If you are craving a comforting pasta dish that brings together creamy, cheesy delight with a pop of vibrant green, then you are going to love this Easy Fettuccine Alfredo with Broccoli Recipe. It’s the perfect marriage of rich Alfredo sauce, tender fettuccine, and fresh broccoli, making each bite a satisfying balance of flavor and texture. Whether you’re after a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal to impress, this recipe hits all the right notes without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Easy Fettuccine Alfredo with Broccoli Recipe are wonderfully straightforward yet essential. Each one lends a unique texture and flavor, from the crisp broccoli to the silky sauce, creating a dish that is as colorful as it is delicious.
- 3 cups broccoli florets: Cut into bite-size pieces for the perfect tender-crisp crunch.
- 8 ounces dried fettuccine: A classic choice that holds the sauce beautifully; refrigerated fettuccine works too.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds a silky richness to the sauce and helps sauté the bacon.
- 6 ounces Canadian bacon: Cubed for a smoky, savory bite that complements the creamy sauce; ham is a fine substitute.
- ⅔ cup heavy cream: The creamy base that makes this Alfredo sauce so irresistibly luscious.
- 1½ cups grated Parmesan cheese: About 6 ounces ungrated; this brings the signature sharp, nutty flavor.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Provides a subtle kick without overpowering the delicate flavors.
How to Make Easy Fettuccine Alfredo with Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Broccoli
Start by boiling the broccoli florets in a large pot of salted water. Boil for just three minutes until they are tender but still retain a slight crunch and vibrant green color. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and let them drain—this quick cook keeps the broccoli fresh and lively in the dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Fettuccine
In the same boiling water, add the fettuccine and cook it according to the package instructions until al dente. This step is crucial so the noodles have the perfect bite and don’t become mushy once combined with the sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Canadian Bacon and Broccoli
While your pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the cubed Canadian bacon and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until it’s warmed through and slightly golden. Toss in the cooked broccoli and let it heat for an additional minute, allowing the flavors to marry in the pan.
Step 4: Combine Sauce and Pasta
Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and ground black pepper, stirring continuously to combine into a smooth, creamy sauce. Add your drained fettuccine and toss everything together gently so the noodles are luxuriously coated. Serve immediately to enjoy that fresh, creamy goodness.
How to Serve Easy Fettuccine Alfredo with Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
To enhance this dish visually and flavorfully, sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan or a smattering of freshly chopped parsley on top. A final twist of cracked black pepper gives a perfect finishing touch. For an added pop of color and texture, a few toasted pine nuts can be delightful.
Side Dishes
Pair this Easy Fettuccine Alfredo with Broccoli Recipe with a crisp garden salad dressed in tangy vinaigrette to balance the creaminess. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is another great side that helps soak up every last bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, consider serving your Alfredo in individual bowls garnished with lemon zest to add brightness, or layer the pasta and sauce in clear glass bowls so everyone can admire the beautiful layers of green broccoli and creamy sauce. Drizzling a touch of truffle oil elevates the dish to a gourmet level in seconds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Easy Fettuccine Alfredo with Broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind, the sauce may thicken or separate slightly after cooling, but it will still taste wonderful once reheated.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, though it can be frozen in portions if necessary. Use freezer-safe containers and consume within 1 month. To maintain the best texture, avoid freezing if you can, as the cream sauce might lose some creaminess upon thawing.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring back the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the sauce separate or the broccoli mushy. Stir frequently until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I substitute the Canadian bacon with chicken?
Absolutely! Grilled or sautéed chicken breast cubes work wonderfully and provide a leaner protein option that pairs beautifully with the Alfredo sauce and broccoli.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Not as is, since it includes Canadian bacon, but you can easily omit the meat or replace it with sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for a vegetarian-friendly version full of flavor.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Parmesan is key to that authentic Alfredo flavor, but you can blend in Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste or use a good-quality Asiago for a subtle twist.
How can I make this recipe lighter?
Swap out heavy cream for half-and-half or a mix of low-fat milk and cornstarch, and reduce the amount of cheese to lower calories while still keeping that creamy feel.
Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free fettuccine instead of traditional pasta, and make sure any substitutes, like bacon, are gluten-free as well. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
There is something so incredibly comforting about this Easy Fettuccine Alfredo with Broccoli Recipe that keeps me coming back again and again. It’s a dish that feels indulgent yet simple, homey yet elegant—a perfect answer for any day you want a satisfying meal without overcomplicating dinner. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and I can’t wait to hear how it becomes a favorite in your own kitchen!
Print
Easy Fettuccine Alfredo with Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Easy Fettuccine Alfredo with Broccoli is a creamy, comforting pasta dish featuring tender broccoli florets and savory Canadian bacon tossed in a rich Parmesan Alfredo sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines simple ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying meal with just 20 minutes of total cooking time.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 3 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-size pieces
Pasta
- 8 ounces dried fettuccine (can substitute refrigerated fettuccine)
Proteins
- 6 ounces Canadian bacon, cubed (can substitute ham)
Dairy
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ⅔ cup heavy cream
- 1½ cups grated Parmesan cheese (approximately 6 ounces ungrated)
Seasoning
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cook Broccoli: Place broccoli florets in a large pot of boiling water over medium-high heat. Cook for 3 minutes until tender-crisp, then remove with a slotted spoon. Drain and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook Fettuccine: In the same boiling water, add the dried fettuccine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.
- Sauté Canadian Bacon and Broccoli: While the pasta cooks, heat butter in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the cubed Canadian bacon and sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly browned. Add the cooked broccoli to the pan and heat together for 1 minute, allowing flavors to combine.
- Make Alfredo Sauce and Combine: Pour heavy cream into the pan with the bacon and broccoli, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and ground black pepper. Mix the sauce until the cheese melts and the mixture is creamy. Add the drained fettuccine to the pan and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated with the Alfredo sauce. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- To save time, you can steam the broccoli instead of boiling it for a slightly different texture.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melting quality in the sauce.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of heavy cream slightly or simmer the sauce a bit longer before tossing with pasta.
- For a vegetarian version, omit Canadian bacon and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or extra broccoli.
- Ensure to cook the pasta al dente to maintain the perfect texture when tossed in the sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat gently with a splash of cream to restore creaminess.
