Chicken Broccoli Alfredo that’s easy to follow and perfect for a cozy solo meal. Follow these steps for a delicious dish with a creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked broccoli and pasta.
Chicken Broccoli Alfredo for One
Ingredients
- 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 jar Alfredo sauce (about 6-8 ounces, or enough for one serving)
- 1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 box pasta of your choice (like fettuccine, penne, or rotini; about 4-6 ounces)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for cooking the chicken)
- Optional: Grated Parmesan and fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Chop the Chicken
- Cut your chicken breast into small, bite-sized pieces for quicker cooking and even bites in the pasta.
- Measure the Broccoli
- Use 1 cup of broccoli florets. If using frozen broccoli, keep it in the freezer until you’re ready to cook to avoid sogginess.
- Cook the Pasta
- Fill a small pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil.
- Add 1/2 box of pasta and cook according to package directions (usually 8-10 minutes for most pasta types). Add a small drizzle of olive oil to the boiling water to prevent the pasta from sticking.
- When the pasta is tender, drain it, and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat a Skillet
- Place a small skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil or butter.
- Cook the Chicken
- Once the skillet is hot, add the cut-up chicken breast. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the chicken pieces are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Broccoli
- Cook the Broccoli
- If using fresh broccoli, steam it by placing it in a pot with a bit of water, covering it, and cooking over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until tender.
- For frozen broccoli, cook according to package directions. This usually takes around 5-7 minutes in the microwave.
- Combine with Chicken
- Once the broccoli is cooked, add it to the pan with the cooked chicken, and cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes to combine flavors.
Step 4: Heat the Alfredo Sauce
- Warm the Alfredo Sauce
- Pour about 1/2 jar of Alfredo sauce (around 6-8 ounces) into a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan.
- If using the microwave, heat the sauce for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until warmed. On the stovetop, heat over low heat until warm, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Broccoli with Sauce
- In the pot used to cook the pasta (or in the skillet), combine the pasta, chicken, broccoli, and warmed Alfredo sauce.
- Stir everything together over low heat for 2-3 minutes to evenly coat the pasta with the sauce and warm everything through.
Step 6: Serve
- Plate and Garnish
- Transfer your Chicken Broccoli Alfredo to a serving bowl or plate.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and a little fresh parsley if desired.
- Enjoy
- Dig in while it’s warm and creamy!
Tips for the Best Chicken Broccoli Alfredo
- Season to Taste: Add a pinch of extra salt, pepper, or even a dash of garlic powder if you like extra flavor in your Alfredo.
- Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker Alfredo sauce, warm it on the stovetop with a small handful of grated Parmesan to thicken as it heats.
- Additional Veggies: You can add mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to this dish for added flavor and nutrients.
Enjoy your cozy, creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo!