Tuesday, October 27, 2026

Chicken Broccoli Alfredo over Linguini

I’ve been known to take shortcuts when it comes to cooking. When I have time and I’m in the mood to take that time and spend it in the kitchen making from scratch recipes, I do it. But there are times I am so busy running in different directions and I just don’t have the time. So I add store bought ingredients and make it all taste homemade. Nothing wrong with that.

For example: This creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo over Linguini brings you tender broccoli, crispy chicken, and a rich sauce in under 30 minutes. You say, how can that be? We’re talkin’ frozen chicken nuggets, frozen broccoli florets, pasta and a jar of rich and creamy Alfredo with Garlic sauce. And what do you get? A dish that tastes like one of Olive Garden’s chef specialties!

Chicken Broccoli Alfredo over Linguini

1 small bag frozen broccoli florets

2 cups Tyson fresh cooked or frozen breaded chicken nuggets

1- 9 ounce bag of fresh linguini or fettucine

1 jar of Bertoli Garlic Alfredo sauce

¼ cup Parmesan cheese

Lemon juice

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook for about for 2 minutes or until al dente. Drain very well and put pot back on the stove with heat off.

Place frozen broccoli in air fryer basket and roast at 400°F for 10 minutes. Remove and add to the pot of pasta.

Cook frozen chicken nuggets in air fryer at 400°F for 12 minutes. Set aside. Drain on paper towels and then add to the broccoli and pasta.

Add the jar of sauce to the pasta, broccoli and chicken and toss well to coat everything.

Serve on a platter or large bowl and finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of lemon juice. Add a little black pepper or red pepper flakes for heat if you want. Sprinkle with fresh parsley.

NOTES:

Chicken: Feel free to swap frozen chicken with fresh raw cubed chicken breasts or thighs. Salt and pepper them and add them to a large non-stick skillet with olive oil. Fry until golden brown and crispy. If using refrigerated nuggets that are not frozen, air fry for only 5 minutes.

Broccoli: I use a bag of frozen broccoli however; you can buy a head of broccoli and cut the florets off. Toss them in olive oil, salt and a teaspoon of garlic powder and roast them until tender.

Pasta: Any favorite pasta works just fine! I like fresh but you can buy dried pasta in a box and follow package directions.

Parmesan Alfredo Sauce: I use Bertolini Alfredo sauce for all my recipes that I want to make in a hurry. It is as close to homemade alfredo sauce as you can get. Creamy and rich and delicious and a real time saver. However, if you want to make your own, see my easy recipe for homemade Alredo Sauce on the blog.