There’s something deeply comforting about a creamy pasta dish, especially one that brings together tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a rich Alfredo sauce. I first made this Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta on a chilly Sunday when all I craved was a cozy dinner that didn’t require complicated steps or ingredients. What came out of my kitchen was a luscious, cheesy bowl of pasta that felt both indulgent and nourishing.

I love how this dish balances richness with freshness. The Alfredo sauce is velvety and garlicky, coating every strand of fettuccine, while the broccoli adds a touch of earthiness and crunch. The chicken, seared to golden perfection, makes the pasta feel hearty and satisfying without being overly heavy. Whether you’re cooking for family or simply treating yourself, this is one of those meals that makes everyone stop and say, “Wow.”

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta

This pasta isn’t just another weeknight meal—it’s a warm hug in a bowl. It comes together in under 40 minutes and delivers restaurant-level flavor at home. Here’s why you’ll love it:

The Alfredo sauce is made from scratch with simple ingredients and zero preservatives.
It’s a complete meal—protein, veggies, and carbs—all in one pan.
The textures are spot on: creamy sauce, crisp-tender broccoli, and juicy chicken.
You can easily adjust it to be low-carb, gluten-free, or vegetarian.
It’s incredibly comforting, yet elegant enough to serve to guests.

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

Fettuccine is my go-to for this dish, and for good reason. Its flat, wide shape holds onto that rich, garlicky Alfredo sauce like a dream. But if you don’t have fettuccine on hand, you’re not out of luck. Linguine or tagliatelle work wonderfully too. If you prefer short pasta, penne or rotini will still deliver a satisfying bite and good sauce coverage. Just make sure you don’t overcook the pasta—al dente is key to keeping everything from turning mushy once it’s coated in sauce.

Options for Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly forgiving and can adapt to what you have in your fridge or pantry.

Chicken: Swap with shrimp, turkey breast, or rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
Broccoli: Try asparagus, spinach, or peas. Even roasted zucchini adds a nice touch.
Cream: You can lighten it up with half-and-half or use coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
Parmesan cheese: Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano work great if that’s what you’ve got.
Pasta: Gluten-free pasta, whole wheat spaghetti, or even zucchini noodles if you’re going low-carb.

The key is to keep the balance of creamy, savory, and a bit of crunch—and the result will still be delicious.

Ingredients for This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a role in building flavor, texture, and that satisfying creamy bite.

Fettuccine pasta
It’s the ideal shape for catching every drop of that luscious Alfredo sauce.
Chicken breast
Boneless, skinless chicken breast brings lean protein and a hearty base for the meal.
Broccoli florets
Adds vibrant color, a fresh crunch, and balances out the richness of the sauce.
Heavy cream
This is the base of the Alfredo sauce, giving it that silky, luxurious texture.
Butter
Essential for starting the sauce—adds richness and depth.
Garlic
Minced fresh garlic infuses the sauce with savory warmth.
Parmesan cheese
Freshly grated is best—it melts into the sauce, bringing salty, nutty flavor.
Olive oil
Used to sear the chicken for a golden, flavorful crust.
Salt and black pepper
Basic, but absolutely necessary to enhance every other flavor.
Optional: Red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning
For an extra kick or herbaceous note, depending on your mood.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook until al dente, according to the package directions. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.

Step 2: Steam or Blanch the Broccoli

While the pasta cooks, lightly steam or blanch the broccoli florets until bright green and just tender—about 2-3 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Set aside.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Let rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.

Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and let it melt. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally for 3–4 minutes until it slightly thickens.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Combine

Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce. Season with a bit more salt and pepper, and add a pinch of red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning if using. Toss in the cooked pasta and mix to coat thoroughly. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 6: Add Chicken and Broccoli

Gently fold in the sliced chicken and broccoli. Warm everything through over low heat for another minute or two, then remove from heat.

Step 7: Serve

Plate the pasta while hot, making sure each serving gets a good portion of chicken and broccoli. Optionally, top with extra Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil.

How Long to Cook the Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta

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

Pasta: 8–10 minutes (while multitasking with the broccoli and chicken)
Broccoli: 2–3 minutes to blanch
Chicken: 10–12 minutes to sear and cook through
Alfredo sauce: 6–8 minutes, including simmering and melting cheese
Final assembly and warm-through: 2–3 minutes

It all comes together smoothly if you prep your ingredients ahead of time and use the pasta cooking time wisely to handle other tasks.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta

Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly and can make your sauce grainy.
Don’t overcook the broccoli: You want it bright green with a little bite—not mushy.
Rest the chicken before slicing: This keeps the juices locked in, making the meat more tender.
Control the sauce thickness: If it’s too thick, a splash of reserved pasta water helps loosen it perfectly.
Taste and season gradually: Between the Parmesan and salted pasta water, you may need less salt than expected.
Serve immediately: Alfredo sauce thickens as it sits—this pasta is best enjoyed fresh off the stove.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even simple recipes can go sideways if you’re not careful. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta:

Using pre-cooked or cold chicken: It won’t absorb flavor or have the same tenderness. Sear it fresh for the best results.
Overcooking the pasta: Mushy pasta ruins the texture. Always go al dente.
Adding cheese to boiling cream: High heat can cause the cheese to separate. Lower the heat and let it melt gently.
Skipping the pasta water: That starchy water is gold for loosening and emulsifying the sauce. Don’t forget to save some.
Overloading the sauce with add-ins: Balance is key. Too much broccoli or protein can throw off the creaminess.
Letting the sauce sit too long: Alfredo thickens fast—toss and serve right away.

What to Serve With Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta?

Pairing this dish with the right sides elevates the whole experience. Here are some ideas that complement the rich and creamy pasta:

Garlic Bread

Crunchy, buttery, and perfect for soaking up leftover sauce.

Caesar Salad

The tangy dressing and crisp romaine provide a fresh contrast to the creaminess.

Lemon-Herb Asparagus

Light and zesty vegetables cut through the richness of the Alfredo.

Tomato Mozzarella Salad

Fresh and juicy with basil and a drizzle of balsamic—ideal for balance.

Sautéed Mushrooms

Earthy and savory, they bring an extra layer of umami to the meal.

A Glass of White Wine

Something crisp like a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully.

Sparkling Lemon Water

Refreshing and helps cleanse the palate during the meal.

Light Fruit Salad

A sweet finish that doesn’t overpower the dish—especially nice in warmer months.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers? You’re in luck—this dish keeps well with a few tricks.

Refrigerator: Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently: Warm it over low heat on the stovetop or microwave in short bursts, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
Avoid freezing: Alfredo sauce made with cream tends to separate and become grainy once thawed. If you must freeze it, keep the sauce and pasta separate for better texture.
Don’t overheat: Too much heat when reheating can dry out the chicken and thicken the sauce too much.

Estimated Nutrition

This is a rich and hearty meal, but with balanced portions, it can easily fit into a moderate diet.

Serving Size: 1 generous bowl (about 1/4 of the recipe)
Calories: ~620
Protein: 38g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Cholesterol: 140mg
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 450mg

Note: These values are estimates and will vary based on the brands and substitutions you use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or even whole milk with a tablespoon of flour or cream cheese to help thicken the sauce. The texture won’t be as rich, but it’ll still taste great.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the ingredients ahead—cook the pasta, steam the broccoli, and even sear the chicken. Assemble and reheat gently just before serving to keep the sauce smooth and the texture fresh.

Is this dish gluten-free?

It can be! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your Parmesan and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

How do I keep the sauce from clumping or separating?

Lower the heat before adding cheese, and stir slowly until it melts. If it gets too thick or clumpy, add a splash of reserved pasta water or cream and whisk gently.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, but thaw it first and pat dry. Frozen broccoli has more moisture, which can water down the sauce if not drained properly.

How do I make this low-carb?

Swap the pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. Use fewer broccoli florets and more protein if you want to stay low-carb while still filling up.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Low and slow. Add a little cream or milk to a pan, toss in the pasta, and stir gently over low heat until warmed through.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely. Mushrooms, peas, spinach, or even sun-dried tomatoes are great additions that won’t overpower the dish.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that’s both easy and elegant. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or something you’re making to impress guests, it delivers every time. The balance of tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and rich Alfredo sauce wrapped around perfectly cooked pasta is simply irresistible. Once you make this from scratch, you’ll never go back to jarred sauce again.