Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta

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There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of creamy pasta, and this Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta hits every note just right. Juicy seared chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and silky alfredo sauce come together to create a dish that feels both indulgent and nourishing. The richness of the parmesan-cream sauce clings to every strand of fettuccine, while the vibrant green broccoli adds color, crunch, and freshness to each bite.

It’s a weeknight dinner that feels like something you’d order at a restaurant, yet it’s surprisingly simple to make at home. Whether you’re feeding the family or treating yourself to a cozy solo meal, this recipe brings warmth and flavor to your table with just a handful of pantry staples. And let’s be real—few things are as satisfying as forkfuls of pasta wrapped in velvety sauce with perfectly seasoned chicken.

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta

• Quick but restaurant-quality: Ready in about 30 minutes, it tastes like something from a fancy Italian bistro.
• Balanced and filling: With protein-rich chicken, fibrous broccoli, and carbs from the pasta, it’s a complete and satisfying meal.
• Great for picky eaters: The creamy, cheesy flavor wins over kids and adults alike.
• Customizable: Swap out broccoli for peas, or use shrimp instead of chicken—this dish is as versatile as it is tasty.
• Leftovers reheat beautifully: The sauce stays creamy and delicious even the next day.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment + Their Importance)

To make the Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta come together smoothly, having the right tools on hand is key. While the ingredients are straightforward, the right equipment ensures that each component cooks evenly and efficiently.

• Large pot for boiling pasta – You’ll need a spacious pot to give the fettuccine room to cook evenly and prevent sticking.
• Deep sauté pan or skillet – This is essential for searing the chicken, sautéing the garlic, and building the alfredo sauce. A deep pan also allows space to toss everything together without spills.
• Tongs or pasta fork – These help when transferring pasta and tossing it into the sauce.
• Colander or strainer – For draining the pasta and quickly blanching or steaming the broccoli.
• Sharp chef’s knife & cutting board – To efficiently prep the chicken and broccoli.
• Measuring cups and spoons – Accurate measurements are crucial for balancing the creamy sauce.
• Whisk – This helps blend the cream and cheese into a smooth, lump-free sauce.

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Preparation Tips

• Salt your pasta water generously—like the sea! It’s your first chance to season the pasta itself.
• Cut the chicken into evenly sized strips so they cook at the same rate and stay juicy.
• Use fresh broccoli for best texture. If using frozen, don’t overcook—it can become mushy.
• Sear the chicken on medium-high heat to get a beautiful golden crust and lock in flavor.
• Reserve a bit of pasta water before draining. It helps loosen the sauce if it gets too thick.
• Warm the cream slightly before adding it to the pan to prevent curdling when combined with hot ingredients.
• Grate your own Parmesan rather than using pre-shredded. It melts better and gives the sauce a smoother texture.
• Combine pasta and sauce quickly off-heat to help everything bind without overcooking.

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Ingredients for This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta

This recipe keeps things simple yet satisfying, using everyday ingredients to create a rich and flavorful dish. Here’s what you’ll need to serve about 4 people:

• Fettuccine pasta – 12 oz (or any pasta of your choice)
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – 2 medium, sliced into strips
• Broccoli florets – 2 cups, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Heavy cream – 1 ½ cups, for that classic Alfredo richness
• Parmesan cheese – 1 cup, freshly grated
• Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
• Butter – 2 tablespoons
• Olive oil – 1 tablespoon, for searing the chicken
• Salt and black pepper – to taste
• Italian seasoning (optional) – ½ teaspoon, for added flavor depth
• Pasta water (reserved) – ½ cup, as needed to loosen the sauce

Optional garnish: Fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, or extra Parmesan for topping

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Step 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. About 1-2 minutes before the pasta is done, toss in the broccoli florets to blanch them. Drain everything, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water for later.

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Step 2: Sear the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the sliced chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

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Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Make the Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Melt the butter, then add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and whisk to combine, bringing it to a gentle simmer.

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Step 4: Add Parmesan and Stir

Slowly stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep whisking until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

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Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken and drained broccoli to the pan with the Alfredo sauce. Toss in the drained pasta and gently mix everything together until evenly coated with the creamy sauce. Warm through for 1–2 minutes.

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Step 6: Serve

Serve immediately while hot. Garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, or red pepper flakes if desired.

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Notes

• Use high-quality Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano melts better and gives the sauce a smoother, more authentic taste than pre-shredded versions.
• Balance cream and cheese: Too much cheese can cause the sauce to clump, while too little makes it too runny. Stick to the ratios provided for that perfect silky consistency.
• Blanch, don’t overcook, the broccoli: Adding it to the boiling pasta water for just a minute or two keeps it vibrant and crisp—not mushy.
• Let the chicken rest before slicing: Give it a few minutes after cooking so the juices stay inside, keeping the meat tender and flavorful.
• Taste and adjust: Parmesan is salty, so always taste the sauce before adding more salt.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Boiling the sauce: Bringing the cream to a rolling boil can cause it to separate. Keep it at a gentle simmer instead.
• Adding cheese too quickly: Dumping all the Parmesan at once can lead to a lumpy sauce. Stir it in gradually for a smooth finish.
• Overcooking the pasta: Since it will continue cooking slightly when tossed with the hot sauce, aim for al dente.
• Skipping the pasta water: This starchy liquid helps bind the sauce to the pasta and is a game-changer for texture.
• Crowding the skillet when searing chicken: Doing so can steam the chicken instead of giving it that beautiful golden crust. Cook in batches if needed.
• Not seasoning the pasta water: If your water isn’t salty enough, your whole dish may taste under-seasoned.
• Using pre-cooked chicken: While convenient, it can dry out when reheated in the sauce. Freshly cooked chicken gives the best flavor and texture.
• Cooking broccoli too early: Broccoli added too soon can lose its color and turn soft. Add it in the last 1–2 minutes of pasta cooking.

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What to Serve With Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta?

While this pasta dish stands strong on its own, pairing it with the right sides can elevate your meal into something truly memorable. Whether you’re going for light and fresh or indulgent and hearty, there’s a side dish to match the creamy richness of this Alfredo.

8 Recommendations

1. Garlic Bread

Crispy on the edges, buttery and soft in the center—perfect for soaking up every last bit of Alfredo sauce.

2. Caesar Salad

A classic pairing. The tangy dressing, crunchy croutons, and crisp romaine provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.

3. Roasted Vegetables

Think carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini lightly seasoned and roasted for color and earthy flavor.

4. Caprese Salad

Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil with a drizzle of balsamic reduction—light, vibrant, and great as a starter.

5. Steamed Asparagus with Lemon Zest

A healthy green side with just enough acidity to balance the richness of the sauce.

6. Bruschetta

Toasted baguette slices topped with tomatoes, garlic, and basil bring brightness and a bit of crunch.

7. Crispy Chicken Tenders (for kids or big appetites)

Double down on the protein for a heartier spread—especially popular with families.

8. Chilled White Wine (or Sparkling Water with Lemon)

Pairing with a glass of chilled Chardonnay or a citrusy sparkling water enhances the meal’s elegance.

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Storage Instructions

One of the best things about Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta is how well it holds up as leftovers—when stored properly.

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Microwaving is okay, but use 50% power and stir halfway through to prevent drying out.
• Freezing: Not recommended. Cream-based sauces tend to separate and become grainy when thawed. For best quality, enjoy fresh or within a few days.
• Make-Ahead Tip: You can prep the chicken and broccoli ahead of time, then cook the pasta and sauce fresh for quicker assembly.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – based on 4 servings)

• Calories: ~720 kcal
• Protein: 42g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Total Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 21g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 155mg
• Sodium: 620mg
• Sugar: 4g
• Serving Size: About 1 ½ cups
• Diet: Omnivore
• Category: Dinner / Main Course

Note: These values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredient brands or portion sizes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

You can, but it won’t be as rich or creamy. If substituting, use whole milk and add a tablespoon of flour or cream cheese to help thicken the sauce.

2. What pasta shapes work best besides fettuccine?

Linguine, penne, or rigatoni also work well. Choose shapes that hold sauce, especially ones with ridges or curves.

3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just skip the chicken and double up on the broccoli—or add mushrooms, spinach, or roasted cauliflower for extra flavor and texture.

4. Is there a dairy-free alternative for the Alfredo sauce?

Yes. Use full-fat coconut milk or a cashew cream base with nutritional yeast to mimic the richness and cheesiness of traditional Alfredo.

5. How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Keep the heat low and avoid boiling the cream. Also, add the cheese slowly off the heat to ensure it melts smoothly.

6. Can I prepare this in advance for meal prep?

Yes! It stores well for a few days. Keep the pasta and sauce together, and reheat gently with a splash of liquid for best results.

7. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying them out?

Reheat over low heat on the stovetop with a little milk, pasta water, or broth to rehydrate the sauce. Stir constantly for a smooth texture.

8. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking it from scratch?

Yes, it’s a great time-saver. Just add it to the pan after the sauce is ready and warm it through before tossing with the pasta.

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Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta brings together the cozy charm of comfort food with a touch of elegance—all in under an hour. It’s a meal that feels like a treat, yet it’s easy enough for a weeknight and flexible enough to suit different tastes or dietary needs.

Whether you’re after a quick dinner idea, a hearty family favorite, or just something creamy and soul-satisfying, this dish is sure to hit the spot. Once you master the sauce and timing, it’ll quickly earn a permanent spot in your rotation.

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