Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo

Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo is the perfect comfort food — creamy, rich, and satisfying, yet balanced with tender pieces of chicken and fresh broccoli florets. Originating from classic Italian Alfredo pasta, this version turns the beloved dish into a complete and hearty meal.

With juicy pan-seared chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, crisp-tender broccoli, and a velvety Parmesan cream sauce, every bite delivers warmth and indulgence.

Whether you’re cooking for weeknight dinner, a cozy family meal, or a restaurant-style dish at home, this Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo always impresses. It’s simple enough for beginners but elegant enough for entertaining.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it offers the perfect balance of comfort, flavor, and wholesome ingredients. The homemade Alfredo sauce is incredibly smooth and flavorful — far better than store-bought versions. The chicken adds protein and heartiness, while the broccoli brings freshness and nutrition, making this dish feel complete without needing extra sides.

It’s also a versatile recipe — you can customize the pasta shape, adjust the sauce thickness, or add extra vegetables or seasonings depending on your taste. Plus, it reheats well and makes great leftovers.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

✔ Restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes
✔ Family-friendly and kid-approved
✔ One-pan sauce and easy cleanup
✔ Creamy, cheesy, and absolutely comforting

If you want a satisfying meal that feels luxurious but is easy to make, this Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo is a must-try.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20–25 minutes
• Total Time: 35–40 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: ~620–680 calories per serving (varies by cheese amount & pasta type)
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 chicken breasts, sliced or cubed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika (optional)

For the Pasta & Broccoli:

• 300g (about 10 oz) fettuccine, penne, or any pasta
• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

For the Alfredo Sauce:

• 3 tbsp butter
• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ⅛ tsp nutmeg (optional but recommended)

Optional:

• Extra Parmesan for serving
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Red chili flakes

Cooking Directions Overview

1. Cook pasta and broccoli.
2. Season and cook chicken.
3. Make creamy Alfredo sauce.
4. Toss everything together and simmer.
5. Serve warm with extra cheese.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook Pasta and Broccoli

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions.
3. During the last 2 minutes, add broccoli to the boiling pasta.
4. Drain both together and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
4. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt butter.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
3. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Add Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg.
5. Stir until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thick.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken into the pan with Alfredo sauce.
2. Toss to coat evenly.
3. Simmer for 1–2 minutes to allow flavors to blend.

How to Serve

Serve warm and garnish with:

• Freshly grated Parmesan
• Chopped parsley
• A pinch of red chili flakes

Perfect paired with:

• Garlic bread
• Caesar salad
• Lemon iced tea or white wine

Recipe Tips

• Use freshly grated Parmesan, not packaged shredded cheese — it melts better.
• Don’t boil the Alfredo sauce too long — it can separate.
• Reserve pasta water to thin sauce if needed.
• Cook broccoli only until bright green for the best texture.

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta.
• Low-Carb: Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower florets.
• Spicy Alfredo: Add cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes.
• Cheesy Alfredo: Mix Parmesan with mozzarella or Romano for deeper flavor.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and add mushrooms or spinach.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container up to 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months (sauce may thicken, but reheats well with added cream or broth).
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of milk or stock.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot for pasta
• Deep skillet or saucepan
• Pasta tongs or spatula
• Cheese grater

FAQ

1. Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner — add 1 tbsp flour to help thicken.

2. Can I make this ahead?
Yes — assemble fully and refrigerate. Reheat with added cream.

3. What pasta works best?
Fettuccine, linguine, penne, or rigatoni hold sauce very well.

Conclusion

Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo is the perfect combination of comfort and elegance — hearty enough for family dinners yet impressive enough for guests. With creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and fresh broccoli wrapped around perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy cravings every time. Simple, delicious, and full of flavor — it’s a recipe worth making again and again.