Easy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Recipe
Ingredients
This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.
- 8 ounces fettuccine, uncooked
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- cup Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cups milk
- 4 ounces Philadelphia Cream Cheese, cubed
- cup Kraft Grated Parmesan Cheese
- teaspoon dried basil leaves
Directions
Follow these simple steps for a delicious meal!
- Cook the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions. Add the broccoli florets to the boiling water during the last 2 minutes of the pasta cooking time. Drain the pasta and broccoli mixture once done.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the Zesty Italian Dressing in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center.
- Stir in the milk, cubed cream cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and dried basil. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly to combine.
- Once the sauce is well-blended and heated through (about 1 to 2 minutes), remove from heat.
- Gently toss the chicken and sauce mixture with the drained pasta and broccoli. Mix lightly to combine.
Tips
If you're not a fan of broccoli, you can easily substitute it with frozen peas, chopped red peppers, or any other vegetables you prefer!
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (based on 4 servings)
| Calories | 511 |
| Total Fat | 21g (27% Daily Value) |
| Saturated Fat | 10g (48% Daily Value) |
| Cholesterol | 139mg (46% Daily Value) |
| Sodium | 514mg (22% Daily Value) |
| Total Carbohydrate | 32g (12% Daily Value) |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g (12% Daily Value) |
| Total Sugars | 10g |
| Protein | 47g (94% Daily Value) |
| Vitamin C | 51mg (57% Daily Value) |
| Calcium | 259mg (20% Daily Value) |
| Iron | 3mg (14% Daily Value) |
| Potassium | 774mg (16% Daily Value) |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amounts are based on available nutrient data.
If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
This creamy chicken and broccoli Alfredo pasta dish combines tender chunks of chicken breast, fresh broccoli, Parmesan cheese, and a rich Alfredo sauce, making it the perfect comfort food. With simple ingredients and easy steps, its a dinner your whole family will enjoy!
History of Alfredo Sauce
The origins of Alfredo sauce date back to Italy, specifically to Rome in the early 20th century. It was created by Alfredo di Lelio, a restaurant owner, who first prepared the dish for his pregnant wife, who was craving something simple yet rich. His original recipe included just butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese, and it quickly became popular among locals. The dish was introduced to America in the 1920s, where it evolved into the creamy version we know today, often served with fettuccine pasta.
Regional Variations
Alfredo sauce is popular across Italy, though it is most commonly associated with Rome. In the U.S., Alfredo has been adapted with various ingredients such as chicken, shrimp, or vegetables like broccoli, making it a versatile dish that suits many tastes. In Italy, however, the traditional "Fettuccine Alfredo" is typically served as a simple, buttery pasta dish without the heavy cream, which is a modification found primarily in American recipes.
What Makes This Dish Different
While traditional Alfredo is a rich, creamy sauce typically served with fettuccine, this version includes chicken and broccoli, making it a more substantial and balanced meal. The addition of the Italian dressing for marinating the chicken introduces a zesty flavor that adds a unique twist to the classic. The broccoli, commonly paired with creamy dishes for a touch of freshness and crunch, further elevates this dish, making it a healthier choice compared to other heavier Alfredo versions.
Where to Serve This Dish
This dish is perfect for family dinners, as it combines comfort and simplicity. It's also ideal for casual gatherings or even a quick weeknight meal. It can be served at home, in small family-style restaurants, or even as a dish at a potluck. Its creamy texture and familiar flavors make it a crowd-pleaser, appealing to both children and adults alike.
Interesting Facts
1. The original Alfredo sauce in Rome was made with only butter, cheese, and pasta water, making it much lighter than the American version with cream and garlic.
2. The "Zesty Italian Dressing" used in this recipe is not traditional in classic Alfredo dishes, but it adds a distinctive flavor that enhances the chicken, making it juicy and tangy.
3. Many cooks opt for variations of this recipe, swapping out the broccoli for other vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers, showcasing the versatility of this dish.
With these tips and interesting facts, this Easy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo becomes more than just a quick mealits a delicious way to explore a modern take on an Italian classic.
FAQ about Easy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Recipe
Comments
George Torres
10/03/2023 01:48:21 AM
Review Rewritten: This recipe was fantastic! It made my house smell like a cozy Italian eatery. I made a few tweaks, opting for Good Seasons Italian Fat Free Salad Dressing Mix instead of regular Italian dressing. I also added a touch of dried parsley and garlic for extra flavor. After coating the chicken in olive oil and the seasonings, I cooked it until nicely browned before adding the rest of the ingredients. I paired it with an Italian salad and some homemade cheddar biscuits. Absolutely delicious!
Sharon Turner
10/11/2022 08:34:13 PM
I decided to tweak the Alfredo sauce recipe by doubling the sauce portion and adding my own twist. Instead of using cream cheese, I opted for Boursin Garlic and Herb Cheese next time. I also included a teaspoon each of salt and pepper, along with garlic powder and onion powder. To enhance the flavor, I sprinkled in a tablespoon of Italian seasoning. Additionally, I plan to keep the pasta separate from the sauce next time and add the broccoli directly to the sauce. Overall, a great base recipe that I customized to my liking. Thanks for sharing the recipe! I made notes of my modifications for future use.
Justin Williams
07/27/2024 04:47:17 AM
I just made this Alfredo recipe with a few changes, and it turned out to be the best I've ever had! I cooked the chicken tenderloins on the stove with olive oil, covering them to steam and stay moist. Towards the end, I added Italian dressing for extra flavor. I used a bit more cream cheese than the recipe called for, along with parsley and basil, and finely chopped broccoli that I boiled with the egg noodles. To enhance the taste, I included Lawry's seasoning salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. My family absolutely loved this delicious and easy meal - they finished it in no time! Thank you!
Jonathan Clark
02/04/2023 08:51:30 AM
Wow!!! This recipe was absolutely delicious and so simple to make! I had to make a few substitutions based on what ingredients I had on hand. I used angel hair pasta (16 oz.) instead and had no Italian dressing, so I improvised by using olive oil, cider vinegar, Italian seasoning, granulated garlic, and white pepper in the frying pan. As my chicken breasts were 1.25 pounds, I increased the amount of broccoli to 3 cups and the milk to 2 cups. Everything else I kept the same. The dish turned out amazing! My husband loved it so much that he wanted seconds but decided to save some for tomorrow (he wants it again already!). I will definitely be making this recipe again and again. Thank you for sharing this fantastic recipe!
Kathleen Torres
06/26/2023 06:06:49 PM
I usually find most sauces to be bland, but this one pleasantly surprised me. It wasn't incredibly delicious, but it was good. Inspired by others' suggestions, I decided to reduce the amount of milk to 1 cup and swapped regular cream cheese for Philadelphia cooking cream with garlic. I also tossed in a diced zucchini to add more veggies to the mix. I believe that the Italian dressing really elevates the flavor of the chicken and when combined with the other ingredients, it creates a delightful blend of flavors.
James Green
10/04/2022 10:08:52 AM
Savor this delightful and simple recipe! To enhance the flavors, I included garlic, onion, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning while cooking the chicken. I also decided to up the amounts of cream cheese and parmesan cheese. This dish has quickly become a beloved staple in our home!
Nicholas Smith
08/12/2023 02:21:22 PM
Revised review: I initially tried this recipe as written and found it to be quite good. However, when I made it again, I decided to modify it by omitting the Italian dressing. Instead, I made a roux with butter and flour, then added a cup of milk and stirred until it thickened. Next, I incorporated cream cheese and white pepper to create a creamy sauce, into which I mixed the broccoli along with some cooked chicken (sometimes I use rotisserie chicken if I'm short on time). I topped it off with cheddar cheese, and then combined melted butter with breadcrumbs to sprinkle over the casserole before baking. I found that omitting pasta made the dish less heavy on carbs. This recipe is perfect for potlucks as it's always a hit with people.
Jennifer Taylor
08/07/2023 12:43:47 AM
This dish turned out delicious! I enhanced the flavors by including minced garlic and fresh mushrooms in the chicken preparation. The sauce appeared slightly runny, so I decided to slightly thicken it with a mixture of cornstarch and milk right before adding the pasta and broccoli. A little thickening agent went a long way. Appreciate the recipe! I'll definitely be preparing this dish again.
Adam Lopez
11/26/2023 11:59:43 PM
My fiancé and I enjoyed this dish a lot. I added garlic and used frozen broccoli instead of fresh. To thicken the chicken sauce, I added a slurry (about 2 tsp cornstarch and 1/4 cup milk). The chicken pieces were still a bit bland despite being cooked in salty Italian dressing. My fiancé suggested marinating the chicken in a marinade of your choice before cooking. I think Italian sausage would also pair nicely with this recipe.
Timothy Green
09/03/2022 02:57:26 PM
Delicious! I made some adjustments to the seasoning. Being from the Deep South, I doubled the recipe and sprinkled a tablespoon of "Badia Louisiana Cajun Seasoning" over the chicken before cooking, added a tablespoon of minced garlic just before the chicken was done, and mixed in a teaspoon of "Kreative Kajun Kooking Magic Swamp Dust" seasoning. Thank you for sharing this fantastic recipe!
Justin Jones
06/30/2023 08:21:45 AM
Excellent! I enhanced it with black pepper and garlic.
Dennis Evans
09/19/2022 08:48:14 AM
Review rewritten: Putting this dish together was a breeze, and the creamy texture truly impressed me! I swapped the chicken for shrimp, and my family absolutely adored it. I will definitely be whipping up this recipe again!
Nancy Harris
08/16/2023 01:33:41 AM
The Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo recipe is absolutely divine! It's incredibly easy to prepare, and to save time, I utilized a deep skillet that is similar to a wok. I cooked the linguine and broccoli together in the skillet, drained them, and set them aside. Then, in the same skillet, I cooked the chicken in the sauce. At first, the sauce seemed runny while cooking, but once combined with the linguine, it transformed into a delicious cohesive sauce. It was absolutely fantastic! I love it!
Aaron Sanchez
09/20/2024 12:20:54 PM
My grandson and I teamed up to prepare this dish, and it turned out quite tasty. Although I do acknowledge that the sauce was on the thinner side, it didn't bother me much. This meal was perfect for a speedy dinner option, especially since I had all the ingredients readily available.
Samantha Smith
01/10/2023 12:53:49 AM
This product is decent, but it could use a creamier texture. I recommend seasoning the chicken while cooking, as some others have suggested, and adding garlic or other seasonings to enhance the flavor, as it was a bit bland for my taste.
Mary Hall
04/28/2024 03:01:22 AM
I'm not particularly fond of pasta, but this dish was decent.
Betty Nelson
01/13/2023 01:53:07 AM
Added 2 cloves of minced garlic because we are big garlic fans. Kept everything else unchanged. Absolutely delicious!