Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli that’s Creamy, Cozy, and Easy to Make

A quick, satisfying Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli recipe featuring juicy chicken and a creamy garlic parmesan sauce. Perfect for busy nights.

Chicken Alfredo with broccoli is one of those comforting meals that feels homemade, warm, and satisfying every single time you make it. The sauce is silky and coats every strand of pasta. The chicken is tender and lightly seasoned. The broccoli brings freshness and a hint of crunch to balance all the creaminess. This version keeps the classic flavor of Alfredo but adds a bright vegetable to make the dish more balanced and complete.

What makes this Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli special is how simple the ingredients are. You do not need complicated steps or heavy amounts of cream to get a rich texture. A blend of milk, parmesan, garlic, and butter creates a flavorful sauce that feels smooth without being heavy. The chicken cooks quickly in a skillet, and the broccoli softens gently in the same pot you use for the pasta. Everything comes together in one harmonious bowl that feels both comforting and fresh.

Why This Chicken Alfredo With Broccoli Works

This dish brings comfort without being overwhelming. Here is why it stands out:

– Balanced and satisfying
The creamy pasta blends with bright broccoli and tender chicken for a well rounded meal.

Beginner friendly
The steps are simple and easy to follow.

– Perfect for families
This dish is mild, cozy, and kid approved.

– Better than jarred sauce
The homemade Alfredo tastes richer and more flavorful, yet it comes together fast.

– Customizable
Adjust the sauce, add more protein, or include more vegetables depending on your preference.

– Meal prep friendly
Leftovers reheat well with the proper technique.

If you want a creamy pasta dish that still feels fresh, this is the perfect recipe.

Ingredients You Need for Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli

For the chicken

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• One half teaspoon garlic powder
• One half teaspoon onion powder
• One half teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper

For the pasta and sauce

• 8 ounces fettuccine or pasta of choice
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 and a half cups milk
• One half cup heavy cream or half and half
• One cup grated parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh parsley

For the broccoli

• 2 cups broccoli florets
• Salt for boiling water

Step by Step Instructions

1. Season the chicken

Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and pat them dry. Dry chicken browns better in the pan.
Season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning on both sides so the chicken has an even coating.

2. Cook the chicken properly

Add olive oil to a skillet and heat it over medium heat.
Place the chicken breasts in the pan and let them cook without moving them for about 4 to 5 minutes. This helps create a golden crust.
Flip and cook the other side for another 4 to 6 minutes.
If the chicken browns too quickly, lower the heat slightly.
Once fully cooked, remove from the skillet and let it rest. Resting keeps the juices inside. Slice it later when the pasta is done.

3. Boil the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the pasta and cook until just tender but slightly firm.
Before draining, scoop out half a cup of pasta water and keep it nearby.
Drain the pasta and set it aside.

4. Cook the broccoli

Use the same pot you boiled the pasta in.
Add fresh water and bring it to a boil.
Drop the broccoli florets in and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
Drain and set aside.
Do not overcook the broccoli. It should be soft enough to bite but still crisp enough to add freshness to the pasta.

5. Make the Alfredo sauce

In the skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium low heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the milk and cream. Stir and warm the mixture gently.
Sprinkle in the parmesan cheese slowly while stirring.
Keep the heat low so the sauce stays smooth.
Season with salt and pepper.
If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it.
If it feels too thin, let it simmer for an extra minute until it thickens.

6. Combine everything

Add the cooked pasta to the Alfredo sauce.
Use tongs to gently toss the pasta until every strand is coated.
Add the broccoli and mix it in gently.
Slice the cooked chicken and place the pieces on top of the pasta.

7. Finish the dish

Chop fresh parsley and sprinkle it over the Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli before serving.
A small extra handful of parmesan adds richness and flavor.

If you’ve enjoyed our Comforting Chicken Alfredo Bake , this stovetop version offers the same cozy vibe with the freshness of broccoli added in.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Alfredo With Broccoli

• Use low heat for the sauce
  Alfredo sauce thickens slowly. High heat can cause separation.
• Add parmesan gradually
  This helps the cheese melt smoothly and prevents clumps.
• Do not overcook the broccoli
  Slightly crisp broccoli adds freshness to the creamy dish.
• Slice chicken after resting
  Resting keeps it juicy and prevents dryness.
• Use reserved pasta water wisely
  It helps fix the texture of the sauce without adding extra dairy.

Variations You Can Try

Creamier version
Add a spoon of cream cheese to the sauce for extra richness.

Lighter version
Use more milk and less cream. Add extra broccoli or spinach.

Extra protein
Add cooked shrimp or turkey instead of chicken.

Gluten free
Use gluten free pasta and keep the sauce the same.

Spicy version
Add red pepper flakes or paprika to the sauce.

What to Serve With Chicken Alfredo With Broccoli

This dish is rich, so lighter sides work best.

1. Fresh green salad
A simple lettuce salad with lemon vinaigrette brightens the meal.

2. Roasted vegetables
Roasted zucchini or carrots add natural sweetness that pairs well with Alfredo.

3. Garlic bread or whole grain bread
For people who want something cozy to soak up the sauce.

4. Fruit salad
Grapes, oranges, or strawberries contrast nicely with the creaminess.

5. Air fryer Brussels sprouts
Slight crispiness adds great texture next to the soft pasta.

Storage and Reheating the Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli

Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
The broccoli may soften slightly, but the overall dish reheats well with a splash of liquid.

Freezing
Not recommended. Dairy sauces tend to separate after thawing.

Reheating on the stove
Add a splash of milk or pasta water to a pan.
Warm the pasta over low heat.
Stir slowly until the sauce becomes creamy again.

Reheating in the microwave
Add a teaspoon of milk on top of the pasta.
Heat in 25 second intervals, stirring in between.

Reviving flavors
Add a pinch of salt, small squeeze of lemon, or sprinkle of parmesan before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes. Steam it separately and add it to the dish to avoid excess water.

Can I use pre cooked chicken?
Yes. Rotisserie chicken works well. Add it during the final mixing step.

Can I use another pasta shape?
Yes. Penne, rotini, or linguine all work.

Can I make it dairy free?
Use plant based butter, milk, and cheese alternatives, but the flavor will differ.

Why does my sauce get grainy?
The heat was too high. Alfredo requires low, slow heat.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli is a creamy, comforting dish with the perfect balance of freshness and richness. The tender chicken adds protein, the broccoli lightens the meal, and the Alfredo sauce ties everything together with smooth, silky flavor. This recipe is simple, flexible, and fits perfectly into busy weeknight cooking or relaxed weekend dinners. With easy steps and everyday ingredients, you get a bowl that feels restaurant worthy without extra effort.

This dish pairs perfectly with Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread or even a twist like our Alfredo Tortellini Chicken Dinner if you’re feeling adventurous.