Description
If you’re looking for a quick dinner idea that combines cozy comfort with rich flavor, this Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta is your answer. Made with juicy pan-seared chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a silky homemade Alfredo sauce, it’s the kind of easy recipe that feels like a special occasion. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you’re craving a satisfying, one-pan dinner. Whether you’re after easy pasta dishes, healthy-ish comfort food ideas, or family-friendly dinner recipes, this one hits all the right notes.
Ingredients
12 oz fettuccine pasta
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup heavy cream
3 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic minced
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add fettuccine and cook until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.
2. Blanch broccoli florets for 2–3 minutes until bright green and just tender. Rinse with cold water and set aside.
3. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Rest, then slice.
4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer for 3–4 minutes.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning if using. Add pasta and toss to coat. Add pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
6. Fold in sliced chicken and broccoli. Stir gently to combine and heat through.
7. Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Always use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
If the sauce thickens too much while cooling, add a splash of cream or pasta water while reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: easy dinner, creamy pasta, Alfredo, chicken broccoli pasta, quick meals, weeknight dinner, pasta ideas