Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Few dishes capture the essence of comfort food like a rich, creamy Alfredo pasta. Add tender slices of juicy chicken, vibrant green broccoli, and perfectly cooked fettuccine, and you’ve got a meal that feels indulgent yet balanced. This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta is a classic Italian-American dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your own kitchen with just a handful of simple ingredients.

What makes this recipe special is its balance. The Alfredo sauce is made from scratch with heavy cream, garlic, butter, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The chicken adds satisfying protein, while the broccoli lightens things up with freshness and a pop of color. Together, it’s a comforting dish you can whip up on a weeknight yet elegant enough to serve for guests.

This pasta bake is perfect for:

• Cozy family dinners.
• A romantic date-night meal at home.
• Celebrations where hearty, shareable dishes are a must.
• Meal prep, since leftovers reheat beautifully.

If you’ve ever ordered Chicken Alfredo at a restaurant and thought, “I wish I could make this at home,” this recipe is your golden ticket.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich, Creamy Sauce: Made from scratch with heavy cream, butter, garlic, and Parmesan.
• Nutritious Balance: Includes protein-rich chicken and fiber-packed broccoli.
• Restaurant-Quality Flavor: Tastes indulgent but uses simple ingredients.
• Customizable: Works with different pastas, veggies, or proteins.
• Kid-Friendly: Creamy pasta + cheesy sauce = guaranteed smiles.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes, start to finish.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe serves 4 people generously.

For the Pasta & Chicken

• 12 oz fettuccine pasta – Wide, flat noodles that cling to creamy sauce beautifully.
• 2 large chicken breasts, thinly sliced – Cutting them thin ensures quick, even cooking.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – For searing the chicken and preventing sticking.

For the Alfredo Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter – A rich base for the sauce.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth.
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream – Creates the luxurious creaminess Alfredo is known for.
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – Sharp, nutty flavor that melts into the sauce.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavors.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Balances the richness with a touch of heat.

For the Veggie Component

• 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen) – Adds freshness, texture, and a pop of green.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large pot (for boiling pasta and broccoli)
• Large skillet (for chicken and sauce)
• Colander (for draining pasta)
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Cheese grater (for Parmesan)
• Sharp knife & cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta & Broccoli

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add fettuccine pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
3. In the last 2–3 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets to the boiling pasta water.
4. Drain pasta and broccoli together. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season chicken slices lightly with salt and pepper.
3. Sear chicken in the hot skillet for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.
4. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in heavy cream, whisking constantly.
4. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.
5. Stir in grated Parmesan gradually, whisking until melted and smooth.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Bring Everything Together

1. Add drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce.
2. Toss gently until coated.
3. Slice cooked chicken and add on top, stirring lightly to incorporate.

Step 5: Serve & Garnish

• Plate the pasta while warm.
• Garnish with extra Parmesan or a sprinkle of parsley if desired.
• Serve immediately for the best creamy texture.

Tips & Variations

• Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute fettuccine with gluten-free pasta.
• Extra Protein: Add shrimp, salmon, or even crispy bacon.
• More Veggies: Toss in spinach, peas, zucchini, or mushrooms.
• Spicy Kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add Cajun seasoning to the chicken.
• Cheese Swap: Try Pecorino Romano for a sharper, saltier flavor.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

This dish is creamy, garlicky, cheesy, and deeply satisfying. The broccoli adds freshness that cuts through the richness, while the chicken provides savory balance.

Perfect pairings:

• Drinks: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or sparkling water with lime.
• Sides: Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted asparagus.

Nutritional Overview (Per Serving, Approx.)

• Calories: ~640
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fat: 32g
• Fiber: 4g

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Prep Ahead: Slice chicken, chop broccoli, and grate Parmesan up to 24 hours in advance.
• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm on the stove over low heat with a splash of cream or milk.
• Freezing: Not ideal (cream sauce can separate), but you can freeze the cooked chicken and broccoli separately.

FAQs

Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken?
A: Yes, shred rotisserie chicken and stir it in during the last step.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time for guests?
A: Yes, prepare the sauce and chicken in advance, then cook pasta fresh and combine just before serving.

Q: Can I substitute milk for heavy cream?
A: You can, but the sauce will be thinner. For best results, use half-and-half as a middle ground.

Q: How do I keep the sauce from clumping?
A: Add Parmesan gradually, whisking continuously, and keep the heat low.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Task	Time
Prep	Slice, mince, grate	10 min
Cook Pasta & Broccoli	Boil & drain	12 min
Cook Chicken	Sear until golden	10 min
Make Sauce	Cream + Parmesan	8 min
Combine	Toss everything	5 min
Serve	Garnish & plate	2 min

Total: ~45 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Serve in a large pasta bowl for family-style dining.
• Garnish with extra Parmesan curls or a drizzle of olive oil.
• Add a wedge of lemon on the side for brightness.

Recipe Variations

1. Shrimp Broccoli Alfredo Pasta – Replace chicken with shrimp.
2. Mushroom Alfredo Pasta – Add sautéed mushrooms for earthy depth.
3. Pesto Alfredo Pasta – Stir a spoonful of pesto into the sauce.
4. Baked Chicken Alfredo Pasta – Transfer to a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and bake until bubbly.

Ingredient Spotlight

Broccoli:
Packed with vitamins C and K, broccoli adds nutrition and texture. Use fresh for crispness or frozen for convenience.

Parmesan Cheese:
Freshly grated Parmesan is key. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Salt your pasta water generously—it should taste like the sea.
• Don’t overcook broccoli; blanching in the pasta water keeps it bright and crisp.
• Keep Alfredo sauce on low heat to prevent curdling.
• Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining to thin the sauce if needed.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Fridge: Store leftovers in airtight containers for 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk.
• Freezer: Not recommended due to cream-based sauce, but chicken and broccoli can be frozen separately.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~640
Protein	38g
Carbs	52g
Fat	32g
Fiber	4g
Sodium	520mg

Dietary Notes: Nut-free. Adaptable to gluten-free diets with GF pasta.

Expanded Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta brings together everything we love about a hearty pasta dish creamy sauce, tender chicken, and nutritious broccoli all tossed with fettuccine for a meal that satisfies every craving.

It’s a timeless recipe you’ll want to make again and again, whether it’s for a quick weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat. With easy-to-find ingredients and a foolproof cooking method, this dish proves that restaurant-quality pasta can be made at home in under an hour.

Give this recipe a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new family favorite. When you do, share your variations and pairings I’d love to hear how you made it your own.

Happy cooking and buon appetito!

Print