If you are craving a dish that wraps you in the ultimate comfort food embrace, this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo with Crispy Bacon, Spinach & Broccoli Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender chicken strips seared to perfection, bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce, mingling effortlessly with fresh spinach and crisp broccoli. The addition of crispy bacon bits on top brings a delightful crunch and smoky depth, making this creamy Alfredo a guaranteed crowd-pleaser any night of the week. It’s simplicity and elegance all combined in one irresistible plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this dish plays an indispensable role, whether it adds richness, freshness, or that satisfying crispy texture. They’re straightforward, easy to find, and come together to create a symphony of flavors and colors that will brighten up your dinner table.
- Chicken breast (1 lb): Sliced into strips, it’s the hearty protein that keeps this meal filling and deliciously tender.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Essential for creating that smooth, creamy base that clings beautifully to every bite of chicken and pasta.
- Garlic cloves (4, minced): Adds a fragrant punch that elevates the whole dish with its inviting aroma and savory depth.
- Fresh spinach (2 cups): Provides brightness and subtle earthiness, plus a vibrant green to contrast the creamy sauce.
- Broccoli florets (1 cup): Lightly cooked for a satisfying crunch and a boost of nutrients.
- Fettuccine or pasta of choice (8 oz): The classic sturdy pasta that holds up wonderfully against the rich Alfredo sauce.
- Crispy bacon bits (1/2 cup): Sprinkled on top to add a smoky, crunchy counterpoint to the silky sauce.
- Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of green freshness for garnish that brightens and balances the richness.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo with Crispy Bacon, Spinach & Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Start by heating half of the butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Once melted, add the chicken strips. Cook them until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step locks in juices, making sure each bite is tender and flavorful. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest – this keeps it juicy while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Infuse the Butter with Garlic
In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté just until it becomes fragrant, about a minute. This quick step infuses the butter with that heady garlic aroma that’s the heart and soul of this creamy garlic butter sauce.
Step 3: Combine Chicken, Veggies, and Pasta
Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet, and add the fresh spinach and broccoli florets. Stir everything together until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant and crisp. If you cooked pasta beforehand, toss it now into the skillet to fully coat every strand with that gorgeous buttery garlic sauce.
Step 4: Final Touches and Serve
Plate your creamy creation while it’s still hot. Generously sprinkle the crispy bacon bits and fresh parsley over the top. These last touches bring a delightful crunch and a pop of color that makes this dish irresistible both in taste and appearance.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo with Crispy Bacon, Spinach & Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish of freshly chopped parsley adds a fresh herbal note that cuts through the creaminess beautifully. For extra indulgence, a light dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese works wonders, elevating the dish to restaurant-quality elegance in seconds.
Side Dishes
Because the pasta and chicken are so rich and filling, a light, crisp side salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs perfectly to balance the meal. Garlic bread also complements the flavors here, doubling down on comfort and ensuring no sauce goes to waste.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this Alfredo in a hollowed-out bread bowl for a dramatic, cozy presentation. Or plate it on a large family-style dish to encourage sharing. A sprinkle of extra crispy bacon and a few lemon wedges on the side can add brightness and texture variation as well.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The creamy sauce and chicken hold up well for up to 3 days, just keep the crispy bacon separate if possible to maintain its crunch.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the cooked chicken, broccoli, and spinach mixture without pasta or bacon. Portion into airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing Alfredo sauce with pasta as texture tends to suffer.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce to its creamy glory. This helps revive the silky texture and keeps the chicken tender. Add the crispy bacon bits fresh after reheating for the best texture contrast.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is classic for Alfredo, this recipe is versatile enough to work wonderfully with penne, linguine, or even gluten-free pasta options. Just make sure the pasta you choose holds sauce well.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Skip the chicken and bacon, and add extra broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, or even sun-dried tomatoes for a flavorful, meat-free version. Consider adding a splash of vegetable broth to enhance the sauce.
How do I get the bacon crispy every time?
For perfectly crispy bacon, cook it slowly over medium-low heat until it’s evenly browned and crisp. Baking bacon in the oven on a wire rack is another fantastic method for consistent crispiness without the mess.
Can I prepare any parts of this recipe in advance?
You can slice the chicken and prep the veggies ahead of time. You might also cook the bacon beforehand and store it separately to preserve its crunch. Just cook the chicken and assemble the dish fresh for the best texture.
What can I substitute if I don’t have fresh spinach or broccoli?
Frozen spinach and broccoli florets work well if fresh is not available; just thaw and drain any excess liquid before adding. Kale is also a good alternative for spinach, adding a bit more bite.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate and delivers on flavor, the Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo with Crispy Bacon, Spinach & Broccoli Recipe is your new go-to. It’s incredibly simple to make but tastes like something you’d find in a fine dining restaurant. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy every comforting, creamy forkful as much as I do!
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Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo with Crispy Bacon, Spinach & Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo features tender chicken strips sautéed in rich butter and garlic, tossed with fresh spinach, broccoli, and fettuccine pasta. Finished with crispy bacon bits and fresh parsley, this comforting, flavorful dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into strips
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup broccoli florets
Sauce and Seasoning
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta and Garnish
- 8 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
- 1/2 cup crispy bacon bits
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt half of the butter. Add the sliced chicken strips and cook for 5-7 minutes until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add chicken and vegetables: Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet. Add the fresh spinach and broccoli florets, stirring frequently until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant, approximately 3-4 minutes. Optionally, toss in cooked pasta at this stage to combine everything evenly.
- Serve: Plate the chicken, vegetable, and pasta mixture while hot. Garnish generously with crispy bacon bits and fresh parsley before serving to add crunch and freshness.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through but remains juicy by not overcrowding the pan.
- To save time, use pre-cooked bacon bits or cook your own bacon until crispy and chop finely.
- You can interchange fettuccine with any pasta shape you prefer.
- For extra creaminess, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
