Name: Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts, sliced into strips; Salt & pepper (optional); 2 tbsp olive oil or butter; 3 cups broccoli florets; 8 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 1/2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 tsp black pepper; Optional: pinch of nutmeg or red pepper flakes; Fresh parsley for garnish

This Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo is a creamy, comforting pasta dish that perfectly balances tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich Parmesan sauce. It’s easy to make and comes together quickly, making it a fantastic choice for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 chicken breasts, sliced into strips

Salt & pepper (optional)

2 tbsp olive oil or butter

3 cups broccoli florets

8 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 1/2 cups heavy cream

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 tsp black pepper

Optional: pinch of nutmeg or red pepper flakes

Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions

Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions. Add the broccoli florets during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking. Drain the pasta and broccoli together, then set aside.

Cook chicken: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper if desired. Cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Make Alfredo sauce: In the same skillet, add a bit more butter if needed and sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.

Add cheese: Stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with black pepper and add the optional nutmeg or red pepper flakes if you like a little extra flavor. Let the sauce simmer until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.

Combine everything: Return the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat well with the Alfredo sauce.

Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 3 to 4 people. The total preparation and cooking time is about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick yet indulgent meal.

Variations

For a lighter version, I sometimes substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich.

You can swap out broccoli for other vegetables like asparagus, peas, or spinach.

If I want to add a bit more flavor, I sometimes toss in sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms.

Using different pasta shapes like penne or linguine works well too.

For a spicy kick, adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper is my go-to.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. I avoid microwaving because it can sometimes cause the sauce to separate.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works fine. Just add it to the pasta during the last few minutes of cooking as you would fresh broccoli.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

I sometimes use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce, but the texture will be less creamy. For a dairy-free option, coconut milk can work but will alter the flavor.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can cook the chicken and pasta in advance and reheat everything together with the sauce. However, it tastes best when served fresh.

How do I prevent the Alfredo sauce from separating?

Make sure to simmer the sauce gently and avoid boiling it. Stir frequently and add cheese gradually to ensure smoothness.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Skip the chicken and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to make a delicious vegetarian Alfredo.

Conclusion

I find this Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo to be a perfect blend of creamy, savory, and fresh flavors that satisfy every time. It’s straightforward enough for a busy weeknight but elegant enough to serve guests. I hope it becomes a staple in my kitchen and yours!

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