Looking for the perfect comfort food that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy alfredo sauce? This chicken broccoli alfredo recipe brings restaurant quality right to your home kitchen. In just 30 minutes, you'll have a rich, satisfying pasta dish that's perfect for both family dinners and special occasions. The combination of perfectly cooked fettuccine, juicy chicken breast, and crisp-tender broccoli all wrapped in a homemade alfredo sauce will make this your new go-to pasta recipe.
Why You'll Love This Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe
This chicken and broccoli alfredo recipe stands out for its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The homemade alfredo sauce is rich and velvety without being heavy, while the broccoli adds a fresh element and beautiful color contrast. It's an excellent way to incorporate vegetables into a pasta dish that even picky eaters will enjoy. Plus, it's versatile enough to serve year-round and makes fantastic leftovers for lunch the next day.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Storage and Reheating
- Equipment For Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe
- The Unexpected Inspiration Behind My Chicken Broccoli Alfredo
- FAQ
- Why This Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Will Be Your New Favorite
- Related
- Pairing
- Easy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe
Ingredients
the Chicken and Pasta:
- Fettuccine pasta
- Chicken breasts (about 1 pound), cut into bite-sized pieces
- Fresh broccoli florets
- Olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Italian seasoning
the Alfredo Sauce:
- Butter (1 stick)
- Garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
- White pepper
- Nutmeg (optional)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Prep the Ingredients
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil for the pasta
- Cut chicken breasts into even, bite-sized pieces
- Wash and cut broccoli into similar-sized florets
- Mince garlic and grate Parmesan cheese if not already prepared
Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
- Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning
- Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside
Cook Pasta and Broccoli
- Add fettuccine to boiling water and cook according to package directions
- During the last 3-4 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets to the pasta water
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining
- Drain pasta and broccoli in a colander
Make the Alfredo Sauce
- In the same skillet used for chicken, melt butter over medium heat
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer
- Gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth
- Season with white pepper, nutmeg (if using), and salt to taste
- If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time
Combine and Serve
- Add cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet with alfredo sauce
- Return chicken to the skillet
- Toss everything together until well combined and heated through
- Serve immediately with extra grated Parmesan and fresh black pepper
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Make it lighter by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream
- Substitute whole wheat pasta for added fiber
- Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time
- Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce's creamy texture. Heat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating.
Equipment For Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe
- Large pasta pot
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Colander
- Cheese grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
The Unexpected Inspiration Behind My Chicken Broccoli Alfredo
I never planned on perfecting a Chicken Broccoli Alfredo recipe—it kind of found me. It all started on a night when everything seemed to go wrong. I had planned a fancy dinner, but after a long, exhausting day, I barely had the energy to cook. Staring into my fridge, I saw leftover chicken, a bag of fresh broccoli, and a half-used block of Parmesan. With little expectation, I threw them together with some pasta, hoping for something edible.
But what happened next was magic—each bite was creamy, comforting, and full of rich flavor, like a dish straight from an Italian restaurant. That night, I realized that great recipes aren’t just about ingredients—they’re about moments. This Chicken Broccoli Alfredo isn’t just a meal; it’s a reminder that sometimes, the best flavors come from the most unexpected places.
FAQ
Is broccoli good in chicken alfredo?
Absolutely! Broccoli adds a fresh, slightly crisp contrast to the rich, creamy Alfredo sauce, making it a perfect addition to Chicken Broccoli Alfredo. Its mild flavor pairs well with the garlicky, cheesy sauce while adding a boost of vitamins and fiber. Plus, it brings a pop of color to the dish!
Can you put frozen broccoli in alfredo sauce?
Yes, frozen broccoli works great in Chicken Broccoli Alfredo! Just add it to the pasta water during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, or steam it separately before mixing it into the sauce. This keeps it from becoming too mushy while still blending beautifully with the creamy Alfredo flavors.
What can I add to chicken alfredo to make it taste better?
To elevate Chicken Broccoli Alfredo, try adding sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy kick, mushrooms for umami depth, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil add brightness, while a splash of lemon juice can balance the richness of the Alfredo sauce.
What vegetables go with chicken alfredo sauce?
Besides broccoli, many veggies complement Chicken Broccoli Alfredo beautifully. Mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, asparagus, and peas all pair well with the creamy sauce. Roasted cherry tomatoes or caramelized onions can add a hint of sweetness, while zucchini or kale offer extra texture and nutrients. Experiment to find your favorite combination!
Why This Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Will Be Your New Favorite
There’s something truly special about a dish that brings comfort, ease, and indulgence all in one bite. This Chicken Broccoli Alfredo isn’t just another pasta recipe—it’s a restaurant-worthy meal that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. The creamy, garlicky Alfredo sauce perfectly coats every strand of fettuccine, while the tender chicken and vibrant broccoli add the ideal balance of flavor and texture.
If you love the combination of pasta and veggies, you’ll also want to try this Broccoli Pasta—a lighter, equally delicious way to enjoy a veggie-packed meal. And for those nights when you’re craving ultra-comforting, saucy goodness, my Smothered Chicken is a must-try.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this Chicken Broccoli Alfredo is sure to become a regular on your table. Try it once, and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe
Easy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe
Equipment
- Large pasta pot
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Colander
- Cheese grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
the Chicken and Pasta:
- 1 lb fettuccine pasta
- 2 large chicken breasts Cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
the Alfredo Sauce:
- ½ cup butter 1 stick
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups Parmesan cheese freshly grated
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg optional
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Cook fettuccine according to package directions. Add broccoli during last 3-4 minutes.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook in olive oil over medium-high heat until golden (5-7 minutes).
- Remove chicken. In same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic (1-2 minutes).
- Add cream, bring to simmer. Stir in Parmesan until smooth.
- Season with white pepper, nutmeg, and salt.
- Combine sauce with pasta, broccoli, and chicken.
- Serve hot with extra Parmesan.
Leave a Reply