Description
Looking for a quick dinner idea that’s rich, creamy, and packed with protein and veggies? This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta is a comfort food favorite that comes together in under 30 minutes! Juicy chicken, fresh broccoli, and tender pasta are tossed in a velvety homemade Alfredo sauce made with Parmesan and cream. It’s the perfect easy dinner for busy nights, loved by adults and kids alike. Whether you’re after healthy meal prep ideas, cozy weeknight food ideas, or simply a filling family dinner, this recipe covers it all.
Ingredients
12 oz fettuccine pasta
2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
2 cups broccoli florets
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
½ cup reserved pasta water
Optional: Fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, extra Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add fettuccine and cook until al dente. During the last 2 minutes, add broccoli florets. Drain and reserve ½ cup pasta water.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Lower the heat to medium. Add butter to the same pan, then sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly.
5. Slowly add grated Parmesan while whisking until melted and smooth. Add reserved pasta water if needed to adjust the sauce’s thickness.
6. Return cooked chicken and broccoli to the pan, followed by the drained pasta. Toss to coat everything evenly with the sauce.
7. Let it warm through for 1–2 minutes.
8. Serve hot with optional garnishes like parsley, red pepper flakes, or more cheese.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother, melt-in-your-mouth sauce.
Don’t skip the pasta water—it brings everything together and improves sauce texture.
Reheat leftovers gently with a splash of milk or water to revive the creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
Keywords: creamy pasta, chicken alfredo, easy dinner, broccoli pasta, quick pasta recipe