Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo
Looking for a quick and tasty dinner that everyone will love? This Easy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo checks all the boxes. With tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a creamy Parmesan sauce, it’s the perfect weeknight meal that feels a little more special than your average pasta night. Plus, it’s done in just 30 minutes, so you won’t be stuck in the kitchen all evening.
This recipe is one of those lifesavers for busy days. It’s adaptable—you can use whatever pasta you have on hand, and it’s a great way to make use of leftover chicken. Fresh or frozen broccoli works just as well, so no need to run out for last-minute ingredients. If you just want a casual dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is simple, satisfying, and full of flavor.
Why you’ll love this Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo
Quick and Tasty? Sold!
This recipe came together one hectic evening when I needed to get dinner on the table fast. With some leftover chicken and a bit of broccoli in the fridge, I decided to toss them into a creamy Alfredo sauce with pasta. The result? A meal that everyone absolutely loved! The broccoli adds a pop of color and a nice crunch, while the sauce brings everything together. It’s become a favorite in our house—simple to make in 30 minutes and satisfying every single time. Empty plates and happy faces are always a good sign!
Ingredients Needed for Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo
- Fettuccine or pasta of choice: Fettuccine is classic, but honestly, use whatever pasta you’ve got in the pantry—penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti works.
- Broccoli florets, fresh or frozen: Broccoli adds a bit of crunch and green to balance the richness of the sauce. Frozen works great when you’re in a hurry!
- Cooked chicken breast: Leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken makes this dish super fast. No need to cook anything extra!
- Heavy cream: The base of that luxurious Alfredo sauce. It’s rich, but that’s what makes it so good!
- Parmesan cheese: Adds that salty, nutty flavor that makes Alfredo, well, Alfredo.
- Garlic powder: Keeps things simple, but if you have fresh garlic, feel free to use that instead.
- Salt and black pepper: Season to taste—adjust as needed.
- Optional: Fresh parsley: Adds a little color and freshness to the plate.
How to make Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo
**For more detailed instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card below.**
Boil the pasta in salted water, adding the broccoli during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Reserve some pasta water.
In a large pan, add heavy cream, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper and simmerfor 3-4 min.
Add the cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the pan with the sauce.
Gradually add reserved pasta water, ¼ cup at a time, stirring until you reach your desired consistency.
Variations
- Swap in Shrimp: Use cooked shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist. Just sauté the shrimp with some butter and garlic before adding it to the sauce for extra flavor.
- Veggie-Loaded: Throw in extra veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. You can sauté them in the pan before adding the cream to enhance the flavor and add more nutrients.
- Lighten It Up: Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half and use a bit less Parmesan to lighten things up without losing that creamy goodness. The sauce might not be as thick, but it will still be delicious.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes or stir in a dash of hot sauce to give the Alfredo sauce some spice.
- Smoky Flavor: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the sauce for a deep, smoky twist that adds a whole new layer of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Garlic Bread: Who doesn’t love some Crusty Bread with buttery garlic goodness on it? Perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce. Or you could even try these Homemade Garlic Knots for a twist on the original.
- Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette balances out the richness of the Alfredo. It’s a great way to add some freshness to your plate.
- Grilled Veggies: Serve this pasta alongside some grilled vegetables like zucchini, asparagus or even Brusells Sprouts for a more complete meal.
- Roasted Potatoes: If you want something extra hearty, pair this dish with Roasted Potatoes on the side.
- A Glass of Wine: A crisp white wine like a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Storage and Freezing
- How should I store Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you might want to add a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life.
- Can I freeze Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo?
You can freeze this dish in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm it up on the stove with a little extra cream to smooth out the sauce.
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Tips & Tricks
- Grate Your Own Parmesan: Pre-grated Parmesan is fine in a pinch, but freshly grated cheese melts much better into the sauce and gives a smoother, more flavorful result.
- Use That Pasta Water: Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water before draining. The starch from the pasta water helps the sauce cling to the noodles and makes it easier to adjust the consistency.
- Cook the Pasta Al Dente: Make sure to cook your pasta al dente, which means it’s still firm when you bite into it. This helps the pasta hold up better when you mix it with the hot sauce.
- Taste the Sauce: Before mixing in the pasta, give the sauce a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You might need a pinch more salt or pepper depending on your preferences.
- Rotisserie Chicken for the Win: To save time, use rotisserie chicken. It’s juicy, flavorful, and already cooked, making your life just a little easier.
Recommended
More Chicken Dinners
FAQ
Easy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo
Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
- 2 cups broccoli florets fresh or frozen
- 1 lb cooked chicken breast shredded or cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Boil the pasta in salted water according to package directions, adding the broccoli during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and broccoli, and set aside.
- In a large pan, add heavy cream, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer over medium heat until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the pan with the sauce. Gradually add reserved pasta water, ¼ cup at a time, stirring until you reach your desired consistency.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve.
