Creamy Chicken Alfredo Fettuccine with Broccoli (Rich, Comforting, and Flavorful)

Introduction

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Fettuccine with Broccoli is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, silky Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked broccoli all wrapped around a bed of fettuccine. It’s a delicious, well-balanced meal that’s satisfying yet simple to make. This dish is a hit every time I serve it, whether for a family dinner, date night, or when I just want to indulge in something creamy and flavorful. The richness of the Alfredo sauce is perfectly balanced by the freshness of the broccoli, and the chicken adds a hearty protein that makes this dish a complete meal. Plus, it’s quick to put together, making it an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy chicken Alfredo fettuccine with broccoli is the definition of comfort food. It’s rich and flavorful, but still light enough to enjoy as a weeknight dinner. The combination of juicy chicken, al dente broccoli, and creamy pasta makes every bite perfectly balanced. This recipe is great for meal prepping too, as the flavors only get better after sitting for a bit, and it can be easily stored for leftovers. It’s a crowd-pleaser that can be customized with additional herbs, spices, or vegetables, depending on your taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken breasts
Chicken breasts are tender and mild, and they absorb the flavors of the seasoning and sauce beautifully. They’re the perfect protein for this dish.

Fettuccine pasta
Fettuccine is the classic pasta choice for Alfredo, as its wide noodles hold the creamy sauce perfectly.

Broccoli florets
Broccoli adds color, texture, and freshness, balancing the richness of the creamy sauce.

Heavy cream
Heavy cream makes the sauce velvety and rich, giving it the signature creamy Alfredo texture.

Parmesan cheese
Grated Parmesan cheese adds saltiness and depth to the sauce, making it wonderfully flavorful.

Garlic
Garlic provides aromatic depth and warmth that complements the creamy sauce.

Butter
Butter adds richness to the sauce and helps create a smooth, creamy base.

Olive oil
Olive oil is used for sautéing the chicken, helping it get a nice, golden sear.

Salt and black pepper
Basic seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Italian seasoning
Italian seasoning adds a burst of herby flavor, tying everything together.

Parsley (optional)
Fresh parsley can be sprinkled on top for a touch of color and freshness.

Directions

Start by cooking the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside. While the pasta is cooking, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken in the skillet for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest. Slice the chicken into thin strips once it has cooled slightly.

In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, then pour in the heavy cream. Stir and bring to a simmer. Let the cream simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

While the sauce is thickening, steam or blanch the broccoli florets in a separate pot or microwave. Add the broccoli to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce, stirring gently to coat. Add the cooked fettuccine pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine everything well. Add the sliced chicken on top and toss again until the pasta, broccoli, and chicken are well coated in the creamy sauce.

Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Equipment needed

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

 3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 4 people. Preparation takes around 15 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 25 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to keep the sauce smooth and creamy.

Variations and Customizations

This dish is very adaptable. You can switch up the protein by using grilled shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. For extra veggies, try adding spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the mix. To make the dish spicier, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes. You can also experiment with different types of cheese like mozzarella or Gruyère for a unique twist. For a lighter version, try substituting half-and-half for the heavy cream or using low-fat cheese.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

This recipe provides a well-balanced meal with protein from chicken, fiber and vitamins from broccoli, and carbohydrates from pasta. You can make it lighter by reducing the cheese or using lighter cream options. It can also be made gluten-free by substituting gluten-free pasta.

Expert Tips & Customizations

Cream consistency
If the sauce gets too thick, add a little extra cream or milk to loosen it up to your desired consistency.

Pasta sauce coating
Toss the pasta in the sauce immediately after draining to ensure it absorbs the flavors well.

Broccoli texture
Don’t overcook the broccoli; it should stay vibrant and slightly crisp to contrast the creamy pasta.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well for a juicier, more flavorful option.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time, but it’s best to combine everything just before serving to prevent the pasta from becoming soggy.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, frozen broccoli can be used. Just be sure to thaw it before adding it to the dish.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Spinach, bell peppers, or even peas would be great additions.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkle some on top for extra heat.

Can I freeze leftovers?

You can freeze the dish, but the texture may change slightly when reheating.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Fettuccine with Broccoli is a rich, comforting meal that combines classic flavors with just the right amount of freshness. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant broccoli create a perfectly balanced dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a quiet dinner, this dish delivers on both flavor and satisfaction every time.

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