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Quick Chicken Broccoli Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

There’s just something so comforting about creamy pasta loaded with tender chicken and bright, fresh broccoli, isn’t there? If you’re hunting for a weeknight winner, here’s a fan-freaking-tastic Quick Chicken Broccoli Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe that I absolutely love whipping up. It’s fast, packed with flavor, and satisfying for the whole family. Trust me, once you try this, it might just become your go-to for easy dinners!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Speedy Weeknight Dinner: Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s perfect when you want something homemade but fast.
  • Balanced and Wholesome: You get your pasta, protein, and veggies all in one comforting dish.
  • Rich, Creamy Sauce from Scratch: No jarred Alfredo here – just fresh ingredients for that authentic taste.
  • Family Approved: My kids go crazy for this, and I bet your family will too!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Quick Chicken Broccoli Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe are simple but work beautifully together. I always recommend fresh broccoli and good-quality Parmesan to make the sauce really pop. You’ll see that the chicken and sauce come together seamlessly once the pasta’s cooked.

Flat lay of fresh fettuccine pasta nests, vibrant green broccoli florets, raw boneless skinless chicken breast cubes, a few tablespoons of smooth pale butter in a small white ceramic bowl, three whole uncracked garlic cloves, a small white bowl filled with thick heavy cream, a small white bowl heaped with finely grated parmesan cheese, a small white bowl holding golden olive oil, and two whole brown eggs placed symmetrically, all arranged neatly on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Quick Chicken Broccoli Fettuccine Alfredo, chicken broccoli pasta, creamy pasta dinner, easy weeknight chicken pasta, homemade Alfredo sauce
  • Fettuccine pasta: I love fettuccine for Alfredo because the wide noodles hold onto that creamy sauce perfectly.
  • Broccoli heads: Fresh is best! Chop into bite-sized florets for even cooking.
  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cubed chicken cooks quickly and stays tender in the sauce.
  • Butter: Essential for that rich Alfredo base.
  • Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic adds punch without overpowering.
  • Heavy cream: The key to creamy dreamy Alfredo sauce.
  • Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated works best for melting smoothly.
  • Olive oil: Divided between broccoli and chicken for cooking.
  • Salt + pepper: Simple seasoning that brings everything together.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I like to tweak this Quick Chicken Broccoli Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe depending on the mood or what’s in my fridge. You can definitely make it your own, which is part of the fun!

  • Mushroom Swap: Adding sautéed mushrooms alongside broccoli boosts umami and gives it an earthy twist—I discovered this one on a cozy fall night and loved the extra depth!
  • Cauliflower Substitute: If broccoli isn’t your thing, steam some cauliflower florets instead—they blend just as well in the creamy sauce.
  • Spicy Kick: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking garlic for a gentle heat that wakes up the dish.
  • Chicken Alternatives: I’ve tried this with shrimp for a lighter seafood version, which was a fresh surprise for dinner guests.

How to Make Quick Chicken Broccoli Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

Step 1: Brighten Up the Broccoli

Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped broccoli along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook uncovered for about 4 minutes until it turns vibrant green and starts to soften. Then add a splash of water—about 1/4 cup—and keep cooking until the water evaporates and your broccoli is crisp-tender. This trick keeps broccoli perfectly cooked—not mushy—and helps lock in that fresh flavor. Transfer the broccoli to a bowl and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Fettuccine

Get a large pot of salted water boiling and add your fettuccine. Cook it according to the package instructions—usually around 10-12 minutes—until it’s al dente. Don’t forget to reserve a cup of the pasta water before draining; this starchy water is a secret weapon for perfect Alfredo sauce consistency.

Step 3: Sauté the Chicken

In the same skillet you used for broccoli (love cutting down on cleanup), add another tablespoon of olive oil. Arrange the cubed chicken breasts in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes. Keep turning the chicken pieces so they brown evenly and cook through without drying out. Once golden and juicy, toss the chicken back in the bowl with your broccoli.

Step 4: Whip Up the Creamy Alfredo Sauce

Lower the heat to medium and melt the butter in the skillet. Add the grated or minced garlic, cooking just about 30 seconds until fragrant—but be careful not to burn it! Pour in the heavy cream, scraping up any flavorful brown bits from the skillet bottom. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and cook until it melts and the sauce bubbles gently. Turn the heat down to low so it stays warm but doesn’t boil.

Step 5: Combine and Toss Everything Together

Pop the drained fettuccine right into the skillet with your Alfredo sauce and toss to coat each noodle lavishly. Add back the cooked chicken and broccoli, gently folding everything together to distribute the goodness. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in some reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce is silky and just the right consistency.

Serve this heaping plate of broccoli chicken Alfredo warm, topped with a little extra freshly grated parmesan for that final indulgent touch.

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Pro Tips for Making Quick Chicken Broccoli Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

  • Don’t Overcook Broccoli: It’s tempting to cook until super soft, but broccoli should be crisp-tender to keep texture and color vibrant.
  • Reserve Pasta Water: Adding a splash of reserved pasta water helps make the sauce silky and prevents it from being too thick or clumpy.
  • Cook Chicken Evenly: Let the chicken brown on one side before turning to get that beautiful golden crust without drying it out.
  • Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese can be convenient but fresh parmesan melts way better and adds a fresher, sharper flavor.

How to Serve Quick Chicken Broccoli Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

A white plate holds a serving of creamy fettuccine pasta mixed with light beige chicken pieces and bright green broccoli florets, all coated in a smooth, pale sauce with a few black pepper specks on top. In the background, out of focus, there is a white plate with golden brown breadsticks and a glass of water next to it. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with a folded white and green striped cloth visible beside the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Quick Chicken Broccoli Fettuccine Alfredo, chicken broccoli pasta, creamy pasta dinner, easy weeknight chicken pasta, homemade Alfredo sauce

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with a little extra parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper. Sometimes I throw on some toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and crunch. If you want a little zing, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this creamy pasta are a crisp Caesar salad or some garlic bread to soak up every last bit of sauce. Roasted cherry tomatoes work beautifully too, giving a sweet contrast to the savory Alfredo flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like serving the pasta in individual shallow bowls with a sprig of fresh basil and a drizzle of truffle oil—adds a little wow factor. Or arrange the broccoli florets artfully on top so it looks extra vibrant and fresh. Presentation can be simple but thoughtful and it makes the meal feel that much more special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Because of the cream, the sauce may thicken or separate slightly, but it reheats nicely if you add a splash of milk or cream to loosen it up.

Freezing

Freezing Alfredo dishes can be tricky since the cream sauce sometimes splits after thawing. That said, if you freeze the chicken and broccoli separately from the pasta and sauce, it works better. When reheating, gently heat and stir in a little cream or milk to bring it back to life.

Reheating

I usually reheat this pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a touch of cream or milk to refresh the sauce’s creaminess. Microwave works fine too, but just do it in short bursts with stirring in between to avoid uneven heating.

FAQs

  1. Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

    Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional and holds the Alfredo sauce beautifully, you can use linguine, penne, or even rigatoni if that’s what you have on hand. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

  2. Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?

    You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a lighter cream option, but be aware the sauce won’t be quite as rich and creamy. Another trick is to increase the broccoli amount to bulk up the veggies and reduce pasta portion slightly.

  3. What if I don’t have fresh broccoli?

    Frozen broccoli can work in a pinch—just thaw and drain it before cooking to avoid extra moisture. I suggest steaming or sautéing gently to retain texture.

  4. How do I prevent the Alfredo sauce from becoming grainy?

    Make sure to add the Parmesan cheese gradually and keep the heat low to medium to avoid overheating, which can cause the cheese to separate and become grainy. Stirring continuously helps keep it smooth.

  5. Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

    You can prep the sauce, but since it thickens as it cools, I recommend reheating gently with a bit of cream or milk to bring back the silky texture. It’s best fresh but reheats well if done carefully.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason I keep coming back to this Quick Chicken Broccoli Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe—it’s just pure comfort on a plate with minimal fuss. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or feeding a hungry crowd, it’s one of those dishes that feels special but comes together so easily. I hope you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do, and maybe it’ll be that recipe that becomes a family favorite in your home too!

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Quick Chicken Broccoli Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 79 reviews
  • Author: Jasmine
  • Prep Time: 5 min
  • Cook Time: 20 min
  • Total Time: 25 min
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Description

Quick & Easy Fettuccine Chicken Broccoli Alfredo is a comforting and hearty pasta dish combining tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and fettuccine noodles bathed in a rich and creamy homemade Alfredo sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.


Ingredients

Pasta and Vegetables

  • 1 pound fettuccine pasta
  • 2 heads of broccoli, chopped (about 3-4 cups)

Chicken

  • 24 ounces boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1″ cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, grated or finely minced
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish


Instructions

  1. Prepare the broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. While waiting for the water, heat a cast iron skillet or large skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add chopped broccoli, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook uncovered for 4 minutes until bright green. Add 1/4 cup water and continue cooking uncovered until the water evaporates and broccoli is crisp-tender. Transfer broccoli to a medium bowl.
  2. Cook the pasta: Add the fettuccine to the boiling salted water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
  3. Cook the chicken: In the same skillet used for broccoli, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken in an even layer, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer chicken to the bowl with broccoli.
  4. Make the Alfredo sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and scrape any browned bits from the skillet bottom. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and cook until melted and just starting to bubble. Reduce heat to low to keep sauce warm.
  5. Combine pasta and sauce: When pasta is done, reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain pasta. Add pasta to the skillet with Alfredo sauce and toss to coat noodles evenly. Add the cooked chicken and broccoli to the skillet, mixing to combine everything well. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  6. Serve: Plate the broccoli chicken Alfredo warm, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

  • This recipe combines quality protein, fresh vegetables, and hearty pasta for a complete dinner in just 25 minutes.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and smooth sauce texture.
  • Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste throughout the cooking process.
  • You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though the sauce will be less rich.
  • Leftover pasta Alfredo reheats well in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
  • For gluten-free option, use gluten-free fettuccine pasta.
  • Adding a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce can enhance flavor if desired.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 1092
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 52 g
  • Saturated Fat: 30 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 90.8 g
  • Fiber: 4.9 g
  • Protein: 63.9 g
  • Cholesterol: 180 mg

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