Creamy Broccoli Chicken (or Shrimp) Alfredo Delight
Indulge in this Creamy Broccoli Chicken (or Shrimp) Alfredo Delight, a quick and satisfying meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. With rich, velvety Alfredo sauce poured over tender fettuccine, succulent chicken (or shrimp), and vibrant broccoli, this dish comes together in just 20 minutes. The unique cream cheese addition enhances the flavor and creaminess, making it a fantastic twist on the traditional Alfredo. Whether you’re feeding a family or whipping up dinner for yourself, this recipe is sure to impress while keeping your kitchen time to a minimum.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fettuccine
1 package (Cooked according to package directions)
Uncooked Chicken or Shrimp
1 lb (Sliced into bite-sized pieces (for chicken) or peeled and deveined (for shrimp))
Garlic
3 cloves (Minced)
Butter
1/2 cup (Melted)
Parmesan Cheese
1/2 cup (Grated)
Cream Cheese
8 ounces (Cubed)
Milk
1 cup (Regular milk)
Frozen Broccoli
1 package (Cooked according to package directions)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
Pepper
1 dash (To taste)
Instructions
1
Start by cooking the frozen broccoli according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
2
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water for later use if needed.
3
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sliced chicken (or shrimp) and minced garlic, sautéing until the chicken is fully cooked or shrimp turn pink and opaque, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken or shrimp from the skillet and keep them warm.
4
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the cubed cream cheese, milk, and parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
5
Add the cooked broccoli back to the skillet, along with the sautéed chicken (or shrimp), salt, and a dash of pepper. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add a bit of reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
6
Toss the drained fettuccine in the skillet with the creamy sauce and ingredients until everything is well-coated.
7
Serve immediately, garnished with extra parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Broccoli Chicken Alfredo Delight?
It is a quick, 20-minute meal featuring fettuccine, chicken or shrimp, and broccoli in a velvety Alfredo sauce enhanced with cream cheese.
How long does this recipe take to prepare?
The entire dish can be prepared in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
What proteins can I use in this Alfredo?
You can use either 1 lb of uncooked chicken sliced into bite-sized pieces or 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
Fettuccine is the recommended pasta for this recipe to capture the creamy sauce.
How do I prepare the broccoli?
Use one package of frozen broccoli, cook it according to the package directions, and drain it before adding it to the sauce.
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh broccoli; simply steam or boil it until tender before incorporating it into the dish.
What makes this Alfredo sauce unique?
The addition of 8 ounces of cubed cream cheese makes the sauce extra creamy and flavor-rich compared to traditional versions.
How much garlic is used?
The recipe calls for 3 cloves of minced garlic to flavor the protein and sauce.
What if my Alfredo sauce is too thick?
You can gradually add a bit of reserved pasta water to the skillet until you reach your desired consistency.
Should I save the pasta water?
Yes, it is recommended to reserve a small cup of pasta water after boiling the fettuccine to help adjust the sauce thickness.
How much butter is needed for the sauce base?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of melted butter to sauté the garlic and protein.
What kind of cheese is used in the sauce?
The sauce uses a combination of 8 ounces of cream cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
What type of milk should I use?
One cup of regular milk is used to create the creamy base of the Alfredo sauce.
How do I know when the shrimp is cooked?
The shrimp are fully cooked when they turn pink and become opaque, which usually takes 5-7 minutes.
How should the chicken be prepared?
The chicken should be sliced into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy eating.
Can I substitute the milk with something else?
You can use half-and-half or heavy cream for an even richer and thicker sauce.
How do I prevent the cream cheese from being lumpy?
Cubing the cream cheese and stirring it continuously over medium heat ensures it melts smoothly into the sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, the mild, creamy flavors of pasta, chicken, and broccoli are generally very kid-friendly.
What seasonings are required?
The recipe is seasoned simply with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and a dash of pepper, both adjustable to taste.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, penne, bow-tie, or linguine would also work well with this creamy sauce.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
How should I reheat this dish?
Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or water to help the sauce become creamy again.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the chicken or shrimp and add extra vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers.
What is the best garnish for this pasta?
Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and optionally some fresh chopped parsley.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, though the sauce may be slightly less rich.
What size package of fettuccine is used?
The recipe uses one standard package of fettuccine, typically 12 to 16 ounces.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, you can use rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken; just add it at the end to heat it through with the sauce.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
Based on 1 lb of protein and a full package of pasta, it typically serves 4 to 6 people.
Is this recipe considered a comfort food?
Yes, the combination of rich cheese sauce and hearty pasta makes it a classic comfort food dish.
What should I serve as a side?
A light green salad or garlic bread would complement this rich pasta dish perfectly.