Who doesn’t love a creamy chicken pasta? This Chicken Broccoli Alfredo is a twist on a classic American favorite with fewer calories and a boost of veggies. It’s perfect for busy days, as you can cook the chicken and sauce slowly. When you get home, just add pasta, and dinner is ready! This recipe is rich, comforting, and easy to make—a go-to meal guaranteed to please everyone at the table.
Method
Prep the Chicken and Sauce
Begin by preparing the ingredients for the base of your dish. Take the chicken breast and cut it into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are evenly sized for consistent cooking. Next, chop the broccoli into small florets; this will allow it to cook thoroughly while maintaining a tender texture. In your slow cooker, combine the chicken pieces, chopped broccoli, garlic granules, Italian herbs, and oregano to infuse the dish with a blend of aromatic flavors. Add the chicken stock, which acts as the liquid foundation for your sauce, followed by the Philadelphia Light for creaminess. Finish this mixture with freshly crushed garlic cloves and grated Parmesan, stirring gently to ensure all ingredients are well distributed. The slow cooker will now work its magic to blend these elements into a flavorful and creamy sauce.
Cook in the Slow Cooker
Set the slow cooker to your preferred setting based on your available time. Cook on high for 3.5 hours if you need the dish prepared quickly or on low for 6–7 hours for a slower, more tender result. During this time, the chicken will cook to perfection, becoming juicy and tender, while the broccoli softens and absorbs the flavors of the sauce. The Philadelphia Light will melt, creating a velvety base that coats the chicken and broccoli evenly. Stir occasionally, if possible, to ensure the sauce remains smooth and evenly mixed.
Prepare the Pasta
As the chicken nears completion, it’s time to focus on the pasta. You have two options for incorporating the pasta into this dish, depending on your preference and timing:
- Direct Cooking in the Slow Cooker: Add uncooked pasta and 150ml of chicken stock directly to the slow cooker. This method allows the pasta to absorb the sauce’s flavors as it cooks. Stir gently to ensure the pasta is submerged in the sauce, then cook for an additional 45 minutes until tender.
- Stovetop Cooking: Alternatively, boil the pasta in a large pot of salted water on the stovetop. Cook it until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain the pasta thoroughly and then add it to the slow cooker, stirring to combine it with the sauce.
Choose the method that best suits your schedule and desired flavor intensity.
Finish with Cheese and Cream
To achieve a luxuriously creamy finish, stir in the Elmlea Light double cream along with the grated mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend. Mix thoroughly until the cheeses melt completely, creating a silky, cohesive sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta and chicken. Adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding a splash of pasta water or chicken stock if needed. This step ties the dish together, ensuring every bite is rich and satisfying.
Serve
Spoon the finished Chicken Broccoli Alfredo onto serving plates, ensuring each portion has a generous helping of chicken, broccoli, and pasta. For an added touch of flavor and visual appeal, garnish the dish with extra grated Parmesan or freshly chopped parsley. Serve the dish warm, pairing it with sides like garlic bread or a crisp green salad to complete the meal. Enjoy the comforting, creamy goodness of this dish with your loved ones!
Chicken Broccoli Alfredo
Equipment
- Slow cooker (optional)
- Large pot (for pasta)
- Knife and cutting board
- Grater
- Mixing spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- For the Chicken and Sauce:
- 350 g chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
- 100 g broccoli chopped
- 1 tsp garlic granules
- 1 tsp Italian herbs
- 1 tsp oregano
- 150 ml chicken stock
- 100 g Philadelphia Light
- 2 crushed garlic cloves
- 20 g Parmesan
- For the Pasta:
- 225 g pasta
- 150 ml chicken stock
- 30 g grated mozzarella and cheddar mixed
- 2 tbsp Elmlea Light double cream
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Sauce.
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and chop the broccoli. Add these to the slow cooker with the garlic granules, Italian herbs, oregano, chicken stock, Philadelphia Light, crushed garlic, and Parmesan.
- Step 2: Cook in the Slow Cooker.
- Cook on high for 3.5 hours or low for 6-7 hours until the chicken is tender and the sauce is creamy.
- Step 3: Prepare the Pasta.
- When the chicken is almost done, decide how you want to cook the pasta. You can either:
- Add the uncooked pasta and 150ml chicken stock directly to the slow cooker. Let it cook for an additional 45 minutes.
- Or boil the pasta in salted water on the stovetop, then drain and add it to the slow cooker.
- Step 4: Finish with Cheese and Cream.
- Stir in the Elmlea Light double cream and grated mozzarella and cheddar. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes silky.
- Step 5: Serve.
- Spoon the Chicken Broccoli Alfredo onto plates and serve warm. Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh parsley if desired.
Video
Notes
- Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Add it in larger pieces if you prefer it firmer, as it softens in the slow cooker.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: If adding pasta directly to the slow cooker, monitor it to avoid overcooking.
- Balance the Sauce: Add pasta water or stock gradually to adjust the consistency to your liking.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad.
- Add a sprinkle of chili flakes for a spicy twist.
- Serve with roasted vegetables like zucchini or asparagus for a hearty meal.
Fun Fact
Did you know that Alfredo sauce originated in Italy but became famous in the U.S.? In Rome, it was originally made with just butter and Parmesan, but the cream was added to create the rich version we all know and love today!
Conclusion
This Chicken Broccoli Alfredo is a creamy, comforting dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. It’s a perfect blend of tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy pasta, all tied together with a lightened-up Alfredo sauce. Whether you’re using a slow cooker or making it on the stovetop, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Give it a try, and let me know how much you love it. Happy cooking!