Chicken Broccoli Alfredo is a comfort food classic that brings together tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and rich, creamy Alfredo sauce in one delicious dish. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to prepare at home. Whether you’re using fresh chicken breast or leftover rotisserie chicken, this pasta dish is a go-to for busy weeknights and special dinners alike.
This recipe balances flavor and texture beautifully, juicy chicken, perfectly steamed broccoli, and pasta coated in a smooth, garlicky Parmesan Alfredo sauce. It’s family-friendly, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. If you’re craving a cozy meal that comes together in under an hour, this Chicken Broccoli Alfredo is the answer.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chicken Broccoli Alfredo is creamy, flavorful, and quick to make. It uses simple ingredients and delivers rich comfort in every bite. You’ll love how tender the chicken is, how perfectly the broccoli balances the creaminess, and how easily it all comes together in one dish. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a cozy family meal, this recipe is always a hit.
Ingredients
For the Alfredo Sauce:
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Chicken and Broccoli:
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and pepper, to season chicken
• 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or thawed if frozen)
For the Pasta:
• 12 ounces Penne or pasta of choice
• ½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed to thin the sauce)
Optional Garnish:
• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
Step 2: Sauté the chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Steam or boil the broccoli
Add the broccoli to the same skillet with a splash of water. Cover and cook for 3–4 minutes until just tender. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
Step 4: Make the Alfredo sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and milk, bringing it to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Melt in the cheese
Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water.
Step 6: Combine everything
Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything together gently until well coated and warmed through.
Step 7: Serve hot
Plate immediately and garnish with extra Parmesan or chopped parsley if desired. Serve with garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Pro Tips and Variations
Pro Tips:
• Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Freshly grated cheese creates a silkier, richer Alfredo sauce.
• Reserve pasta water: Don’t forget to save some pasta water before draining—it helps thin out and bind the sauce beautifully.
• Don’t overcook the broccoli: Slightly crisp-tender broccoli adds texture and color. Overcooked broccoli turns mushy and loses its vibrant green color.
• Let the chicken rest: After cooking the chicken, let it rest for a couple of minutes before slicing. This helps retain its juices and keeps it tender.
• Warm the milk and cream: Adding cold dairy to the pan can cause the sauce to separate. Letting them come to room temperature before cooking helps maintain a smooth consistency.
Variations:
• Spinach Alfredo: Stir in a handful of fresh baby spinach with the broccoli for added nutrients and color.
• Mushroom lovers’ twist: Add sautéed mushrooms for a savory, umami-rich boost.
• Low-carb option: Swap the pasta with spiralized zucchini or cooked spaghetti squash for a lighter, gluten-free version.
• Spicy Alfredo: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to give the sauce a gentle kick.
• Cheese swap: Mix in a bit of mozzarella or cream cheese with the Parmesan for an extra creamy and stretchy texture.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo is a filling, flavorful main dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, here are a few delicious ideas to round out the meal:
• Classic garlic bread: Serve thick slices of toasted garlic bread or buttery breadsticks to soak up the creamy Alfredo sauce.
• Simple green salad: A crisp salad with romaine, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
• Roasted vegetables: Try oven-roasted asparagus, carrots, or Brussels sprouts for an easy and colorful side.
• Lemon wedges: A light squeeze of fresh lemon over the finished dish can brighten the flavors and cut through the creaminess.
• Parmesan topping: Add extra grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning on top before serving for more depth of flavor.
Easy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Your Family Will Love
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into strips
- 2 cups broccoli florets fresh or frozen
- 8 ounces fettuccine
Alfredo Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 1/4 teaspoon salt to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Add broccoli to the skillet with a splash of water. Cover and steam for 3–4 minutes until tender. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Let simmer until thickened, 3–5 minutes.
- Return the chicken and broccoli to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything to coat evenly with the sauce.
- Serve hot with extra parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Calories: 610
- Total Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
- Sodium: 570mg
- Potassium: 720mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 39g
- Vitamin A: 15% DV
- Vitamin C: 60% DV
Conclusion
Easy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo is a comforting, creamy pasta dish that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re using fresh or leftover chicken, this recipe is a go-to for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. The combination of tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and rich Alfredo sauce over pasta creates a satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy.
With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can have a restaurant-worthy dinner on the table in under 40 minutes. Customize it with your favorite veggies, cheeses, or herbs to make it your own. Once you try it, this dish is sure to become a regular on your meal rotation.
FAQs
What to add to chicken Alfredo to make it taste better?
You can add garlic, onion powder, fresh parsley, or a dash of nutmeg to enhance the depth of flavor. A sprinkle of parmesan cheese or a squeeze of lemon juice also adds brightness.
What can I add to Alfredo sauce?
Add-ins like sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or roasted red peppers add texture and taste. For extra richness, stir in a touch of cream cheese or grated mozzarella.
Can I add milk to Alfredo sauce?
Yes, you can add milk to thin out Alfredo sauce or make it lighter. Whole milk works best for creaminess, but low-fat milk is a lighter option.
Can mozzarella cheese be used in Alfredo sauce?
Absolutely. Mozzarella melts well and gives the sauce a stretchy, cheesy texture. Use it along with parmesan for a smoother and more flavorful result.
Can you put spinach in chicken Alfredo?
Yes! Fresh or frozen spinach works well in chicken Alfredo. Add it toward the end of cooking so it wilts into the sauce without getting mushy.
