in

Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta

Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta

Save this recipe on:

This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish—a dreamy combination of tender chicken, fresh broccoli florets, and fettuccine noodles tossed in a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce. It’s the kind of one-pan meal that satisfies both kids and adults, bringing restaurant-worthy flavor straight to your dinner table with minimal effort.

Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dinner or looking to impress guests, this dish checks all the boxes. Creamy, cheesy, and layered with texture, it balances richness with the freshness of green broccoli and seared chicken. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—and the leftovers (if you’re lucky to have any!) reheat beautifully the next day.


What Kind of Alfredo Sauce Should I Use?

A good Alfredo sauce is all about balance. You want something that’s creamy and garlicky without being too heavy. Homemade Alfredo made with butter, cream, garlic, and fresh Parmesan will always beat the jarred stuff. But if you’re in a pinch, a high-quality refrigerated Alfredo sauce will still make this dish shine. Just be sure to warm it gently so it doesn’t break or turn grainy.


Pin this Recipe

Ingredients for the Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta

  • Chicken Breasts – Thinly sliced and seared, the chicken adds protein and a savory flavor that anchors the entire dish.
  • Broccoli Florets – Fresh or frozen, broccoli adds color, nutrients, and a gentle crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creamy sauce.
  • Fettuccine Pasta – Long, wide noodles are perfect for holding onto that luscious Alfredo coating.
  • Heavy Cream – The backbone of the sauce, heavy cream delivers that rich, silky texture.
  • Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated is a must! It melts into the sauce, giving it that signature nutty depth.
  • Garlic – Minced garlic wakes up the sauce and deepens the savory flavor.
  • Butter – Adds a luxurious base and helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
  • Salt and Pepper – Simple seasoning that brings the whole dish together.
  • Olive Oil – Used for cooking the chicken and adding a subtle flavor boost.

How To Make the Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by slicing your chicken breasts into thin strips. Season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta and Broccoli

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add fettuccine and cook according to package instructions. In the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, toss in the broccoli florets to blanch them until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain both pasta and broccoli together and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Let it simmer gently for 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: Stir in the Parmesan

Reduce the heat to low and add freshly grated Parmesan cheese a little at a time, stirring until fully melted and smooth. Season with more salt and pepper to taste. Don’t rush this step—slow melting ensures a velvety sauce.

Step 5: Combine Everything Together

Add the cooked fettuccine, broccoli, and chicken into the sauce. Toss everything together until well coated. Let it heat for another 1-2 minutes so the flavors can marry.

Step 6: Serve with Extra Cheese

Serve hot, with a sprinkle of additional Parmesan on top. A twist of cracked black pepper and a side of garlic bread take this meal to the next level.


Best Ways to Serve and Store Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta

Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta is best enjoyed immediately while the sauce is silky and warm. Serve it with a side of crusty garlic bread or a light green salad to round out the richness. It also pairs beautifully with a glass of chilled white wine if you’re feeling fancy.

If you’re storing leftovers, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of cream or milk and warm it gently over low heat to bring back that creamy consistency. Avoid microwaving it at high power, as this can cause the sauce to separate.


Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this dish lighter?

You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce won’t be as rich. You can also reduce the amount of cheese slightly and use grilled chicken breast.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. Penne, linguine, or even spaghetti work well. Just keep in mind that wider noodles like fettuccine do a better job of holding onto the sauce.

Is it okay to use frozen broccoli?

Yes! Just thaw it first and pat it dry to prevent excess water from thinning the sauce.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the pasta fresh. Store components separately and combine just before serving.

What kind of cheese can I substitute for Parmesan?

Pecorino Romano is a great alternative—it has a similar salty, sharp bite. Avoid pre-shredded cheese as it doesn’t melt as well.

How do I keep the Alfredo sauce from clumping or separating?

Keep the heat low while adding the cheese and stir constantly. Don’t let the sauce boil once the cheese is added.


Want More Pasta Recipes with Comforting Flavor?

If you loved this Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta, you’re in for a treat with these other comforting pasta favorites:


Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest pasta board so you can find it when the craving hits again.

And I’d love to hear how yours turned out! Did you go classic or add a spicy kick? Maybe you swapped broccoli for spinach?

Share your creations, tag me, and let’s inspire more home-cooked magic.

Looking for more crave-worthy recipes like this? Follow me on Pinterest at Life with Jam where I share my favorite everyday recipes—easy, comforting, and always delicious.


Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta

Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta


  • Author: Jam Scott
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

A cozy, creamy pasta dish loaded with seared chicken, fresh broccoli, and fettuccine tossed in a rich homemade Alfredo sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, with leftovers that reheat like a dream.


Ingredients

2 large chicken breasts, thinly sliced

3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

12 oz fettuccine pasta

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 tablespoons butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 1/2 cups heavy cream

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper


Instructions

1. Slice chicken breasts into thin strips and season with salt and pepper.

2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken until golden and cooked through. Set aside.

3. Boil fettuccine in salted water according to package. Add broccoli in last 2–3 minutes. Drain both.

4. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.

5. Pour in heavy cream and simmer gently for 3–5 minutes.

6. Reduce heat and slowly stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

7. Return pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the skillet. Toss everything to coat in the sauce.

8. Heat for another 1–2 minutes, season to taste, and serve hot with extra Parmesan.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor.

Add a splash of cream when reheating to restore the creamy texture.

For extra richness, stir in a spoon of cream cheese or mascarpone.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Pasta
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 640
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 420mg
  • Fat: 35g
  • Saturated Fat: 20g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 125mg

Keywords: chicken Alfredo, broccoli pasta, creamy chicken pasta

Save this recipe on: