Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta
This dish is the ultimate creamy comfort food — tender pasta tossed in a velvety Alfredo sauce made with Parmesan, butter, and cream, mixed with juicy chicken and crisp-tender broccoli. It’s hearty and satisfying yet comes together in under an hour. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or when you’re craving something indulgent and cozy.
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Total: ~45 minutes
Servings:4–5 portions
Ingredients
For the pasta & chicken
12 oz (340 g) fettuccine or penne
1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the broccoli
3 cups broccoli florets
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
For Alfredo sauce
4 tbsp butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup milk
Salt & black pepper, to taste
¼ tsp nutmeg
To finish
Fresh parsley, chopped
Extra Parmesan, for serving
Instructions
Cook pasta
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
Cook broccoli
Steam or blanch broccoli for 3–4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Set aside.
Cook chicken
Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet, cook chicken until golden and cooked through (6–7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
Make Alfredo sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter.
Add garlic, saute 1 minute.
Stir in cream, simmer gently 3–4 minutes.
Add Parmesan and whisk until smooth and creamy.
Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
Combine everything
Add cooked pasta, chicken, and broccoli into the sauce.
Toss well, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until silky.
Serve
Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan.
Serve hot with garlic bread or salad.
Notes & Tips
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce (pre-grated can clump).
For extra creaminess, stir in 2 oz cream cheese.
Add mushrooms or spinach for more veggies.
Best eaten fresh — Alfredo sauce thickens when reheated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make it lighter?
Yes, use half-and-half or milk instead of cream and reduce butter.
Q: Can I make it ahead?
Not ideal, but leftovers can be stored for 2 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk.
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely — just add it at the end to warm through.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 610
Protein: 38 g
Carbs: 54 g
Fat: 28 g
Fiber: 4 g