Craving a restaurant-worthy pasta dish that's both decadent and secretly nutritious? Prepare to have your taste buds blown away by this game-changing Broccoli Chicken Cauliflower Alfredo Fettuccine! This isn't just another boring pasta recipe – it's a creamy, dreamy meal that sneaks in extra vegetables while delivering maximum flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress dinner guests without spending hours in the kitchen, this dish proves that healthy eating can be absolutely delicious.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups cauliflower florets
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The water should taste slightly salty, like seawater.
- Add fettuccine to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, steam broccoli and cauliflower florets in a separate pot or steamer basket for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp. Ensure vegetables remain bright green and white with a slight crunch.
- In a large skillet, heat heavy cream over medium heat. Gradually whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add shredded cooked chicken to the cream sauce, stirring to coat and warm through. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Drain cooked pasta and return to the pot. Add steamed broccoli and cauliflower florets to the pasta.
- Pour the chicken Alfredo sauce over the pasta and vegetables, gently tossing to combine. If sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.
- Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy while hot and creamy.
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously - it's your first chance to add flavor to the dish.
- Reserve pasta water before draining; it's liquid gold for creating the perfect sauce consistency.
- Steam vegetables just until tender-crisp to maintain their vibrant color and nutritional value.
- Whisk Parmesan into cream slowly to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth sauce.
- If your sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to achieve the ideal creamy texture.
- Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time without compromising on flavor.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the sauce at its creamiest and most luxurious state.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 120mg
