Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of luxuriously creamy, cheesy pasta that comes together faster than you can say "dinner is served"! This Easy Fettuccine Alfredo with Broccoli is not just a meal—it's a quick culinary escape that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish right in your own kitchen. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking for a fast weeknight dinner, or someone who craves Italian comfort food, this recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the fettuccine to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente.
- During the last 3 minutes of pasta cooking, add the broccoli florets directly to the same pot to cook simultaneously, saving on dishes and cooking time.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the Alfredo sauce. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until it becomes slightly foamy.
- Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the melted butter and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
- Reduce the heat to low and gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Drain the cooked pasta and broccoli, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water in case the sauce needs thinning.
- Add the pasta and broccoli directly into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce, tossing gently to coat everything evenly.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smoothest sauce—pre-grated cheese can make your sauce grainy.
- Don't drain all the pasta water! Reserving a little starchy liquid helps create a silkier sauce and helps it cling perfectly to the pasta.
- Cook your broccoli directly in the pasta water to save time and reduce dishes, but ensure it remains bright green and slightly crisp.
- Keep the heat low when adding cheese to prevent separation and achieve that smooth, creamy consistency.
- Serve immediately for the best texture—Alfredo sauce can thicken quickly as it cools, so have your plates ready!
- For extra richness, you can add a clove of minced garlic to the butter before adding cream, or sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 650kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 45g
Saturated Fat: 28g
Cholesterol: 140mg
