Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that brings together tender chunks of chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, crisp broccoli, and a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce. This dish feels like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for cozy dinners at home or casual gatherings with friends. Every bite bursts with flavor, from the buttery garlic undertones to the subtle sharpness of Parmesan cheese, making it a pasta dish that earns rave reviews from everyone at the table.

What makes this pasta dish so special is how effortlessly it balances indulgence and freshness. The creamy Alfredo sauce clings to each strand of fettuccine while the broccoli adds a fresh crunch that cuts through the richness. It’s a one-pan wonder that feels gourmet but comes together quickly enough for a weeknight dinner. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or seasoned food lovers, this pasta is always a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta

This dish delivers everything you want in a satisfying meal: it’s hearty, comforting, and packed with protein and vegetables. The creaminess of the sauce is luxurious without being too heavy, and it pairs beautifully with the tender chicken and bright green broccoli. Plus, it’s versatile enough to allow for personal twists—swap in different veggies or even try it with shrimp for a seafood spin. It also makes fantastic leftovers that reheat beautifully.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Fettuccine is the classic choice for Alfredo sauce, and for good reason. Its wide, flat noodles hold onto the creamy sauce like a dream. However, you can use penne, rigatoni, or even rotini if you want a bit more texture in each bite. Just be sure to cook your pasta al dente so it holds up well once mixed with the sauce and other ingredients. If you’re going gluten-free, there are plenty of great pasta alternatives that work beautifully too.

Ingredients for the Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta

This pasta dish calls for a combination of everyday kitchen staples and a few fresh ingredients to bring out its bold, creamy character. Each component is essential in creating the signature richness and flavor that defines Alfredo-style comfort food.

• Fettuccine pasta: It provides the perfect surface to catch all that creamy Alfredo sauce.
• Chicken breast: Adds a lean, protein-packed heartiness that makes this a filling main dish.
• Broccoli florets: Brings freshness and color, while adding a nice textural contrast to the creamy elements.
• Butter: Used to sauté the garlic and build the sauce’s rich base.
• Garlic: Infuses the dish with a warm, savory aroma and depth of flavor.
• Heavy cream: The backbone of the Alfredo sauce, offering that signature velvety texture.
• Parmesan cheese: Melts into the cream to give it a nutty, salty boost.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
• Olive oil: Used to cook the chicken and help keep it juicy.
• Pasta water: Reserved to thin out the sauce if needed and help it cling to the pasta.

How To Make the Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil the fettuccine in salted water according to the package instructions. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining, and set the pasta aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and let rest before slicing into strips.

Step 3: Steam the Broccoli

In the same boiling pot used for pasta, quickly blanch the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes until bright green and just tender. Drain and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat and add minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream, bring to a gentle simmer, and slowly whisk in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and broccoli into the sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Season to taste with more salt and pepper if desired.

Step 6: Serve

Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan or a sprinkle of fresh herbs if you like a little extra flair.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

One of the most common pitfalls in making Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta is overcooking either the chicken or the pasta. Chicken that’s too dry loses its tender bite, while overcooked pasta turns mushy and can’t hold the sauce properly. Make sure you time everything with care and don’t forget to salt your pasta water—it’s the first step to great flavor.

Another misstep is rushing the sauce. Alfredo sauce needs gentle heat and patience. High heat can cause the cream to curdle or the cheese to turn grainy. Also, avoid using pre-shredded Parmesan, which often contains anti-caking agents that can affect how smoothly the cheese melts.

How to Serve and Store This Pasta Dish

Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta is best served hot right out of the pan, when the sauce is at its peak creaminess and the ingredients are perfectly coated. This recipe feeds 4 generous portions, making it perfect for a family meal or entertaining a few guests.

If you have leftovers, let the pasta cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce and warm gently over medium-low heat to preserve the creamy texture.

What to Serve With Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta?

Garlic Bread

A golden, crispy slice of garlic bread is the perfect sidekick to soak up every bit of Alfredo sauce.

Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine, tangy Caesar dressing, and crunchy croutons offer a fresh contrast to the creamy pasta.

Roasted Vegetables

A mix of carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini adds color and earthy depth to your meal.

Bruschetta

Tomatoes and basil on toasted baguette slices give a bright, acidic pop that complements the richness.

Caprese Skewers

Layer fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil for a light and elegant starter.

Lemon Asparagus

The citrusy zing of lemon pairs beautifully with the Alfredo’s creamy base.

Spinach and Strawberry Salad

Sweet and tangy with a balsamic glaze, this salad adds an unexpected twist.

Antipasto Platter

Cured meats, olives, and marinated veggies can turn this into an Italian-style feast.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you’re a fan of creamy comfort food like this Alfredo pasta, you might fall in love with these other irresistible options from Nina Dishes:

• Try the crowd-pleasing Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini in Parmesan Sauce for a rich twist on Alfredo with extra garlic depth.
• Go rustic with One Pot Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta, combining cozy flavors in a single skillet.
• For a more savory edge, check out Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta that’s loaded with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes.
• Can’t get enough cheese? The Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach brings seafood to the table with a luscious sauce.
• If you’re looking for something ultra-simple, Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti delivers full flavor with minimal effort.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you swap the broccoli for spinach? Add mushrooms or spice? I love hearing how each of you put your own spin on it. And if you have any questions along the way, don’t hesitate to ask.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and more recipes on [Nina Dishes on Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/ninadishes

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?