Description
This classic Italian-American comfort dish features tender chicken breast strips, vibrant broccoli florets, and perfectly cooked fettuccine pasta tossed in a luxurious, silky parmesan cream sauce. Unlike processed versions, this recipe uses high-quality aromatics like fresh garlic and freshly grated parmesan to create a consistent, restaurant-quality flavor that is perfect for a satisfying and hearty family dinner. The addition of fresh broccoli provides a wonderful crunch and color, making this a balanced and wholesome weeknight meal that is both luxurious and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
12 oz fettuccine pasta
2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup heavy cream
1.5 cups freshly grated parmesan cheese
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp unsalted butter
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the fettuccine according to the package directions until al dente.
During the last three minutes of boiling, add the broccoli florets to the pasta water to blanch until tender-crisp, then drain, reserving some pasta water.
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat and sauté the seasoned chicken strips until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.
Slowly whisk in the freshly grated parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken back into the skillet.
Toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to adjust the sauce consistency until it coats the pasta perfectly.
Notes
Always grate your parmesan cheese from a block rather than using pre-grated bagged cheese for superior melting ability.
Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente as it will continue to cook slightly when tossed in the warm sauce.
You can sprinkle extra parmesan or freshly cracked black pepper before serving.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Trends Recipes
- Method: Sautéing and Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 145mg