Introduction

Craving the creamy, decadent Alfredo sauce from Olive Garden but want to enjoy it in the comfort of your home? This Olive Garden Alfredo with Chicken and Broccoli recipe delivers the same rich flavor as the restaurant classic. By adding grilled chicken and steamed broccoli, you turn this indulgent pasta into a complete meal with protein and veggies. The velvety Alfredo sauce is made from scratch with heavy cream, Parmesan, and butter, giving it that signature silky texture. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this dish will hit the spot.

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Ingredients:

For the Alfredo Sauce:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup butter (unsalted)
• 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional, for depth)

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz fettuccine (or your favorite pasta)
• 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)

For the Grilled Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Broccoli:

• 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed)
• Juice of ½ lemon (optional, for brightness)

Topping:

• Freshly chopped parsley
• Extra Parmesan cheese

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Preparation:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

• In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon of salt.
• Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 10-12 minutes). Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

• While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
• Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into strips.

Step 3: Steam the Broccoli

• Steam the broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender.
• Optional: Drizzle the steamed broccoli with a little lemon juice for a pop of freshness.

Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce

• In a large pan, melt ½ cup of butter over medium heat.
• Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir occasionally to avoid scorching.
• Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.
• Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (if using).

Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

• Add the cooked fettuccine to the Alfredo sauce and toss to coat the pasta evenly.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Step 6: Assemble the Dish

• Top the Alfredo pasta with the sliced grilled chicken and steamed broccoli.
• Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese for garnish.

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COOKING Note:

• Fresh Parmesan is essential for the best flavor and smooth sauce. Pre-grated Parmesan may not melt as smoothly.
• Resting the chicken after grilling ensures it stays juicy.
• Be careful not to overcook the broccoli—it should remain vibrant and slightly crisp.

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Serving Suggestions:

• Serve this dish with garlic bread or a side salad for a full Italian-inspired meal.
• Pair with a glass of white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay for a restaurant-style experience.

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Tips:

1. Use Pre-Cooked Chicken: If you’re in a rush, use rotisserie chicken or pre-grilled chicken strips.
2. Vegetable Swap: Replace broccoli with asparagus or peas for variety.
3. Lighten the Sauce: Substitute half of the heavy cream with milk for a lighter Alfredo.
4. Add a Protein Twist: Shrimp or Italian sausage also work well in this dish.

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Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

20 minutes

Total Time:

35 minutes

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 720
• Protein: 38g
• Sodium: 840mg

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Conclusion

This Olive Garden Alfredo with Chicken and Broccoli brings all the flavors of the famous restaurant dish into your kitchen. The combination of creamy Alfredo sauce, perfectly grilled chicken, and tender broccoli makes for a satisfying, well-balanced meal. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is guaranteed to please. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll feel like a pro chef in no time.

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