Easy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo – Creamy, Cozy & Ready in No Time
If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner as comforting as it is tasty but can be prepared in less than an hour, Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo is your champion. This simple recipe mixes tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and rich creamy Alfredo sauce—all with pasta in one pan. It’s a family favorite that’s kid-approved, weeknight-worthy, and ideal for meal prep.
Let’s dive into this no-frills classic that is restaurant food without leaving your own kitchen.
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless chicken breasts : 2, sliced thin
Olive oil : 2 tablespoons
Garlic cloves, minced : 3
Broccoli florets : 2 cups
Fettuccine or penne pasta : 8 oz (½ lb)
Chicken broth : 2 cups
Heavy cream : 1 cup
Grated Parmesan cheese : ¾ cup
Butter : 2 tablespoons
Salt and pepper : To taste
Red pepper flakes (optional) : ¼ teaspoon
Italian seasoning : 1 teaspoon
How to Prepare Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo 1. Sauté Chicken
Heat olive oil in big skillet over medium heat.
Season with salt and pepper.
Add to skillet and cook until cooked through and browned (6–7 minutes).
Reserve.
2. Make the Alfredo Base
Melt butter in same skillet and sauté garlic for 1 minute.
Add chicken broth and bring to a boil.
Add Italian seasoning and heavy cream. Stir.
3. Add the Pasta
Add dry pasta to pan.
Simmer, open, 8–10 minutes, stirring now and then until pasta is al dente.
4. Add Broccoli
Add broccoli florets in final 4 minutes of cooking the pasta.
Steam in sauce until tender and green emerald color.
5. Add Cheese & Chicken
Add Parmesan cheese and cooked chicken.
Toss until creamy and mixed well.
Add pepper, red pepper flakes, and salt to taste as needed.
Variations to Try
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute with gluten-free pasta and see that sauces are additive-free.Extra Veggies: Add spinach, mushrooms, or peas for extra nutrition.Light Version: Replace half-and-half or Greek yogurt with heavy cream.Cheese Boost: Add a sprinkle of mozzarella or Romano for extra richness.
Nutrition (Per Serving Approx.) What to Serve with Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo
What to Serve with Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo
Garlic Bread – Perfect for dipping in creamy sauce.Caesar Salad – A crunchy, cooling contrast to decadent pasta.Roasted Veggies – Bring even more fiber and color to your plate.White Wine – Opt for a Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio.
Storage & Reheating Tips Refrigerator Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer Not ideal (cream sauce may separate), but can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Add a splash of cream or broth and heat in skillet or microwave until warm.
Pro Tips for the Best Alfredo
Fresh Parmesan melts best – Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as well.Don’t overcook the broccoli – Add it last to keep it green and tender-crisp.Use a deep skillet or sauté pan – Makes tossing everything easier.
Final Thoughts Old-School Simple Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo never fades. It’s rich, creamy, comforting, and abysmally simple to prepare on any weeknight. With some prep and ingredients, this one-pan wonder will be your weeknight staple.
Yearning to feel fancy about cooking a restaurant-quality pasta in your own kitchen? This is your recipe.
