Pesto Chicken Alfredo with Spicy Feta Cream & Parmesan Broccoli Crunch

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Craving something that combines creamy comfort with vibrant, herbaceous flavor? What if you could have silky pasta, succulent chicken, and crunchy broccoli all wrapped up in one bold, indulgent dish?

Pesto Chicken Alfredo with Spicy Feta Cream & Parmesan Broccoli Crunch is your next pasta obsession. The tender grilled chicken is seasoned to perfection, the pasta is swirled in a spicy feta-kissed Alfredo, and the broccoli adds that craveable roasted crunch. It’s the kind of dinner that hits all the right notes: creamy, spicy, fresh, and deeply satisfying.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To create this restaurant-worthy meal at home, here are the essential tools you’ll need and why they matter:

• Nonstick skillet or grill pan: For searing the chicken and achieving that gorgeous golden crust.
• Large pot: Essential for boiling the pasta to a perfect al dente.
• Blender or food processor: To whip the spicy feta cream to a smooth and luxurious consistency.
• Baking sheet: For roasting the broccoli to crispy-edged perfection.
• Colander: So you can drain your pasta quickly without losing heat or texture.
• Microplane or fine grater: Perfect for finely grating fresh Parmesan over the hot broccoli just before serving.

Having the right equipment ensures your textures are right and your timing is seamless—no soggy broccoli or overcooked chicken here.

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Ingredients for the Pesto Chicken Alfredo with Spicy Feta Cream & Parmesan Broccoli Crunch

• Chicken breast: Boneless and skinless for quick cooking and clean slicing. It’s the protein foundation.
• Fettuccine pasta: A wide noodle that holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Pesto sauce: Adds herbaceous brightness and depth to the Alfredo base.
• Heavy cream: Essential for that rich, luscious Alfredo texture.
• Feta cheese: Crumbled and blended into the cream sauce for a spicy, tangy twist.
• Red pepper flakes: Brings heat to balance the richness.
• Garlic cloves: Adds aromatic depth to both the chicken and the sauce.
• Broccoli florets: Roasted for a tender-crisp bite and flavor contrast.
• Olive oil: Used for both roasting and searing.
• Parmesan cheese: Grated fresh over the broccoli for that final savory crunch.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, tying all components together.

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How To Make the Pesto Chicken Alfredo with Spicy Feta Cream & Parmesan Broccoli Crunch

Step 1: Roast the Broccoli

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 18-20 minutes until crisp-tender with golden edges.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Sear in a hot grill pan with olive oil for 5-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked. Let it rest before slicing.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Boil the fettuccine in salted water until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.

Step 4: Make the Spicy Feta Alfredo Sauce

In a blender, combine feta cheese, heavy cream, pesto, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and a clove of garlic. Blend until smooth. Heat the sauce in a skillet, adjusting thickness with reserved pasta water.

Step 5: Combine and Assemble

Toss the cooked pasta in the warm spicy feta Alfredo sauce. Plate with sliced grilled chicken on top and roasted broccoli on the side. Sprinkle Parmesan generously over the broccoli.

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How to Serve and Store Pesto Chicken Alfredo with Spicy Feta Cream & Parmesan Broccoli Crunch

Serve this dish while it’s piping hot. The best presentation is in shallow bowls or plates, swirling the pasta in the center, arranging the sliced grilled chicken artfully on top, and framing with a side of crispy Parmesan-dusted broccoli. Garnish with a little more red pepper flakes or fresh basil if you want to elevate it even further.

To store leftovers, place everything in airtight containers—store the broccoli separately to keep its texture. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat pasta gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving the broccoli, as it may lose its crunch.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is the feta cream sauce?

The heat level is mild to moderate. The red pepper flakes offer a gentle kick, but you can increase or decrease to your liking.

Can I substitute the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilled shrimp, pan-seared salmon, or even roasted tofu work beautifully with the sauce and pasta.

Is there a low-dairy option?

You can use plant-based cream and a dairy-free feta alternative. Pesto can also be made vegan-friendly with nutritional yeast instead of cheese.

What pasta types work besides fettuccine?

Tagliatelle, linguine, or even penne are great alternatives. Just pick a shape that can hold onto the sauce.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the sauce and chicken in advance. Cook the pasta fresh for the best texture, and reheat everything gently together.

Can I freeze it?

Freezing isn’t ideal because the sauce may split when thawed. For best results, store in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

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Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If you’re into comforting pasta meals with bold flavor, you might love these dishes too.

Try the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta if you want a spicy Southern twist in your dinner bowl. Or dig into Easy Cajun Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli for a similar creamy fusion.

For something ultra-savory, the Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta brings you comfort in every cheesy bite. And the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna is layered heaven for those who like a baked twist.

You might also find the Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce satisfying if you’re after a meatier version of a creamy pasta night.

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Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this recipe to your dinner boards for later. Just click the Pin button.

And if you end up making it, let me know how it went! Did you spice up the feta cream more? Add mushrooms or swap the broccoli? I’m always curious to see how you adapt it. Drop your photos or feedback in the comments.

For more of my recipes and everyday creations, follow along on my Pinterest: LadyPlate Recipes.

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