Pesto Chicken Alfredo with Spicy Feta Cream & Parmesan Broccoli Crunch

Pasta night just got a luxurious makeover. Pesto Chicken Alfredo with Spicy Feta Cream & Parmesan Broccoli Crunch is the kind of dish that feels like a gourmet secret you stumbled upon by accident. It layers comfort and complexity in a way that turns a regular evening into something memorable. Each forkful offers creamy alfredo with fresh basil pesto, juicy chicken, and a surprise zing from spicy feta cream, all finished with a roasted broccoli crunch that ties it all together.
This dish is for those moments when you want something familiar but also crave a twist. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking to impress guests, this Alfredo variation holds its own with rich flavor and eye-catching presentation. If you’re tired of the same old pasta recipes, this one will remind you why you love cooking in the first place.
Why You’ll Love This Pesto Chicken Alfredo with Spicy Feta Cream & Parmesan Broccoli Crunch
The magic of this recipe is how it balances decadence and freshness. The pesto cuts through the creamy Alfredo with herby brightness. The spicy feta adds just the right amount of heat, waking up your taste buds without overpowering. Roasting the broccoli with Parmesan brings a crispy, nutty texture that contrasts beautifully with the velvety sauce.
It’s a one-pan masterpiece that looks as good as it tastes. Even better, the ingredients are simple and accessible, yet the final dish tastes like it came from a high-end bistro. Perfect for weeknights when you want to treat yourself, or weekends when you want to show off a little.
What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?
For this recipe, boneless skinless chicken breasts work great for their lean texture and easy cooking. But don’t shy away from using boneless thighs if you want extra richness—they bring deeper flavor and stay juicier under heat. Either way, seasoning and searing the chicken well before adding it to the Alfredo makes all the difference. A golden crust on the outside locks in flavor and keeps the chicken tender through the creamy sauce finish.
Ingredients for the Pesto Chicken Alfredo with Spicy Feta Cream & Parmesan Broccoli Crunch
To bring this delicious dish to life, you only need a handful of thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building flavor, texture, and the wow factor of this pasta.
- Chicken breasts
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Fettuccine pasta
- Heavy cream
- Butter
- Parmesan cheese
- Basil pesto
- Feta cheese
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Fresh garlic
- Broccoli florets


How To Make the Pesto Chicken Alfredo with Spicy Feta Cream & Parmesan Broccoli Crunch
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear them in a hot skillet with olive oil until golden on both sides and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Roast the Broccoli
Toss broccoli florets with olive oil and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan. Roast at 425°F until they’re crispy and caramelized.
Step 3: Boil the Pasta
Cook fettuccine pasta according to package directions in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce
In a clean pan, melt butter and add minced garlic. Pour in heavy cream and simmer until slightly thickened. Stir in Parmesan and basil pesto, letting it melt into a rich, creamy sauce.
Step 5: Whip the Spicy Feta Cream
Blend feta cheese with a bit of olive oil and crushed red pepper flakes until smooth and creamy. This spicy spread will be dolloped over the dish right before serving.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Slice the chicken and add it to the Alfredo sauce along with the cooked pasta. Toss to coat everything evenly.
Step 7: Serve It Up
Plate the pasta, then top with roasted Parmesan broccoli. Add dollops of spicy feta cream for a final kick and serve warm.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
One common misstep is overcooking the chicken. Whether you’re using breasts or thighs, they cook quickly and can dry out fast if left on the heat too long. Always use medium-high heat and pull them off once the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Another frequent error lies in the Alfredo sauce. Boiling the cream or rushing the cheese melting process can lead to a grainy texture. Keep the heat moderate and stir gently when adding Parmesan.
Also, don’t skip the step of roasting the broccoli separately. It might seem like a shortcut to throw everything in one pan, but roasting ensures the crispy texture and nutty flavor that adds a perfect crunch to the final dish.
How to Serve and Store This Pasta Dish
This pasta is best served hot and fresh out of the pan, while the sauce is silky and the broccoli still crunchy. It feeds around four people generously, making it a perfect main for a small family dinner or a flavorful date-night meal.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
What to Serve With Pesto Chicken Alfredo with Spicy Feta Cream & Parmesan Broccoli Crunch?
Garlic Bread with Sea Salt Butter
The creamy sauce practically begs for something to mop it up, and a warm slice of garlic bread is just the ticket.
Lemon-Dressed Arugula Salad
A crisp, peppery salad with a citrus vinaigrette balances the richness of the Alfredo.
Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
The acidity of roasted tomatoes brightens each bite and adds beautiful color to your plate.
White Wine like Chardonnay
If you’re enjoying wine with your meal, a buttery Chardonnay pairs beautifully with the cream sauce.
Crispy Prosciutto Chips
Bake prosciutto until crispy and crumble on top of the pasta for an added savory crunch.
Grilled Zucchini Ribbons
Thinly sliced and grilled zucchini makes a light and elegant side that mirrors the green notes of the pesto.
Soft Dinner Rolls
Classic rolls bring comfort to the table and offer another great way to enjoy every drop of the sauce.
Want More Pasta Ideas with a Twist?
If you loved this creamy, flavor-packed pasta, here are more comforting and creative dishes to explore next:
• Try this Marry Me Chicken Pasta for a romantic twist on creamy chicken dinners.
• The Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts are perfect for weeknight indulgence with minimal effort.
• Get cozy with Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta for a bold and hearty bite.
• Our One-Pan Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta turns a classic comfort food into an easy, creamy pasta twist.
• Feeling cheesy? The Sausage Alfredo Ravioli Lasagna brings layers of indulgence in every bite.
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 feta for goat cheese? Add a squeeze of lemon on top? I’d love to hear how you made it your own.
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Nina Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!
Conclusion
Pesto Chicken Alfredo with Spicy Feta Cream & Parmesan Broccoli Crunch isn’t just another pasta dish. It’s the kind of meal that leaves you lingering at the table. It delivers richness, balance, and surprise all in one plate. With layers of flavor and texture, it satisfies every craving while looking like a chef-style creation.
When you need a meal that impresses without exhausting you, this one’s a keeper. Creamy, herby, a little spicy, and a lot satisfying—exactly what dinner should feel like.
Print
Pesto Chicken Alfredo with Spicy Feta Cream & Parmesan Broccoli Crunch
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Pesto Chicken Alfredo with Spicy Feta Cream & Parmesan Broccoli Crunch is a creamy pasta recipe loaded with basil pesto, juicy chicken, roasted Parmesan broccoli, and spicy feta dollops. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners or impressive weekend meals, it’s a high-protein comfort dish that blends classic alfredo with Mediterranean flair.
Ingredients
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
8 oz fettuccine pasta
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup basil pesto
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups broccoli florets
Instructions
1. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear in olive oil over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
2. Toss broccoli florets with olive oil and Parmesan, roast at 425°F until crisp and caramelized.
3. Cook fettuccine in salted water until al dente, drain and set aside.
4. In a clean pan, melt butter and cook minced garlic briefly. Add cream, simmer, then stir in Parmesan and pesto.
5. Blend feta with olive oil and red pepper flakes until smooth for the spicy cream.
6. Slice cooked chicken, return it to the Alfredo sauce with pasta, and toss gently.
7. Plate pasta, top with roasted broccoli, dollop spicy feta cream, and serve hot.
Notes
Use thighs instead of breasts for a juicier texture.
Roast broccoli separately to maintain its crunch.
Add a splash of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop & Roasting
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 46g
- Saturated Fat: 23g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 145mg