Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Skillet Easy Weeknight Meal
Looking for a quick and tasty dinner? My Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Skillet is the perfect choice! It combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy Alfredo sauce, all in one pan. This easy weeknight meal takes just 30 minutes to make, with simple ingredients you probably have on hand. Let’s dive into the recipe and make dinner a breeze tonight!
Ingredients
Cooking Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Skillet is easy when you have the right ingredients. Here’s what you need:
Main Ingredients
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
– 8 ounces fettuccine or preferred pasta
– 1 cup heavy cream
Seasoning and Garnish
– 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
– 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and fresh black pepper
Optional Ingredients
– 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning blend
– Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference in taste. The chicken adds protein, while broccoli gives you fiber and color. Pasta brings it all together, and the cream makes it rich and smooth. The Parmesan cheese adds a salty kick that ties the whole dish together. You can also add Italian seasoning for extra flavor if you like. Don’t forget the parsley; it makes everything look beautiful! For the full recipe, check out the details above.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Chicken
– Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
– Add 2 diced chicken breasts. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
– Sauté the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it is browned and fully cooked.
– Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Preparing the Broccoli
– In the same skillet, lower the heat slightly.
– Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 1 minute.
– Add 2 cups of broccoli florets to the skillet. Cook them for 3-4 minutes.
– Stir occasionally until they are bright green and tender but still crisp.
Making the Alfredo Sauce
– Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and turn the heat up a bit.
– Bring the cream to a gentle simmer.
– Gradually mix in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese while stirring.
– Keep stirring until the cheese melts and forms a creamy sauce.
Combining Ingredients
– Return the cooked chicken and 8 ounces of cooked pasta to the skillet.
– Toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken in the sauce.
– Heat for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is warm.
– Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt and black pepper if needed.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Alfredo Sauce
To avoid clumping cheese in your Alfredo, use room temperature cheese. Cold cheese can seize up and clump when added to the hot sauce. Stir it in slowly while the sauce simmers. Keep your heat on low to medium. This helps the cheese melt evenly without burning.
Cooking Pasta in Advance
Timing is key when cooking pasta. Start boiling your water before you cook the chicken. This way, the pasta will be ready when your sauce is done. If you have leftover pasta, store it in an airtight container. Drizzle a little olive oil to prevent it from sticking together.
Serving Suggestions
For an elegant meal, serve your Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo in shallow bowls. Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top and add a few reserved broccoli florets. This adds color and makes the dish pop. Complement your meal with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete dinner experience.
Variations
Protein Alternatives
You can swap chicken for shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a sweet taste. Tofu gives a nice texture and works well in a vegetarian version. Just make sure to press the tofu to remove extra water. Add more veggies like bell peppers or carrots for color and crunch.
Pasta Variations
If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta. There are many types available, like rice or corn-based. You can also try different shapes, such as penne or rotini. Each shape holds sauce differently, so pick one you like best!
Sauce Adjustments
To make a lighter Alfredo, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also mix in vegetable broth for more flavor without the extra fat. Adding herbs like basil or spices like red pepper flakes can elevate the taste. They bring freshness and a hint of warmth to the dish.
For the full recipe, check out the creamy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Skillet.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Skillet fresh, follow these steps:
– Refrigeration: Place leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep the dish fresh. Store in the fridge for up to three days.
– Freezing: If you want to save it longer, freeze it. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This can last for up to three months in the freezer.
Reheating Instructions
When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, here’s how to reheat them:
– Stovetop Method: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of cream or broth to keep it creamy. Stir occasionally until warm.
– Microwave Method: Place in a microwave-safe dish. Add a little cream or water. Cover with a lid or microwave-safe wrap. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between.
To keep your meal creamy, make sure not to overheat. Enjoy your delicious Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Skillet again! For the full recipe, check the section above.
FAQs
Can I make Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Skillet in advance?
Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Here are some tips:
– Prep the chicken: Dice the chicken and season it. Store it in the fridge for up to one day.
– Chop the broccoli: Cut the florets and keep them in an airtight container.
– Cook the pasta: You can cook the pasta in advance. Just toss it with a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
– Prepare the sauce: You can prepare the Alfredo sauce ahead. Just reheat it gently before serving.
How can I thicken the Alfredo sauce?
Thickening your Alfredo sauce is easy! Here are some methods:
– Add more cheese: Increase the amount of Parmesan cheese for a richer sauce.
– Use cornstarch: Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water. Add it to the sauce while stirring.
– Cream cheese: Blend in a few ounces of cream cheese for extra creaminess.
– Simmer longer: Let the sauce cook a bit longer to reduce and thicken naturally.
What can I serve with this dish?
You can pair this meal with many sides. Here are some ideas:
– Garlic bread: It complements the creamy sauce well.
– Mixed salad: A fresh salad adds a nice crunch and balance.
– Roasted vegetables: Pair with seasonal veggies for added nutrition.
– Wine: A glass of white wine enhances the flavors beautifully.
For the full recipe, check the earlier section.
This blog post covered how to make a tasty Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Skillet. You learned about the key ingredients, including chicken, broccoli, and creamy sauce. We went step-by-step through cooking it all perfectly. I shared tips for storage and reheating to keep your leftovers fresh. Remember, you can customize this dish with different proteins and pasta types. Enjoy making this meal, and don’t hesitate to explore new flavors! Happy cooking!
