Name: Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 8 ounces fettuccine; 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts; 2 broccoli crowns (approximately 11 ounces, cut into florets and finely chopped); 1/4 cup unsalted butter (divided); 3/4 teaspoons kosher salt (divided); 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

If you’re craving a rich, comforting meal that comes together quickly, you’re going to love this Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe. It’s one of those dishes I turn to when I want something cozy but still on the lighter side—because that finely chopped broccoli sneaks in some good veggies without stealing the spotlight from the indulgent, creamy sauce. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a go-to for your weeknight dinners or whenever you want to impress with minimal fuss.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in about 40 minutes, perfect for busy nights when you want something homemade fast.
Veggie-Boosted: Finely chopped broccoli gets cooked right into the sauce, adding flavor and a nutrient boost without any mushiness.
Creamy Comfort: The rich Alfredo sauce made with butter, cream, and Parmesan melts beautifully into the fettuccine for that indulgent bite.
Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this one—I’ve lost count of how many times it’s landed on our dinner table.

A white deep plate holds a serving of pasta with creamy sauce. The pasta is light yellow and twisted around itself in two layers, mixed with white pieces of chicken and sprinkled with bright green chopped herbs and grated cheese. A silver fork is placed partly in the pasta, resting in the bowl. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with a grey cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo, easy chicken and broccoli pasta, quick weeknight dinner, homemade Alfredo sauce, healthy creamy pasta

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe plays an important role—simple pantry staples come together to create a restaurant-worthy dish. I always recommend fresh broccoli and real Parmesan for the best taste.

Flat lay of fresh uncooked fettuccine pasta nestled in a simple white ceramic bowl, two plump boneless skinless chicken breasts resting nearby, a small pile of coarse kosher salt crystals, freshly ground black peppercorns scattered lightly, two vibrant green broccoli crowns with some florets separated and finely chopped, a few cloves of peeled garlic finely chopped in a tiny white ceramic bowl, a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy heavy cream, a neat mound of grated Parmesan cheese on a white ceramic plate, and a small white ceramic bowl holding a portion of unsalted butter, all arranged symmetrically with balanced spacing, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo, easy chicken and broccoli pasta, quick weeknight dinner, homemade Alfredo sauce, healthy creamy pasta

Fettuccine: The classic pasta choice because its flat shape holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
Unsalted butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the seasoning perfectly as the sauce develops.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Sliced and seasoned before cooking to keep them juicy and flavorful.
Kosher salt & black pepper: Simple seasonings make all the difference in bringing out the chicken’s natural flavor.
Broccoli crowns: Finely chopped so they soften quickly and blend into the sauce, adding subtle texture and earthiness.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses the sauce with that irresistible aroma and depth.
Heavy cream: The base of the Alfredo sauce, making it luxuriously creamy and smooth.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is key—it melts evenly and adds a sharp, nutty richness.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how adaptable this Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe is. You can easily tweak it to suit your taste or dietary goals—plus it’s a fun base to get creative with.

Swap the Chicken for Shrimp: I’ve tried this with shrimp a few times, and it’s just as fantastic—cook them quickly in the pan and add them right at the end for a seafood twist.
Use Gluten-Free Pasta: I used gluten-free fettuccine once when my friend came over, and it worked perfectly without sacrificing creaminess or texture.
Add Red Pepper Flakes: For a little zing, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the sauce—my family enjoys the slight kick.
Make it Lighter: Substitute half of the heavy cream with whole milk and reduce butter slightly for a lighter take that still tastes indulgent.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Fettuccine Perfectly

Start by boiling your fettuccine according to the package instructions. I like to add a good pinch of salt to the water which seasons the pasta as it cooks. This is a simple step that really enhances flavor. When it’s al dente, drain but save a bit of the pasta water—you might need it to loosen the sauce later if it gets too thick. Setting the pasta aside, it’s time to focus on the chicken.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Slice your chicken breasts in half horizontally to get thinner pieces; this helps them cook evenly and faster. Season with half a teaspoon of kosher salt and all of the black pepper—simple seasoning lets the chicken’s flavor shine. Melt one tablespoon of butter over medium heat in a large pan, then sear the chicken for about 4 minutes each side, until beautifully golden and cooked through. Transfer them to a cutting board and let them rest while you make the sauce—this keeps the juices locked in.

Step 3: Cook the Broccoli and Garlic in Butter

In the same pan, melt the remaining butter. Add the finely chopped broccoli and garlic, sautéing gently for about 5 minutes. This step softens the broccoli just right and lets the garlic infuse its flavor all through the butter. You’ll notice the kitchen start to smell amazing right here—I always savor this moment.

Step 4: Build and Simmer the Alfredo Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and bring it up to a gentle simmer. Then add the Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into a silky sauce. Keep it at a light simmer for about 5 minutes, so the sauce thickens just enough to coat your pasta nicely without becoming gluey. This simmer is where the flavors really come together—be patient and stir occasionally for that smooth texture.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

While the sauce is simmering, slice your chicken into bite-sized pieces. Add them back into the pan along with the cooked fettuccine. Stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in that luscious sauce and the broccoli is well-distributed. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it. Serve immediately, because this dish shines when it’s fresh and warm.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe

Butter Timing: I discovered this trick when I sautéed the broccoli and garlic separately in butter before adding cream—it deepens the flavor way more than tossing everything together at once.
Don’t Overcook Chicken: Cooking the chicken just until golden and no longer pink inside keeps it juicy and tender, which pairs best with the creamy sauce.
Cheese Quality Matters: Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoothly—pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.
Thickness Control: If your sauce thickens too much as it sits, gently warm it up and stir in a splash of pasta water to loosen it back up.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with a pasta dish placed on a gray cloth over a white marbled surface. The pasta, likely fettuccine, is light yellow and mixed with small pieces of light-colored chicken. The dish is topped with finely chopped green herbs, which add a fresh touch. A metal fork is standing upright in the pasta, leaning on the edge of the bowl. The dish looks creamy with a slightly rough texture from the herbs, and the overall presentation is simple and appetizing. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo, easy chicken and broccoli pasta, quick weeknight dinner, homemade Alfredo sauce, healthy creamy pasta

Garnishes

I usually top this creamy chicken broccoli Alfredo with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper. Sometimes I add a few chopped fresh parsley leaves for a burst of color and freshness—it’s a small touch that really makes a difference visually and taste-wise!

Side Dishes

This dish is a meal on its own, but I love pairing it with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread to sop up that luscious sauce. Roasted cherry tomatoes also add a nice tang and a pop of color on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I sometimes serve this Alfredo pasta in individual ramekins topped with grilled lemon wedges and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. It looks elegant without extra effort, and guests love the bright lemon contrast with the creamy sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep my leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated and usually they last for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it chills, so it’s normal if it looks a bit dense when cold.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe a couple of times when I needed to plan ahead. It freezes well in portioned containers, but the texture softens slightly when thawed. If you do freeze it, I recommend reheating gently on the stove rather than the microwave for the best sauce consistency.

Reheating

When reheating leftovers, add a splash of milk or cream and warm gently over low heat while stirring. This helps the sauce regain its creamy texture without drying out or separating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but I recommend thawing and draining it well to avoid excess water in the sauce. Also, chop it finely if it’s in larger pieces so it blends smoothly into the Alfredo sauce.
What pasta works best for Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe?

Fettuccine is traditional and holds the sauce beautifully, but you can also use linguine, tagliatelle, or even penne if you prefer. Just pick a pasta shape that can catch the sauce in its grooves or folds.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You could substitute dairy-free butter and use a plant-based cream alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream, and a dairy-free Parmesan substitute. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will be different but still enjoyable.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The creamy sauce and tender chicken are usually a hit with kids. If your little ones aren’t big on broccoli, finely chopping it helps keep it less noticeable but still nutritious.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe turns out every time—it’s creamy, comforting, and packed with just the right balance of veggies and protein. When I first tried adding the finely chopped broccoli directly into the sauce, I was blown away by how seamlessly it blends in without overpowering the dish. If you want a meal that feels indulgent but is still easy enough for a weeknight, give this one a shot. I promise your family (and your taste buds) will thank you!