Rich, velvety, and ready in just 30 minutes
There’s something about a creamy bowl of Chicken Alfredo that feels like pure comfort. It’s indulgent, satisfying, and surprisingly simple to make at home. This Ultimate Creamy Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli combines tender golden chicken, perfectly cooked fettuccine, vibrant broccoli, and a silky Parmesan cream sauce that coats every bite.
Whether you’re cooking for date night, a cozy dinner for two, or just craving restaurant-quality pasta without leaving the house, this recipe delivers big flavor in just 30 minutes.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2
Calories: ~700 kcal per serving
Why I Love This Recipe
I’ve made countless pasta dishes over the years, but this creamy Chicken Alfredo with broccoli always hits the spot. It’s rich without being overwhelming, thanks to the fresh broccoli that balances out the sauce beautifully.
What makes this version special?
- It’s ready in under 30 minutes.
- It uses simple pantry ingredients.
- The broccoli adds freshness and color.
- It feels fancy but is incredibly easy.
If you love classic comfort food pasta dishes like my Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce or hearty layered meals like This Instant Pot Lasagna Is My Favorite Way to Make Comfort Food Fast, this Alfredo will definitely earn a spot in your regular rotation.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 200 g fettuccine or tagliatelle
- 1 tsp salt (for boiling water)
For the Chicken
- 250 g chicken breast, sliced into strips
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Alfredo Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 200 ml heavy cream
- 60 g Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup broccoli florets, lightly steamed
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt & pepper to taste
Ingredient Swaps & Notes
- Lighter Option: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a slightly lighter sauce.
- Pasta Swap: Penne, spaghetti, or even linguine work beautifully.
- Protein Variation: Try shrimp or grilled salmon instead of chicken.
- Extra Flavor: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds brightness and balances the richness.
- Cheese Tip: Always use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce. Pre-shredded varieties don’t melt as well.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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 instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken strips with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked through (about 5–7 minutes). Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Make the Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and let it gently simmer for 3–4 minutes. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and whisk until the sauce thickens and becomes silky smooth.
4. Combine Everything
Add the steamed broccoli and cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Top with the sliced chicken and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the garlic. It burns quickly and can turn bitter.
- Reserve pasta water. A splash can help loosen the sauce if needed.
- Use medium heat. High heat can cause the cream to separate.
- Season gradually. Parmesan adds saltiness, so taste before adding extra salt.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This Chicken Alfredo pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or garlic bread. For a refreshing drink alongside this rich dish, I love serving it with This Blueberry Lemonade Is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Days.
If you’re hosting dinner, start with an elegant appetizer like This Baked Brie Appetizer Is My Favorite Effortless Way to Impress Guests.
And for dessert? Something sweet and make-ahead friendly like These Pecan Pie Bars Are My Favorite Make-Ahead Holiday Dessert is the perfect finishing touch.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~700 kcal
- Protein: 45g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fat: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Calcium: High (thanks to Parmesan and cream)
Values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Storage & Leftover Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat.
- Add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to restore creaminess.
- Avoid microwaving on high power to prevent sauce separation.
While Alfredo is best fresh, it reheats surprisingly well when handled gently.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If creamy, comforting meals are your thing, be sure to check out:
- Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce
- This Instant Pot Lasagna Is My Favorite Way to Make Comfort Food Fast
Both are perfect for pasta night and guaranteed crowd-pleasers.
Final Thoughts
This Ultimate Creamy Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli is everything a comfort food dinner should be: creamy, satisfying, and incredibly easy to pull together. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but still includes wholesome ingredients like fresh broccoli and lean chicken.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment, share your tweaks, and don’t forget to follow along for more comforting, crave-worthy recipes.
Happy cooking!
— Jason Griffith
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