When I crave something cozy, creamy, and deeply satisfying, this Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta is what I make. There’s something about tender fettuccine coated in rich Alfredo sauce, tossed with pan-seared chicken and crisp-tender broccoli that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s indulgent without being over the top, and incredibly easy to make on a weeknight or when entertaining last-minute guests.

I’ve always loved Alfredo pasta, but adding broccoli and juicy slices of golden chicken takes it to another level. The balance of flavors and textures — the crunch of the broccoli, the silkiness of the sauce, and the hearty protein — makes this dish a complete meal that checks every box. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or hosting friends for dinner, this pasta never fails to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta

One-pot wonder: You can make everything in under 40 minutes — minimal dishes, maximum flavor.
Creamy and cheesy: The sauce is luxuriously smooth and coats every strand of pasta perfectly.
Balanced and hearty: With broccoli and chicken, you get fiber and protein in every bite.
Customizable: Easy to adapt with different pastas, veggies, or proteins.
Family-friendly: A guaranteed hit with adults and kids alike.

What Type of Chicken Works Best for Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta?

I personally prefer boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe because they cook quickly and slice beautifully over the pasta. However, boneless chicken thighs are also a great choice if you want something juicier and more flavorful. Make sure to sear them well so you get that nice golden crust before slicing. You can even use rotisserie chicken if you’re in a rush — just shred it and toss it in at the end to warm through.

Options for Substitutions

Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own. Here are a few simple swaps that work well:

Pasta: Fettuccine is traditional, but linguine, penne, or even spaghetti will do the job.
Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter, unsweetened almond milk, and a vegan Parmesan-style cheese for a dairy-free twist.
Broccoli: Swap with spinach, peas, or asparagus if you’re out of broccoli or want something different.
Chicken: Shrimp makes a delicious seafood version. You can also go meatless with sautéed mushrooms or tofu.
Cream: Half-and-half works if you want it a bit lighter, or use cream cheese for extra richness.

Ingredients for This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta

Fettuccine Pasta
The base of the dish — long, flat noodles that hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
Chicken Breast
Sliced and seared until golden brown, it adds protein and heartiness.
Broccoli Florets
Brings freshness, crunch, and color to the dish. It balances the richness of the Alfredo sauce.
Heavy Cream
Essential for that luscious, velvety Alfredo sauce. It thickens naturally as it simmers.
Parmesan Cheese
Adds that deep umami and nutty flavor Alfredo is known for. Always go for freshly grated.
Butter
Forms the base of the sauce and helps cook the chicken to golden perfection.
Garlic
Aromatic and flavorful — it gives the sauce a subtle bite.
Olive Oil
Used for searing the chicken and giving it a nice, golden crust.
Salt & Black Pepper
The essentials for seasoning each layer and bringing all the flavors together.

Step 1: Cook the Fettuccine

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for about 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet, let rest, then slice into strips.

Step 3: Steam or Blanch the Broccoli

While the chicken cooks, steam the broccoli florets until bright green and crisp-tender (about 3–4 minutes). Alternatively, you can blanch them in the pasta water during the last 2–3 minutes of boiling.

Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet used for the chicken, lower the heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Stir in the grated Parmesan and mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked fettuccine and broccoli into the sauce, tossing gently to coat. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water. Finally, top with sliced chicken and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan before serving.

How Long to Cook the Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta

From start to finish, this dish takes about 35 to 40 minutes:

Pasta cooking: 10–12 minutes
Chicken searing: 10–12 minutes
Broccoli prep: 3–5 minutes
Alfredo sauce: 5–7 minutes
Combining everything: 3–5 minutes

It’s a full meal, ready in under an hour — great for weeknights and last-minute guests.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta

Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese can make your sauce grainy. Fresh melts smoother and tastes better.
Don’t overcook the broccoli: It should stay bright green and slightly crisp, not mushy.
Reserve pasta water: A splash of that starchy water can loosen up the sauce if it gets too thick.
Slice the chicken after resting: Letting it rest for a few minutes keeps it juicy and tender.
Toss pasta in the sauce off heat: Once everything is combined, turn off the heat so the sauce stays creamy and doesn’t over-reduce.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overcooking the Chicken
Dry chicken is a common issue — aim for golden on the outside and juicy on the inside. Use a meat thermometer if needed (165°F is perfect).
Burning the Garlic
Garlic cooks quickly; if it browns too much, it turns bitter. Sauté for just 30 seconds in melted butter.
Using Low-Quality Cheese
Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Stick with freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture.
Skipping the Pasta Water
It’s liquid gold for adjusting sauce consistency. Just a splash can help bind the sauce and pasta perfectly.
Adding Broccoli Too Early
If it simmers too long in the sauce, it loses that beautiful color and crunch. Add it near the end to keep it vibrant.

What to Serve With Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta?

Garlic Bread

Toasty, buttery garlic bread is the ultimate partner for scooping up extra Alfredo sauce.

Caesar Salad

A crisp, chilled Caesar salad with creamy dressing and crunchy croutons complements the warm, rich pasta.

Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

Sweet and slightly acidic, they cut through the richness and brighten up the plate.

A Glass of Chardonnay

This white wine’s creamy texture and light oakiness pair beautifully with Alfredo’s buttery sauce.

Sautéed Spinach

A simple, garlicky spinach side helps keep the meal balanced and adds extra greens.

Lemon Wedges

A little squeeze over the top lifts the whole dish and keeps it from feeling too heavy.

Parmesan Crisps

For a fun, crispy topping or a side snack, bake some Parmesan crisps to add texture.

Cucumber Salad

Light and refreshing with a tangy vinaigrette to contrast the creamy pasta.

Storage Instructions

Got leftovers? This pasta holds up surprisingly well!

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
Freezer: While you can freeze it, cream-based sauces tend to separate when reheated. For best texture, enjoy fresh or refrigerated.

If freezing, store in a tightly sealed container for up to 1 month. Reheat slowly and stir often.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories: 640
Protein: 38g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 125mg
Sodium: 620mg
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 3g

These values are estimates and may vary based on the exact ingredients and portion size.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the Alfredo sauce from separating?

Make sure to simmer the sauce gently—don’t boil it. Use fresh cream and cheese, and stir constantly for a silky finish.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the components ahead—cook the pasta, steam the broccoli, and sear the chicken. Assemble and heat everything together right before serving for the best texture.

What if my sauce is too thick?

Just add a bit of the reserved pasta water or some milk to loosen it. Stir it in gradually until you reach the desired consistency.

Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Just shred it and add it during the final step to warm through. It’s a great time-saver.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not by default, but you can easily make it so by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring your Parmesan and cream are certified gluten-free.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely. Mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or peas are great additions. Just don’t overload the skillet or the sauce may get watery.

What kind of pasta works best?

Fettuccine is classic, but penne, linguine, or even tagliatelle hold the sauce well too.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Don’t overcook it. Use a meat thermometer if you’re unsure, and always let it rest before slicing to keep juices locked in.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta is one of those meals that feels like restaurant quality, yet it’s entirely doable at home — and fast. Rich, comforting, and full of balanced flavor, it’s the kind of dish that satisfies both the belly and the soul. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself to something a little indulgent, this recipe delivers every time. Keep it in your regular rotation, and don’t be surprised when it becomes a go-to favorite.