Name: Ultimate Creamy Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil; 8 oz fettuccine pasta; 2 cups fresh broccoli florets; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 1/2 cups heavy cream; 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 oz cream cheese (optional); Pinch of nutmeg (optional); Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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This ultimate creamy chicken Alfredo with broccoli is a hearty, soul-warming dish that brings comfort and richness to any dinner table. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked broccoli, and a luscious Alfredo sauce coat every bite of pasta in this irresistible meal. It’s the kind of dish I make when I want something creamy, satisfying, and full of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe combines everything I want in a comforting pasta dish—juicy chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a sauce that’s both velvety and cheesy. It’s a one-pan wonder that feels fancy but comes together easily. When I want to impress with minimal effort, this dish is always my go-to. It also makes for great leftovers, and I never hear complaints when I reheat it the next day.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and black pepper
Olive oil
Fettuccine pasta
Fresh broccoli florets
Unsalted butter
Garlic (minced)
Heavy cream
Grated Parmesan cheese
Cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
Nutmeg (optional)
Fresh parsley (for garnish)

directions

I season the chicken with salt and pepper, then cook it in a skillet with a bit of olive oil until golden and fully cooked. I let it rest before slicing into strips.
While the chicken cooks, I bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine until al dente, adding the broccoli florets during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking. I then drain both together.
In the same skillet, I melt butter and sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
I pour in the heavy cream, letting it simmer gently, and then stir in Parmesan cheese. For an extra velvety sauce, I sometimes add a little cream cheese and a pinch of nutmeg.
Once the sauce is smooth, I toss in the cooked pasta, broccoli, and sliced chicken, making sure everything is evenly coated.
I finish with a sprinkle of parsley and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 4 generous portions. It usually takes me 30–35 minutes from start to finish—15 minutes for prep and about 20 minutes to cook everything.

Variations

When I want to change it up, I sometimes swap the chicken for shrimp or use penne instead of fettuccine. I’ve also tried adding mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for a deeper flavor. If I need a lighter version, I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I add a splash of milk or cream to a skillet and gently warm the pasta over low heat to bring the sauce back to life. The microwave works too, but I prefer the stovetop to keep the texture smooth.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, I use frozen broccoli when fresh isn’t available. I just thaw it first and add it toward the end of the pasta cooking time so it doesn’t get mushy.

What’s the best pasta for Alfredo?

I love using fettuccine because it holds the sauce beautifully, but linguine or penne also work great depending on what I have on hand.

How do I avoid a grainy Alfredo sauce?

I always make sure to simmer the cream gently and stir the cheese in slowly off the heat to keep the sauce smooth and creamy.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, I sometimes make it earlier in the day and reheat before serving. I just add a splash of milk while reheating to loosen the sauce.

Is cream cheese necessary?

Not at all, but I like the extra richness it adds. If I want a classic Alfredo, I skip it and rely just on cream and Parmesan.

Conclusion

This ultimate creamy chicken Alfredo with broccoli is one of those dishes I keep coming back to—it’s quick, comforting, and always delivers on flavor. Whether I’m cooking for a busy weeknight or a special meal, it hits the mark every time. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant broccoli come together in a way that always leaves me satisfied.