If you are craving a luscious and comforting meal that brings together rich flavors and vibrant veggies, look no further than the Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo with Crispy Bacon, Spinach & Broccoli Recipe. This dish is everything you want on a weeknight dinner table: tender chicken strips bathed in a velvety garlic butter sauce, bright green spinach and broccoli adding freshness and crunch, plus the irresistible crunch and smoky goodness of crispy bacon. It’s a perfect balance of indulgence and nutrition, guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and warm your soul.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building that perfect harmony of flavors and textures. From the richness of unsalted butter to the freshness of greens and the savory pop of bacon, each element works beautifully to create a dish that’s creamy, hearty, and vibrant all at once.
- Chicken breast (1 lb): Sliced into strips for quick and even cooking, providing tender, juicy protein.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): The base of the sauce, adding luxurious creaminess and depth to the dish.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Infuses the butter with aromatic warmth that’s unmistakably comforting.
- Fresh spinach (2 cups): Adds a fresh, slightly earthy flavor and vibrant green color, plus a healthy boost.
- Broccoli florets (1 cup): Offers a mild crunch and a pop of bright green to complement the creamy sauce.
- Fettuccine or pasta of choice (8 oz): Provides the perfect vehicle for soaking up all that creamy garlic butter goodness.
- Crispy bacon bits (1/2 cup): Brings a smoky crunch that contrasts perfectly with the smooth sauce.
- Fresh parsley: A sprinkle on top adds fresh color and a subtle herbaceous note.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo with Crispy Bacon, Spinach & Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by melting half of your butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, add your sliced chicken breast strips. Cook them evenly until they turn golden brown and are cooked through, usually about 5 to 7 minutes. This step sets the foundation for your dish by building savory flavor and juicy texture in the chicken. After cooking, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Using the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and toss in your minced garlic. Garlic cooks very quickly, so sauté it just until fragrant—about a minute or so. This step is where the magic begins: the garlic permeates the butter, creating the rich and aromatic base for your Alfredo sauce.
Step 3: Combine and Cook the Veggies and Chicken
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add fresh spinach and broccoli florets into the mix. Stir everything gently until the spinach wilts and the broccoli turns tender but still vibrant green—this keeps the veggies fresh and crisp, balancing the creamy sauce beautifully. If you have pre-cooked pasta ready, this is a great time to toss it in so all components marry perfectly.
Step 4: Finish and Garnish
Now, your creamy garlic butter chicken Alfredo is nearly ready to serve! Plate the mixture while still hot, then generously sprinkle crispy bacon bits over the top. Finally, add a handful of freshly chopped parsley. These garnishes bring that final touch of crunch, smoky flavor, and vibrant color that will impress every guest at your table.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo with Crispy Bacon, Spinach & Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a good garnish! Crisp bacon bits add both texture and a smoky pop that cuts through the creamy sauce. A sprinkle of fresh parsley tastes like sunshine on your plate, adding herbaceous brightness and a beautiful green contrast to make your dish look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This dish stands boldly on its own, but pairing it with a light side can elevate your meal. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or a simple roasted vegetable medley works wonderfully to cleanse your palate. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is another fantastic option, perfect for mopping up every last delicious drop of that creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions or casual dinner parties, try serving your Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo with Crispy Bacon, Spinach & Broccoli Recipe in individual pasta bowls or deep plates. Garnish with a twist of lemon peel or shaved parmesan for a gourmet touch. You can also layer the pasta and chicken mixture in baking dishes topped with mozzarella cheese and broil briefly for a bubbly, golden finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The leftovers of your Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo with Crispy Bacon, Spinach & Broccoli Recipe will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure it cools to room temperature before refrigerating to preserve freshness and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to meal prep or save some for later, freeze the dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the texture of the broccoli might change slightly after freezing, but the overall flavor will remain stunning.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works too—just cover loosely to avoid drying out and reheat in short intervals.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is classic, feel free to swap in penne, linguine, or even gluten-free pasta depending on your preference. The creamy sauce will cling beautifully to any shape.
Is it possible to make this dish without bacon?
Yes, you can skip the crispy bacon if you prefer a lighter or vegetarian-leaning version. To keep the smoky flavor, consider adding smoked paprika or roasted mushrooms instead.
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Definitely. Shrimp or turkey strips can be delicious alternatives and pair wonderfully with the creamy garlic butter sauce.
How do I keep the broccoli vibrant and crisp?
Be sure to add the broccoli towards the end of cooking and avoid overcooking. Steaming or blanching briefly before adding also helps keep its bright color and crunch.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes! The dish reheats well and can be stored in portions for quick, delicious meals throughout the week. Just remember to reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
Once you try the Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo with Crispy Bacon, Spinach & Broccoli Recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to comfort meals. It’s rich but balanced, simple yet impressive, satisfying in every single bite. Give it a try for your next dinner and watch how quickly it becomes a family favorite.
Print
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 combines tender chicken breast strips with fresh spinach and broccoli in a rich garlic butter sauce. Tossed with fettuccine pasta and topped with crispy bacon bits and fresh parsley, this comforting dish is perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner that comes together quickly and easily.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables:
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into strips
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup broccoli florets
Sauce and Flavorings:
- 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 chicken strips and cook until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, approximately 1 minute, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Combine chicken and vegetables: Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet. Add the fresh spinach and broccoli florets, stirring until the vegetables become tender but still vibrant in color. If desired, toss in the cooked pasta at this stage to combine all components with the sauce.
- Serve and garnish: Serve the creamy garlic butter chicken Alfredo hot, topped with crispy bacon bits and garnished with fresh parsley for an added burst of flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor in the sauce.
- To save time, use pre-cooked bacon bits or prepare the bacon crispy in advance.
- You can substitute fettuccine with any pasta you prefer or have on hand.
- Make sure not to overcook the vegetables; they should remain tender yet slightly crisp.
- For a richer sauce, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
