This Chicken Broccoli Alfredo is the perfect easy pasta dinner! Tender Cavatappi pasta and cooked broccoli are tossed in a rich and cheesy cream sauce, then topped with juicy slices of chicken.
⅛-¼teaspoonred pepper flakes(depending on your spice preference)
¾cuplow sodium chicken broth
1½cupsheavy whipping cream**
1tablespooncorn starch
1tablespoonwater
¼cupfreshly shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions. Add broccoli in last 2 minutes of the cook time. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, drain and set aside.
Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil.
Season chicken with salt and pepper and cook in skillet for about 3-4 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and keep warm (optional: you can also leave the chicken in the pan!).
Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper and pepper flakes and cook 1 minute. Add the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pan to remove any browned bits.
Stir in the cream, and cook and stir over medium heat until thickened, about 4-5 minutes. If desired, whisk together corn starch and water and stir in to thicken further.
Stir in the cooked pasta, broccoli, chicken and Parmesan. If needed, use reserved pasta water to thin the sauce to coat the pasta (if you forgot to reserve pasta water, just use additional broth or cream).
Serve.
Video
Notes
*I used Cavatappi and it was roughly 2 1/3 cups**You can use a lighter cream but the sauce won't be as thick or flavorful.Leftovers:Leftover Chicken Broccoli Alfredo will last in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can also freeze the chicken Alfredo for up to 3 months, but the texture of the cream sauce and the pasta will be affected. To enjoy again, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to thin.Variations:
Add more veggies. Broccoli isn't the only vegetable that tastes incredible in Alfredo pasta. Try adding cauliflower, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, spinach, peas, tomatoes, asparagus, you name it.
Use another meat. Swap the chicken out for cooked turkey, pork, or even shrimp! These Turkey Meatballs or leftover Crockpot Shredded Chicken would be a great addition.
Make it vegetarian. You can easily make this into a vegetarian dinner. Simply leave out the chicken and swap the chicken broth for veggie broth.
Lighten it up. Make your meal a little lighter by using half-and-half or milk in place of the heavy cream. Keep in mind this will make your sauce a little thinner and less rich.