Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo

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Today, let’s dive into a comforting and delight: Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo. This classic recipe combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and fettuccine noodles, all enveloped in a luscious Alfredo sauce that’s both rich and surprisingly easy to make. 

The magic begins with a luxurious blend of butter, garlic, cream cheese, and half & half, creating a smooth and velvety sauce that’s perfect for coating every strand of pasta. Add a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a touch of parsley, and you have a dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

Join us as I take you through this simple yet indulgent recipe, turning everyday ingredients into a meal that’s anything but ordinary. 

Let’s get cooking!

What is Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo?

Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo is a delicious and comforting dish that combines tender pieces of rotisserie chicken and crisp-tender broccoli florets with fettuccine noodles, all smothered in a rich and creamy Alfredo sauce. This luxurious sauce is made from a blend of butter, fresh garlic, softened cream cheese, half & half, chicken broth, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. 

To complete the meal, serve this delectable dish with a fresh garden salad, crusty garlic bread, and a glass of chilled white wine. For a finishing touch, consider a light and refreshing dessert like lemon sorbet or fresh fruit to balance the richness of the Alfredo.

Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Ingredients

With just 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking, you can have a delicious meal on the table in only 30 minutes. This recipe yields 4-6 servings, making it perfect for family dinners or a cozy meal with friends.

Ingredients:

• Fettuccine noodles – Cook according to the package directions so they are ready to be tossed with the sauce and other ingredients.
• Rotisserie chicken – Remove the meat and tear it into bite-sized pieces for easy incorporation into the dish.
• Frozen broccoli florets – Microwave with a bit of water until they are crisp-tender, then drain.

Sauce Ingredients:

• Butter – This adds a rich, creamy base to the sauce.
• Fresh garlic – Peel and finely mince for a burst of flavor.
• Cream cheese – Softened to blend smoothly into the sauce, adding richness and creaminess.
• Half & half – Provides a creamy texture without being too heavy; let it come to room temperature to prevent curdling.
• Chicken broth – Enhances the flavor of the sauce with a savory depth.
• Sea salt and black pepper – Season to taste to enhance all the flavors.
• Parmesan cheese – Stir into the sauce for that classic Alfredo taste.
• Fresh parsley – Adds a touch of freshness and color to the final dish.
• Additional Parmesan cheese- For sprinkling on top when serving, because you can never have too much cheese!

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo?

Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a comforting and flavorful dish ready to enjoy in no time.

1. Begin by cooking 1 pound of fettuccine noodles according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
2. Place a 12-ounce bag of frozen broccoli florets in a microwave-safe bowl with 2 tablespoons of water. Microwave on high until the broccoli is crisp-tender, which usually takes 2-4 minutes, depending on your microwave. Once done, drain any excess water and set the broccoli aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt 1 cup of butter over medium heat. Add 4 cloves of freshly minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. 
4. Add 8 ounces of softened cream cheese to the saucepan, followed by 1¼ cups of half & half and ½ cup of chicken broth. Stir constantly until the cream cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
5. Reduce the heat to low and continue stirring the sauce for about 15 minutes, or until it thickens. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and season with sea salt and black pepper to taste.
6. In a large serving bowl, combine the cooked fettuccine, steamed broccoli, and torn pieces of rotisserie chicken. Pour the creamy sauce over the top and gently toss everything together until well combined.
7. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley and additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo!

Recipe Tips

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo turns out perfectly:

• Start cooking the fettuccine noodles while preparing the sauce. This way, the noodles will still be warm when you mix them with the sauce and other ingredients.
• Take the half & half out of the refrigerator when you begin the recipe. Allowing it to reach room temperature before adding it to the hot saucepan helps prevent curdling.
• When microwaving the broccoli, stir it halfway through cooking to ensure even steaming. Adjust the cooking time based on your microwave’s power to avoid overcooking.
• Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before adding it to the saucepan. This ensures it melts smoothly into the sauce without lumps.
• The sauce will thicken as it cooks. If it gets too thick, you can add a bit more half & half or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the secret to smooth Alfredo sauce?

The secret to smooth Alfredo sauce lies in using softened cream cheese, room temperature half & half, and constant stirring. Start by melting butter and sautéing garlic, then add the softened cream cheese and blend until smooth. 

Gradually incorporate the half & half and chicken broth while stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Cook over low heat until the sauce thickens, then remove from heat and stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This method ensures a velvety, lump-free sauce every time.

Why won’t my parmesan melt in my Alfredo sauce?

Parmesan cheese may not melt in your Alfredo sauce if it’s pre-grated, as these often contain anti-caking agents. Always use freshly grated Parmesan. Adding the cheese to sauce that’s too hot can cause clumping, so remove the sauce from heat before stirring in the cheese. Ensure you’re using high-quality Parmesan. Gradually add the cheese, stirring continuously to ensure it melts smoothly and fully mixes into the sauce.

How do I keep my Alfredo sauce creamy?

To keep your Alfredo sauce creamy, maintain a low heat while cooking and stir constantly to prevent the sauce from sticking and forming lumps. Use room temperature half & half to avoid curdling and ensure a smooth blend. Incorporate freshly grated Parmesan cheese off the heat to avoid clumping. 

Now, enjoy the rich and creamy flavors of our Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo. It’s a simple yet delicious meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. We hope you love making and eating this dish as much as we do. 

Give it a try, and don’t forget to rate and share your experience with friends and family. 

Happy cooking!