, once you whip this up, it’ll become a staple in your home too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ Easy weeknight dinner: Whip this up in under 30 minutes!
- ✅ Budget-friendly: Most ingredients are pantry staples.
- ✅ Comforting flavors: Silky Alfredo sauce and tender chicken create a divine dish.
- ✅ Nutritious boost: Adding broccoli means you get your greens in too!
- ✅ Versatile: You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to put together this delightful dish:
- 8 oz angel hair pasta (or your favorite pasta)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for cooking the chicken)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound), sliced into thin strips
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic adds wonderful punch!)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated for best flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional for extra flavor)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (for a pop of color!)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your own Chicken Alfredo masterpiece.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 3-4 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving about half a cup of pasta water.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown on both sides and no longer pink in the center, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest.
- Add the Broccoli: In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets. If using frozen broccoli, there’s no need to thaw! Just add a splash of water, cover, and let steam for about 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Remove the broccoli and set aside with the chicken.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet (no need to wash it, we want those flavors!), add a bit more olive oil if needed and toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Then, pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the Cheese: Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese while stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy. This is where the magic happens! If it’s too thick, stir in some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and broccoli to the skillet, tossing everything together until well coated in that luscious Alfredo sauce. If you want to kick it up a notch, sprinkle in the Italian seasoning here and give it one last mix.
- Serve and Garnish: Plate your Chicken Alfredo, and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color. Serve hot and enjoy every creamy, dreamy bite!
Pro Tips & Variations
Now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s play a little! Here are some fun twists and tweaks you can consider for your Chicken Alfredo:
- ✨ Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat—perfect for spice lovers!
- 🍤 Seafood swap: Try shrimp or scallops instead of chicken for a delightful seafood version.
- 🌱 Vegetarian option: Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or cauliflower for a hearty veggie dish!
- 🧀 Cheese variety: Mix it up with different cheeses like mozzarella or even a dash of blue cheese for a tangy twist.
- 🥦 Extra greens: Sneak in more veggies like spinach, peas, or asparagus for added nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving, I love to present this dish with a side of warm garlic bread—because is it even a pasta night without some delicious bread? A simple mixed greens salad dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar complements the richness of the Alfredo beautifully. And don’t forget a glass of your favorite white wine or a chilled sparkling water for a refreshing touch. For dessert? Maybe a light sorbet or some fruit to cleanse the palate!
Storage Tips
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store and reheat your Chicken Alfredo without losing that wonderful flavor:
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover Chicken Alfredo in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: If you want to freeze it, keep in mind that creamy sauces don’t always freeze well, but you can make a batch without adding the broccoli and freeze it for up to 3 months. Just add fresh broccoli when you reheat.
- Reheat: When ready to eat, reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. You might need to add a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While angel hair is delicate and perfect for this dish, you can use fettuccine, penne, or even gluten-free pasta if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly!
Can I make the Alfredo sauce lighter?
Sure thing! You can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream or use a combination of unsweetened almond milk and cornstarch to thicken it up without all the fat.
What if I don’t like broccoli?
No worries! Feel free to swap it out for your favorite veggie, like spinach, peas, or even bell peppers. Just adjust the cooking time so everything cooks evenly.
How do I make this dish vegetarian?
You can easily make it vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding in more veggies. Don’t forget to check that your Parmesan cheese is rennet-free if you want to keep it strictly vegetarian!
Can I make Chicken Alfredo ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta a few hours in advance. Just combine everything right before serving. You may need to add a little cream or water when reheating to regain that creamy texture!
Conclusion
And there you have it, my dear friend—a truly delightful Chicken Alfredo with Angel Hair Pasta and Broccoli that brings comfort and joy with every bite! I hope you find this dish as enchanting as I do. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or enjoying a cozy night in by yourself, it’s sure to become a favorite.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it goes! Please feel free to comment below with your thoughts, any variations you tried, or stories from your own kitchen. Happy cooking, and may your home always be filled with the wonderful aroma of delicious meals! 🍽️💕
Print
Decadent Chicken Alfredo Angel Hair Pasta Broccoli Dish
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in Chicken Alfredo with angel hair pasta broccoli Savor creamy flavors and delightful combinations that elevate your dining experience
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
A creamy and comforting Chicken Alfredo dish combined with delicate angel hair pasta and healthy broccoli, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
Keywords: Chicken Alfredo, Pasta, Broccoli Recipe, Easy Dinner, Italian Recipe