Description
Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta
Ingredients:
300g penne pasta
2 cups broccoli florets
2 chicken breasts, grilled and sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Add broccoli florets in the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened.
3. Toss the cooked pasta and broccoli in the Alfredo sauce. Add the grilled chicken slices and mix well.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect Chicken Broccoli Alfredo. First, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions. Two minutes before the pasta is done, add the broccoli florets directly to the boiling water. This blanches them perfectly. Drain both together and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, prepare the Alfredo sauce. In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30-60 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Immediately pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let it warm through for a minute, then reduce the heat to low. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated. Season with salt and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Finally, combine all elements. Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss everything until evenly coated. Gently fold in the sliced grilled chicken and heat for another minute until everything is warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this rich pasta immediately while hot. For a restaurant-style presentation, use tongs to twirl the pasta into bowls or onto plates. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette helps cut through the creaminess. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
How-to Summary
Boil pasta, adding broccoli at the end. Sauté garlic, then make the sauce by simmering cream and Parmesan. Combine drained pasta and broccoli with the sauce, then mix in the grilled chicken. Garnish and serve hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely. Fettuccine is a classic choice, but any short pasta like rigatoni or farfalle works well to hold the creamy sauce.
How can I make this dish lighter? Substitute half the heavy cream with whole milk or use a lighter cream alternative. For a dairy-free version, use cashew cream and nutritional yeast.
My sauce is too thick. How do I fix it? Simply thin it out by stirring in a small amount of the reserved pasta cooking water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
Can I prepare this ahead of time? The components can be prepped ahead, but it’s best assembled fresh. The sauce can thicken and separate upon reheating. If necessary, reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream.
What’s the best way to cook the chicken? For this recipe, grilling or pan-searing seasoned chicken breasts until cooked through provides excellent flavor. You can also use shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Garlic: Burnt garlic turns bitter. Sauté just until fragrant.
- Using Pre-Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. Always grate fresh Parmesan from a block.
- Boiling the Sauce: Never let the cream sauce come to a full boil after adding the cheese, as this can cause it to separate or become oily. Keep it at a gentle simmer.
- Overcooking the Broccoli: Adding it to the pasta water for the last 2 minutes ensures it stays bright green and tender-crisp, not mushy.
Conclusion
This Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta is a quintessential comfort meal that balances creamy indulgence with fresh, wholesome ingredients. By following the detailed steps and tips provided, you can easily master this restaurant-quality dish at home. It’s a versatile recipe perfect for a busy weeknight or for impressing guests. Remember the key lies in fresh ingredients and gentle cooking of the sauce. Enjoy your delicious creation!