If you’re craving a comforting, indulgent pasta dinner that’s surprisingly quick to pull together, you’re in the right place. This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe is exactly what I reach for when I want something hearty and delicious, but without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and luscious homemade Alfredo sauce tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine is pure magic. Trust me—you’re going to want to keep this recipe in your go-to list!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Balanced Meal: Combines protein, veggies, and carbs all in one satisfying dish.
- Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this creamy, comforting pasta every time.
- Customizable: Easy to tweak with your favorite veggies or protein swaps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to create a rich, silky sauce that clings beautifully to the fettuccine, while the chicken and broccoli add heartiness and freshness. When shopping, I like to pick a fresh head of broccoli and good-quality Parmesan cheese—that really makes a difference in flavor.
- Fettuccine pasta: The noodles hold onto the creamy sauce wonderfully.
- Broccoli: Adds a lovely crunch and color; fresh is best but frozen works in a pinch.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Easy to cook evenly and soak up the sauce.
- Butter: Gives the sauce that rich, buttery depth everyone loves.
- Garlic: Fresh grated or minced garlic infuses the sauce with savory aroma.
- Heavy cream: The secret to that smooth, velvety texture.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds the perfect cheesy tang; freshly grated is ideal.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing to build great flavor layers.
- Salt + pepper: To season everything perfectly.
Variations
I love how versatile this Creamy Chicken Broccoli Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe is—you can easily make it your own depending on what you have on hand or dietary needs. Here are a few ways I like to switch it up:
- Using shrimp instead of chicken: If you’re craving seafood, this swap cooks quickly and tastes fantastic with Alfredo sauce.
- Adding mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes: I throw these in when I want an extra layer of umami and color.
- Using half-and-half instead of heavy cream: For a lighter sauce, half-and-half works but expect it to be less thick.
- Gluten-free pasta: Great option if you need a gluten-free meal, just adjust the cooking time as per package instructions.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Broccoli Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Broccoli to Perfection
Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your chopped broccoli, seasoning it lightly with salt and pepper. Cook uncovered for about 4 minutes until the florets turn a vibrant green. Then add about 1/4 cup of water and let it steam uncovered until the water evaporates and the broccoli becomes crisp-tender—this keeps it bright and lively instead of mushy. Transfer the broccoli to a bowl and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare Your Pasta
While the broccoli cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your fettuccine according to the package instructions. Don’t forget to reserve about a cup of the pasta water before draining—this starchy water helps thin and bind your Alfredo sauce perfectly.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken Until Golden
In the same skillet you cooked your broccoli (no need to dirty another pan!), heat another tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cubes in an even layer, seasoning with salt and pepper. Let them cook without moving for a few minutes to get that golden crust, then stir and continue cooking until the chicken is cooked through—about 5-7 minutes total. Transfer the chicken to your bowl with the broccoli.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Alfredo Sauce
Lower the heat slightly and add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the grated garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—definitely don’t let it burn! Pour in the heavy cream and use a spatula to scrape up any tasty brown bits stuck to the pan. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce just begins to bubble. Turn the heat down to low to keep everything warm without curdling the cream.
Step 5: Combine Everything and Serve
Add the drained fettuccine into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce and toss well to coat each noodle beautifully. Then fold in the cooked chicken and broccoli, mixing gently. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of that reserved pasta water little by little until you reach the perfect saucy consistency. Serve this warm, topped with extra Parmesan for a finishing touch.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken Broccoli Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
- Keep the Broccoli Crisp-Tender: Adding a splash of water to steam the broccoli helps it cook evenly without turning mushy, keeping that fresh texture.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese won’t melt as smoothly and can make the sauce grainy—fresh is the way to go.
- Reserve Pasta Water: This salty, starchy water is liquid gold for adjusting sauce consistency while adding extra flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Cook until just done to keep it juicy and tender in the final dish, avoiding dryness.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Broccoli Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
Garnishes
I like to finish this dish with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a little cracked black pepper. Sometimes, I add chopped fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and bright flavor—it makes the dish look as good as it tastes!
Side Dishes
This creamy pasta is pretty hearty, so I usually serve it with a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some garlic bread to mop up every last bit of sauce. Roasted cherry tomatoes are also a lovely, light accompaniment that balances the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to plate the fettuccine in neat nests, topped with a sprig of fresh herbs and a shaving of Parmesan. Serving it family-style in a big, rustic bowl also creates a cozy, inviting vibe for casual dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers store wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. I find the sauce thickens quite a bit overnight, but don’t worry—that’s easy to fix when reheating.
Freezing
I personally don’t recommend freezing this dish because the cream sauce can separate and become grainy upon thawing. If you must freeze, freeze the components separately (sauce and pasta) and reheat gently with some added cream or milk.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of heavy cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently until heated through, which helps bring back that silky texture and prevents the sauce from breaking.
FAQs
-
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works well if fresh isn’t available—just thaw and drain it before cooking to avoid excess moisture that can thin your sauce.
-
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream cheese. Just remember that the sauce won’t be quite as thick and rich.
-
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, try using coconut cream and a vegan Parmesan substitute. You’ll also want to cook the chicken and broccoli in olive oil instead of butter.
-
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook and store the chicken and broccoli separately in the fridge and quickly make the sauce and pasta when you’re ready to eat.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that feels fancy but comes together quickly enough for a weeknight. I love how the sauce clings to every strand of pasta and how the broccoli adds just the right amount of freshness. When I first made this, my family was hooked immediately, requesting it again and again. I’m excited for you to give it a try—you’ll find it’s an easy way to elevate your pasta dinner game with minimal fuss but maximum flavor.
Print
Creamy Chicken Broccoli Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Quick & Easy Fettuccine Chicken Broccoli Alfredo is a creamy, delicious pasta dish combining tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and rich homemade Alfredo sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that brings together protein, vegetables, and comforting flavors that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 1 pound fettuccine pasta
- 2 heads broccoli, chopped (about 3-4 cups)
- Salt, to season water and vegetables
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Chicken
- 24 ounces boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1″ cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, grated or finely minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large cast iron or other skillet over medium-high heat. Add broccoli, season with salt and pepper, and cook uncovered for 4 minutes until bright green. Add 1/4 cup water and continue cooking uncovered until water evaporates and broccoli is crisp-tender. Remove broccoli and transfer to a medium bowl.
- Cook Pasta: Add the fettuccine to the boiling salted water and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
- Cook Chicken: In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken in an even layer, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to the bowl with broccoli.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and scrape the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits. Add grated Parmesan cheese and cook until melted and just starting to bubble, then reduce heat to low.
- Toss Pasta and Combine: Add the drained fettuccine to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat the noodles well. Stir in the cooked chicken and broccoli. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
- Serve: Serve the broccoli chicken Alfredo warm, topped with extra grated Parmesan cheese for garnish.
Notes
- This creamy dish balances pasta, protein, and veggies all in one meal, making it a nutritious and satisfying dinner option.
- The recipe takes about 30 minutes total, perfect for quick weeknight meals.
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs if preferred, but cooking times may vary slightly.
- For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce thickness easily and ensure the sauce clings beautifully to the noodles.
- Garlic can be adjusted or omitted based on taste preferences.
- For extra flavor, add freshly cracked black pepper or a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 1092 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 52 g
- Saturated Fat: 30 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 90.8 g
- Fiber: 4.9 g
- Protein: 63.9 g
- Cholesterol: 190 mg