Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor this Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and rich Alfredo sauce for the ultimate comfort food. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta

When it comes to comfort food, Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta is the ultimate classic — rich, creamy, and irresistibly satisfying. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked broccoli, and al dente pasta are tossed together in a silky Alfredo sauce made from butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese.

It’s one of those recipes that looks like it came straight from a restaurant kitchen, yet it’s surprisingly easy to make at home. In just 30 minutes, you can have a wholesome, homemade meal that’s perfect for family dinners, date nights, or meal prepping for the week.

This dish offers the best of both worlds — indulgent creaminess and a touch of freshness from the broccoli, making every bite balanced and flavorful.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

8 oz (225 g) fettuccine pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon salt

For the Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)

For the Broccoli:

2 cups fresh broccoli florets
½ teaspoon salt

For the Alfredo Sauce:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper
⅛ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for depth)

Optional Garnish:

Extra Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped
A squeeze of lemon juice

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and drizzle pasta with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

Pro Tip: Keeping a little pasta water helps loosen the Alfredo sauce later if it becomes too thick.

Step 2: Steam or Blanch the Broccoli

While the pasta is cooking:

In a separate pot, bring water to a boil with a pinch of salt.
Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2–3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
Drain and set aside.

Alternative: You can steam the broccoli in a covered bowl in the microwave with 2 tablespoons of water for 2 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Pro Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure the chicken browns nicely.

Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter.
Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in heavy cream and milk, bringing it to a gentle simmer (do not boil).
Gradually whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.

Note: If the sauce feels too thick, add a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and broccoli to the skillet with Alfredo sauce.
Toss everything together gently, coating the pasta evenly with the sauce.
Simmer for another 1–2 minutes to allow flavors to blend beautifully.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.

Pair it with garlic bread, a light salad, or even a glass of white wine for the perfect Italian-inspired dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes.
Rich & Creamy: Classic Alfredo sauce made with real butter, cream, and cheese.
Balanced: Broccoli adds color, texture, and nutrition.
Protein-Packed: Tender chicken keeps you full and satisfied.
Restaurant-Quality: Elegant enough for guests but simple enough for weeknights.

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta pairs perfectly with:

Garlic Bread: The best side for soaking up leftover sauce.
Caesar Salad: Crunchy, tangy, and refreshing.
White Wine: Try Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy sauce.
Lemon Water or Sparkling Soda: To balance the richness of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Tips

To Store:

Let leftovers cool completely.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To Reheat:

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce.
Avoid microwaving for too long — it can make the sauce oily.

To Freeze:

Freeze only the chicken and sauce mixture (without pasta) for up to 1 month.
Reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta for best results.

Variations and Add-Ins

Make your Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta unique with these delicious twists:

Shrimp Alfredo Pasta: Replace chicken with shrimp for a seafood version.
Bacon Broccoli Alfredo: Add crispy bacon bits for a smoky flavor.
Spicy Alfredo: Mix in a pinch of red chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
Veggie Lovers’ Version: Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
Lighter Option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and add a squeeze of lemon.

Pro Tips for Perfect Alfredo Pasta

Use Fresh Parmesan Cheese: Pre-grated versions don’t melt well and can make the sauce grainy.
Avoid Overcooking Broccoli: Keep it bright green and slightly crisp for best texture.
Don’t Boil the Sauce: Simmer gently to prevent curdling.
Toss Immediately: Combine pasta with sauce right away so it absorbs flavor.
Serve Fresh: Alfredo sauce thickens as it cools — enjoy it immediately for the creamiest texture.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: 620 kcal
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Protein: 38 g
Fat: 32 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sodium: 780 mg

(Values vary based on ingredients and portion size.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?
Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just add it to the sauce and heat through before mixing with pasta.

Q2: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your Parmesan cheese and seasonings are gluten-free.

Q3: Can I substitute milk for heavy cream?
You can use whole milk or half-and-half, but the sauce will be slightly thinner. To thicken it, add an extra tablespoon of Parmesan cheese.

Q4: How can I make this dairy-free?
Use plant-based cream (like oat or cashew) and vegan cheese. Coconut cream works well too for a creamy texture.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta is everything a comfort meal should be — creamy, rich, and full of flavor. The combination of juicy chicken, tender broccoli, and velvety sauce makes it a true family favorite.

It’s a one-pan masterpiece that delivers restaurant-quality taste in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal-prepping for the week, or cooking a romantic dinner at home, this pasta never disappoints.

Once you’ve tried this homemade Alfredo sauce, you’ll never want to go back to jarred versions again — it’s that good. Simple, delicious, and always comforting — this pasta dish is pure perfection in every bite.

Chicken broccoli alfredo pasta