Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta

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Craving something warm, comforting, and irresistibly creamy? This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta might be the dinner solution you didn’t know you needed. It combines golden-seared chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a silky, garlic-kissed Alfredo sauce tossed with fettuccine. Whether you’re cooking for guests or indulging in a quiet night in, this dish is simple to pull together but feels utterly luxurious.

Alfredo pasta on its own is already rich and velvety, but when you add lean, juicy strips of chicken and bright green broccoli florets, the whole meal becomes a hearty, balanced plate. Perfectly creamy without being too heavy, this pasta is a dinner table favorite for both weeknights and weekends.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To bring this creamy pasta to life, you don’t need a high-end kitchen, but a few key tools will make your experience smoother and more enjoyable:

• Large pot: For boiling your fettuccine to that perfect al dente texture.
• Large skillet or sauté pan: Crucial for searing the chicken to a golden finish and for cooking the Alfredo sauce.
• Tongs or pasta fork: Handy for mixing the pasta into the sauce without breaking the noodles.
• Sharp knife and cutting board: Essential for slicing chicken and chopping broccoli evenly.
• Whisk: Helps you create a smooth and lump-free Alfredo sauce.
• Colander: For draining pasta and quickly blanching the broccoli.

Each of these tools contributes to timing, texture, and flavor. A good sear on the chicken requires a wide, hot pan. A whisk brings the cream, Parmesan, and garlic together into a luscious sauce. The colander makes sure your broccoli stays vibrant and not mushy. Having these on hand sets you up for Alfredo success.

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Ingredients for the Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta

Every component of this dish brings something valuable to the plate—from flavor to texture and balance.

• Fettuccine pasta: Holds the creamy sauce beautifully thanks to its wide, flat shape.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Lean and protein-packed, they sear well and soak up flavor.
• Broccoli florets: Add color, nutrition, and a slight crunch to balance the creaminess.
• Heavy cream: The base of our Alfredo sauce—ultra-smooth and rich.
• Fresh garlic: Adds an aromatic depth that cuts through the richness.
• Parmesan cheese: Salty and nutty, it melts into the sauce, adding thickness and flavor.
• Butter: Gives the sauce its classic silkiness and rounds out the garlic.
• Salt & black pepper: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
• Olive oil: Helps sear the chicken to a golden crust.

Each of these ingredients plays a role. The cream and cheese combine for a lush sauce. Chicken and broccoli bring in heartiness and nutrients. Garlic and pepper elevate the entire dish with layered flavor.

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How To Make the Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta

Step 1: Sear and Slice the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until golden brown and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate, let rest, then slice into strips.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add fettuccine and cook until just shy of al dente. In the final 2 minutes of pasta cooking, toss in the broccoli florets. Drain together and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet used for chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes. Whisk in the Parmesan until smooth and silky.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Toss the drained pasta and broccoli into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Mix well to coat. Add chicken strips back on top. If needed, add a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Plate the pasta while hot. Garnish with more Parmesan and freshly cracked pepper. Serve with warm bread or a simple green salad.

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Best Way to Serve and Store Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta

Serve this dish hot, straight out of the skillet, when the Alfredo sauce is at its peak creaminess. Pair it with garlic bread or a fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a cozy dinner, a glass of white wine like Chardonnay complements the creamy, garlicky notes beautifully.

If you find yourself with leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream in a pan over medium heat and stir gently until warmed through. Microwaving is fine, but be sure to stir halfway to prevent separation.

This pasta isn’t ideal for freezing due to the cream-based sauce, which can break and become grainy upon thawing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What pasta shape works best for Alfredo sauce?

Fettuccine is traditional for Alfredo because its wide surface area holds creamy sauces well. However, penne or tagliatelle can also work.

Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Using leftover or rotisserie chicken can save time. Just slice it and warm it gently in the sauce before serving.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

If your Alfredo sauce is too thin, continue to simmer it gently or add more Parmesan. You can also use a tablespoon of cream cheese for extra body.

Is there a dairy-free version of this dish?

Absolutely. Use unsweetened almond or oat cream and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. Olive oil can replace butter, though flavor will vary.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, just be sure to thaw and pat it dry before adding it to the pasta. Otherwise, it may water down the sauce.

What’s the best way to avoid curdling the sauce?

Keep the heat on medium or lower when adding cream and cheese. High heat can cause separation. Stir consistently for a smooth finish.

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Want More Creamy Pasta Ideas?

If creamy, savory pasta recipes are your love language, I have a few more you should check out. The Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta is loaded with tender beef and a creamy tomato-based sauce. Or give the Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni a try—it’s rich, comforting, and comes together in one pot.

Another reader favorite is the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, offering a bold, spicy twist on classic Alfredo. If you’re into fast dinners, you might also enjoy the Best Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti that’s cheesy, easy, and kid-approved.

Each recipe builds on creamy textures and flavor-packed ingredients. You’ll find something new, whether you love heat, sausage, or simple oven-baked comfort.

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And if you try this Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta, let me know how it turned out for you. Did you switch up the pasta shape? Add mushrooms or red pepper flakes? Drop a comment below or connect with me on Pinterest @LadyPlate. I share my daily kitchen creations and love seeing yours too!

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