Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Skillet Easy Dinner Recipe
![- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - 2 cups broccoli florets For this dish, I love using fresh chicken and broccoli. The chicken gives a nice, juicy bite. The broccoli adds color and crunch. You can cut the chicken into small pieces. This helps it cook evenly and quickly. For the broccoli, I recommend using florets. They will cook just right and look great on your plate. - 8 ounces fettuccine or pasta of choice - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese For the pasta, fettuccine works best. It holds the sauce well. You can use any pasta you like. Just remember to cook it al dente. Olive oil keeps the chicken moist. Garlic adds amazing flavor to the dish. Heavy cream and Parmesan cheese create a rich, creamy sauce. Together, they make this meal feel special. - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Seasoning is key to great flavor. Use salt and pepper to taste. Italian herbs add warmth and depth. I like to finish the dish with fresh parsley for color. It brightens the plate and makes it look fresh. These simple ingredients elevate the dish without being overwhelming. For the full recipe, check out the details above! First, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. While the oil heats, dice 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet. Season it with salt, pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir it occasionally to brown all sides. When it’s done, it should be golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside for now. In the same skillet, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it smells good. Then, add 2 cups of broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. You want the broccoli to be tender but still bright green. This will keep it crisp and flavorful. Next, cook 8 ounces of fettuccine or your favorite pasta in a separate pot. Follow the package instructions and drain it once it's al dente. Now, back in the skillet with the broccoli, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Add the chicken and drained pasta back into the skillet. Toss everything together so it’s coated in the creamy sauce. Let it heat through for 2 to 3 minutes. Adjust the taste with more salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot, and don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley! For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To get juicy chicken, start with diced pieces. This helps them cook evenly. Cook the chicken until it is a nice golden brown. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Make sure to not overcrowd the skillet. This allows each piece to sear well. After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This keeps the juices inside. Broccoli should stay bright green and crisp. Add it to the skillet after the garlic. Sauté for just 3 to 4 minutes. You want it tender but still crunchy. If you cook it too long, it will turn dull. To keep that vibrant color, you can also shock it in cold water after cooking. This method locks in color and nutrition. The sauce should be creamy and smooth. If it’s too thick, add a little pasta water. This water has starch from cooking the pasta. It helps make the sauce silkier. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer. Stir in more cheese if you want it richer. Taste as you go to get the perfect balance. For the full recipe, check the details above. {{image_2}} You can swap out chicken for other meats. Shrimp works well and cooks quickly. You can also use turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. Each protein adds its unique flavor. Just adjust cooking times to ensure your choice is fully cooked. Broccoli is excellent, but you can mix in other veggies. Bell peppers add sweetness and crunch. Zucchini or spinach also fit well in this dish. Feel free to experiment! Each vegetable brings a new taste and color. Just make sure to adjust cooking time based on what you use. If you need a gluten-free meal, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options that taste good. You can also skip pasta and use rice instead. This keeps the dish hearty while meeting dietary needs. Always check labels to ensure your ingredients are gluten-free. For the full recipe, check the section above. You can store leftovers in the fridge. Place the Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to three days. Make sure to let it cool down before you seal it. This helps keep the flavor and texture. If you want to save some for later, freezing works well. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. Leave some space for expansion. You can freeze it for up to two months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, use the stovetop or microwave. If using the stovetop, add a splash of cream or water. This keeps the dish moist. Stir it often over low heat until warm. If using a microwave, cover the dish to trap steam. Heat in short bursts and stir in between. This way, you'll enjoy a creamy meal again! Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just add it to the skillet while cooking the garlic. Frozen broccoli may need a few extra minutes to cook. Make sure it is heated through and tender before serving. This option saves time and works well in this dish. Fettuccine is the best choice for this recipe. It holds the creamy sauce well. However, you can use other pasta types too. Penne, rotini, or even whole wheat pasta are great options. Choose what you like or have at home for this meal. To make this dish healthier, consider these tips: - Use whole-grain pasta for more fiber. - Swap heavy cream for low-fat milk or a plant-based cream. - Add more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrients. - Use less cheese or a lighter cheese option to cut calories. These changes can keep the dish tasty while boosting its nutrition. Check out the Full Recipe for even more ideas! This blog post covered how to make Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo. We explored key ingredients, like chicken, pasta, and sauce. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking and sautéing. You learned tips for perfect chicken and bright broccoli. We also talked about variations, like swapping proteins or veggies. Lastly, I provided storage info to keep leftovers fresh. Try this recipe to impress. Remember, cooking is fun and easy!](https://dailydishly.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/4029d33c-44d0-458a-b053-e8bf24c75967.webp)
Want a quick and tasty dinner that packs a punch? My Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Skillet is the answer! This simple recipe combines juicy chicken, crisp broccoli, and creamy Alfredo sauce for a meal your whole family will love. In this guide, I’ll walk you through easy steps, tips for success, and fun variations. Let’s make dinner stress-free and delicious together!
Ingredients
Chicken and Broccoli
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
– 2 cups broccoli florets
For this dish, I love using fresh chicken and broccoli. The chicken gives a nice, juicy bite. The broccoli adds color and crunch. You can cut the chicken into small pieces. This helps it cook evenly and quickly. For the broccoli, I recommend using florets. They will cook just right and look great on your plate.
Pasta and Sauce Components
– 8 ounces fettuccine or pasta of choice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the pasta, fettuccine works best. It holds the sauce well. You can use any pasta you like. Just remember to cook it al dente. Olive oil keeps the chicken moist. Garlic adds amazing flavor to the dish. Heavy cream and Parmesan cheese create a rich, creamy sauce. Together, they make this meal feel special.
Seasonings and Garnishes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Seasoning is key to great flavor. Use salt and pepper to taste. Italian herbs add warmth and depth. I like to finish the dish with fresh parsley for color. It brightens the plate and makes it look fresh. These simple ingredients elevate the dish without being overwhelming.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Chicken
First, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. While the oil heats, dice 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet. Season it with salt, pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir it occasionally to brown all sides. When it’s done, it should be golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside for now.
Sautéing the Broccoli
In the same skillet, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it smells good. Then, add 2 cups of broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. You want the broccoli to be tender but still bright green. This will keep it crisp and flavorful.
Making the Alfredo Sauce
Next, cook 8 ounces of fettuccine or your favorite pasta in a separate pot. Follow the package instructions and drain it once it’s al dente. Now, back in the skillet with the broccoli, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Add the chicken and drained pasta back into the skillet. Toss everything together so it’s coated in the creamy sauce. Let it heat through for 2 to 3 minutes. Adjust the taste with more salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot, and don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Chicken Texture
To get juicy chicken, start with diced pieces. This helps them cook evenly. Cook the chicken until it is a nice golden brown. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Make sure to not overcrowd the skillet. This allows each piece to sear well. After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This keeps the juices inside.
Ensuring Broccoli Retains Color and Crispness
Broccoli should stay bright green and crisp. Add it to the skillet after the garlic. Sauté for just 3 to 4 minutes. You want it tender but still crunchy. If you cook it too long, it will turn dull. To keep that vibrant color, you can also shock it in cold water after cooking. This method locks in color and nutrition.
Adjusting Sauce Consistency
The sauce should be creamy and smooth. If it’s too thick, add a little pasta water. This water has starch from cooking the pasta. It helps make the sauce silkier. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer. Stir in more cheese if you want it richer. Taste as you go to get the perfect balance.
Variations
Substituting Proteins
You can swap out chicken for other meats. Shrimp works well and cooks quickly. You can also use turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. Each protein adds its unique flavor. Just adjust cooking times to ensure your choice is fully cooked.
Using Different Vegetables
Broccoli is excellent, but you can mix in other veggies. Bell peppers add sweetness and crunch. Zucchini or spinach also fit well in this dish. Feel free to experiment! Each vegetable brings a new taste and color. Just make sure to adjust cooking time based on what you use.
Gluten-Free Options
If you need a gluten-free meal, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options that taste good. You can also skip pasta and use rice instead. This keeps the dish hearty while meeting dietary needs. Always check labels to ensure your ingredients are gluten-free.
Storage Info
Refrigerating Leftovers
You can store leftovers in the fridge. Place the Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to three days. Make sure to let it cool down before you seal it. This helps keep the flavor and texture.
Freezing Tips
If you want to save some for later, freezing works well. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. Leave some space for expansion. You can freeze it for up to two months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight.
Reheating Best Practices
To reheat, use the stovetop or microwave. If using the stovetop, add a splash of cream or water. This keeps the dish moist. Stir it often over low heat until warm. If using a microwave, cover the dish to trap steam. Heat in short bursts and stir in between. This way, you’ll enjoy a creamy meal again!
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just add it to the skillet while cooking the garlic. Frozen broccoli may need a few extra minutes to cook. Make sure it is heated through and tender before serving. This option saves time and works well in this dish.
What pasta types work best for Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Skillet?
Fettuccine is the best choice for this recipe. It holds the creamy sauce well. However, you can use other pasta types too. Penne, rotini, or even whole wheat pasta are great options. Choose what you like or have at home for this meal.
How can I make this dish healthier?
To make this dish healthier, consider these tips:
– Use whole-grain pasta for more fiber.
– Swap heavy cream for low-fat milk or a plant-based cream.
– Add more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrients.
– Use less cheese or a lighter cheese option to cut calories.
These changes can keep the dish tasty while boosting its nutrition.
This blog post covered how to make Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo. We explored key ingredients, like chicken, pasta, and sauce. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking and sautéing. You learned tips for perfect chicken and bright broccoli. We also talked about variations, like swapping proteins or veggies. Lastly, I provided storage info to keep leftovers fresh.
Try this recipe to impress. Remember, cooking is fun and easy!
![- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - 2 cups broccoli florets For this dish, I love using fresh chicken and broccoli. The chicken gives a nice, juicy bite. The broccoli adds color and crunch. You can cut the chicken into small pieces. This helps it cook evenly and quickly. For the broccoli, I recommend using florets. They will cook just right and look great on your plate. - 8 ounces fettuccine or pasta of choice - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese For the pasta, fettuccine works best. It holds the sauce well. You can use any pasta you like. Just remember to cook it al dente. Olive oil keeps the chicken moist. Garlic adds amazing flavor to the dish. Heavy cream and Parmesan cheese create a rich, creamy sauce. Together, they make this meal feel special. - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Seasoning is key to great flavor. Use salt and pepper to taste. Italian herbs add warmth and depth. I like to finish the dish with fresh parsley for color. It brightens the plate and makes it look fresh. These simple ingredients elevate the dish without being overwhelming. For the full recipe, check out the details above! First, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. While the oil heats, dice 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet. Season it with salt, pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir it occasionally to brown all sides. When it’s done, it should be golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside for now. In the same skillet, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it smells good. Then, add 2 cups of broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. You want the broccoli to be tender but still bright green. This will keep it crisp and flavorful. Next, cook 8 ounces of fettuccine or your favorite pasta in a separate pot. Follow the package instructions and drain it once it's al dente. Now, back in the skillet with the broccoli, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Add the chicken and drained pasta back into the skillet. Toss everything together so it’s coated in the creamy sauce. Let it heat through for 2 to 3 minutes. Adjust the taste with more salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot, and don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley! For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To get juicy chicken, start with diced pieces. This helps them cook evenly. Cook the chicken until it is a nice golden brown. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Make sure to not overcrowd the skillet. This allows each piece to sear well. After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This keeps the juices inside. Broccoli should stay bright green and crisp. Add it to the skillet after the garlic. Sauté for just 3 to 4 minutes. You want it tender but still crunchy. If you cook it too long, it will turn dull. To keep that vibrant color, you can also shock it in cold water after cooking. This method locks in color and nutrition. The sauce should be creamy and smooth. If it’s too thick, add a little pasta water. This water has starch from cooking the pasta. It helps make the sauce silkier. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer. Stir in more cheese if you want it richer. Taste as you go to get the perfect balance. For the full recipe, check the details above. {{image_2}} You can swap out chicken for other meats. Shrimp works well and cooks quickly. You can also use turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. Each protein adds its unique flavor. Just adjust cooking times to ensure your choice is fully cooked. Broccoli is excellent, but you can mix in other veggies. Bell peppers add sweetness and crunch. Zucchini or spinach also fit well in this dish. Feel free to experiment! Each vegetable brings a new taste and color. Just make sure to adjust cooking time based on what you use. If you need a gluten-free meal, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options that taste good. You can also skip pasta and use rice instead. This keeps the dish hearty while meeting dietary needs. Always check labels to ensure your ingredients are gluten-free. For the full recipe, check the section above. You can store leftovers in the fridge. Place the Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to three days. Make sure to let it cool down before you seal it. This helps keep the flavor and texture. If you want to save some for later, freezing works well. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. Leave some space for expansion. You can freeze it for up to two months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, use the stovetop or microwave. If using the stovetop, add a splash of cream or water. This keeps the dish moist. Stir it often over low heat until warm. If using a microwave, cover the dish to trap steam. Heat in short bursts and stir in between. This way, you'll enjoy a creamy meal again! Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just add it to the skillet while cooking the garlic. Frozen broccoli may need a few extra minutes to cook. Make sure it is heated through and tender before serving. This option saves time and works well in this dish. Fettuccine is the best choice for this recipe. It holds the creamy sauce well. However, you can use other pasta types too. Penne, rotini, or even whole wheat pasta are great options. Choose what you like or have at home for this meal. To make this dish healthier, consider these tips: - Use whole-grain pasta for more fiber. - Swap heavy cream for low-fat milk or a plant-based cream. - Add more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrients. - Use less cheese or a lighter cheese option to cut calories. These changes can keep the dish tasty while boosting its nutrition. Check out the Full Recipe for even more ideas! This blog post covered how to make Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo. We explored key ingredients, like chicken, pasta, and sauce. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking and sautéing. You learned tips for perfect chicken and bright broccoli. We also talked about variations, like swapping proteins or veggies. Lastly, I provided storage info to keep leftovers fresh. Try this recipe to impress. Remember, cooking is fun and easy!](https://dailydishly.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/4029d33c-44d0-458a-b053-e8bf24c75967-300x300.webp)
![To make a tasty spiced lentil soup, gather these key ingredients: - 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 medium carrots, diced - 2 celery stalks, diced - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon ground coriander - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes - 6 cups vegetable broth - 1 bay leaf - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) - Lemon wedges (for serving) These ingredients create a warm and filling soup. The lentils are the star, giving protein and fiber. The spices add a nice kick and depth of flavor. You can make your soup even better with extra touches. Here are some fun ideas: - Avocado slices for creaminess - Chopped green onions for a fresh crunch - A dollop of yogurt for richness - A sprinkle of feta cheese for a tangy twist These add-ins not only add flavor but also make the soup look pretty. If you need to change the amounts, here are some quick tips: - 1 cup equals 240 ml - 1 tablespoon equals 15 ml - 1 teaspoon equals 5 ml If you want to double the recipe, just multiply each amount by two. This way, you can share the joy of this soup with more people! For the full recipe, check out the complete guide. Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. This oil adds great flavor. Add the diced onion and sauté it for about 5 minutes. You want it to turn soft and clear. Next, stir in the minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery. Cook these for another 5 minutes. Stir them often until the veggies soften. This mix of aromatics forms the base of your soup. Once your aromatics are ready, it's time to add the lentils. Pour in the rinsed green or brown lentils. Then, add the canned diced tomatoes with their juice. Next, pour in the vegetable broth and add the bay leaf. This broth gives your soup deep taste. Bring the mix to a boil, and then reduce the heat. Let it simmer uncovered for about 30 to 35 minutes. Stir occasionally until the lentils are tender. After the lentils cook, remove the bay leaf. This step is important, as the leaf does not taste good. Season your soup with salt and pepper. If it seems too thick, you can add more broth. Adjust it to your liking. Finally, serve the soup hot. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice for added flavor. Enjoy your warm, spiced lentil soup! You can find the full recipe [here]. To get the richest taste, use fresh spices. Ground spices lose their kick over time. I recommend buying whole spices and grinding them. This adds a nice depth to your soup. Also, let your spices toast for a minute before adding liquid. This step brings out their natural oils and flavors. Cooking lentils is easy. Rinse them well to remove dirt. I prefer green or brown lentils for this soup. They hold their shape better. Always check the cooking time on the package. Most lentils need 20 to 30 minutes. If you overcook them, they can turn mushy. Serve the soup hot for the best experience. A dollop of yogurt or sour cream adds creaminess. Fresh cilantro brightens the dish and adds flavor. You can also squeeze some lemon juice on top. For a complete meal, pair it with crusty bread or a salad. This soup is filling and perfect for any day. Try the [Full Recipe] for more details! {{image_2}} This spiced lentil soup is naturally vegetarian and vegan. You can keep it plant-based by using vegetable broth. If you want creaminess, add a dollop of coconut milk. It gives the soup a rich taste without losing its core flavors. You can also add more veggies, like spinach or kale, for added nutrition. If you want to boost the protein, there are great options. You can add cooked chickpeas or diced tofu. Both mix well with the flavors. If you enjoy meat, try adding shredded chicken or turkey. This addition can make the soup heartier and more filling. You can change the soup's flavor by using different spices. Try adding turmeric for a warm, earthy taste. A splash of soy sauce or a bit of ginger can bring a new twist. Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. Each change adds a unique flavor to your bowl. To store leftover spiced lentil soup, let it cool first. Then, pour the soup into an airtight container. Make sure to seal it tightly. You can keep it in the fridge for up to five days. Label the container with the date so you remember when you made it. When you're ready to enjoy your soup again, take it out of the fridge. Pour the soup into a pot. Heat it over medium heat, stirring often. If the soup seems too thick, add a bit of water or broth to thin it out. You can also microwave it. Place it in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it loosely. Heat for one to two minutes, stirring halfway through. If you want to save your spiced lentil soup for later, freezing is a great option. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some space at the top, as soup expands when frozen. It will stay fresh for up to three months. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat as mentioned before. Enjoy the flavors of your delicious soup again! For the full recipe, check out the details above. Yes, you can use various lentils in this soup. Green and brown lentils work best. They hold their shape well during cooking. Red lentils cook faster and become soft, creating a creamier texture. If you use red lentils, reduce the cooking time by about 10 minutes. Mixing lentils can also add unique flavors and textures. This spiced lentil soup is naturally gluten-free! The ingredients, like lentils and vegetables, do not contain gluten. Always check your vegetable broth to ensure it is gluten-free. Some broths may have added ingredients that contain gluten. As long as you select the right broth, you can enjoy this soup worry-free. Here are a few common mistakes to watch out for: - Not rinsing lentils: Rinse them well before cooking to remove dust and debris. - Overcooking the lentils: Keep an eye on them to avoid mushiness. - Skipping the spices: The spices add depth, so don’t skip them! - Not seasoning enough: Taste as you go and adjust the salt and pepper. By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll create a flavorful and nourishing soup. For the full recipe, check the section above. This blog post walks you through making spiced lentil soup, from essential ingredients to cooking tips. You learned how to prepare the soup with aromatics, finish it with flavorful seasonings, and serve it perfectly. With variations for different diets and easy storage tips, you'll enjoy this dish anytime. Remember, cooking is about exploring flavors, so have fun with it. Enjoy your warm, hearty bowl of spiced lentil soup!](https://dailydishly.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/8505bcbc-e76d-49ee-a85a-9fa1b9dff162-768x768.webp)
