Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo: A Comforting Pasta Delight

Comfort Food That’s Quick, Creamy, and Delicious

As a busy home cook and food blogger, I’m always on the lookout for recipes that are not only delicious but also easy to make, especially on those hectic weeknights. That’s why this Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta has become a go-to in my household. It’s the ultimate comfort food – rich, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying, yet it comes together in a flash.

I first discovered this recipe a few years ago when I was craving a hearty, indulgent pasta dish but didn’t have much time to spend in the kitchen. I had a package of boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the fridge and a head of broccoli that was about to go bad, so I decided to throw them together with a simple homemade Alfredo sauce. The result was so much better than I expected – the chicken and broccoli paired perfectly with the creamy, cheesy sauce, and the whole dish was on the table in under 30 minutes. It’s been a family favorite ever since!

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Why This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta Recipe Works

This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta recipe is a winner for so many reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to make, with simple ingredients that come together quickly. The homemade Alfredo sauce is rich and creamy, but it doesn’t require a ton of steps or special equipment. And the addition of tender chicken and fresh broccoli makes it a well-balanced, satisfying meal.

Personally, I love how versatile this recipe is. You can easily customize it to your tastes or what you have on hand. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that the whole family will enjoy. I’ve made it for busy weeknight dinners, potlucks, and even special occasions, and it’s always a hit.

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – I like to use thin-sliced or pounded chicken breasts so they cook quickly.
• Broccoli florets – Fresh broccoli is best, but you can use frozen in a pinch.
• Fettuccine or linguine pasta – I prefer a long, flat pasta shape to soak up the creamy Alfredo sauce.
• Butter – Unsalted butter is best for the homemade Alfredo sauce.
• Heavy cream – This gives the sauce its signature rich, velvety texture.
• Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan is a must for authentic Alfredo flavor.
• Garlic – Minced or pressed garlic adds so much aroma and flavor.
• Salt and pepper – To season the dish to perfection.

Diana’s Tip: Look for thin-sliced or pounded chicken breasts to ensure they cook through quickly. This helps the whole dish come together fast.

Optional Add-Ins and Variations

One of the best things about this Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta is how easily you can customize it. Here are some of my favorite ways to mix it up:

• Swap the protein: Instead of chicken, you can use shrimp, salmon, or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
• Change up the veggies: Swap the broccoli for asparagus, peas, or a blend of roasted vegetables.
• Add some spice: Sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for a little heat.
• Make it extra cheesy: Stir in some shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese along with the Parmesan.
• Top it off: Garnish with crispy bacon bits, toasted breadcrumbs, or fresh chopped parsley.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta

Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make this delicious Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Diana’s Tip: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to lock in the juices.
4. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
5. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it thicken slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and broccoli florets to the Alfredo sauce and toss everything together until well combined.
8. Diana’s Tip: If the sauce seems too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of the pasta cooking water.
9. Serve the Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan, chopped parsley, or red pepper flakes if desired.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While this Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta is pretty foolproof, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for:

• Overcooking the pasta: Be sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to soften in the creamy sauce.
• Letting the sauce boil: Simmering the sauce gently is key to preventing it from breaking or becoming grainy.
• Using low-quality Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese makes all the difference in the Alfredo sauce.
• Not tasting and adjusting seasoning: Make sure to season the dish to your taste with salt, pepper, and any other spices you desire.

My Tested Substitutions

As I mentioned, this Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta is super versatile. Here are some of my go-to substitutions that work well:

• Protein: Swap the chicken for shrimp, salmon, or sautéed mushrooms.
• Veggies: Use asparagus, peas, or a mix of roasted vegetables instead of broccoli.
• Pasta: Try a different long, flat pasta shape like linguine or pappardelle.
• Dairy: For a lighter version, use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.

Diana’s Tip: Avoid using pre-shredded Parmesan cheese, as it often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.

How to Customize This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta

As I mentioned, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas for customizing it to your tastes or dietary needs:

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and make sure your Parmesan cheese is also gluten-free.
• Low-carb: Swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
• Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and use sautéed mushrooms or tofu instead.
• Dairy-free: Use unsweetened almond milk or cashew cream in place of the heavy cream and Parmesan.
• Smaller servings: This recipe easily scales down to serve 2-4 people.

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta

This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, and I love serving it in so many different ways. It makes a satisfying main dish for weeknight dinners, but it’s also great for potlucks, parties, and special occasions.

I usually serve it with a simple green salad or some garlic bread to round out the meal. It’s also delicious on its own as a hearty lunch. And let’s not forget about breakfast – the leftovers make a fantastic brunch dish when paired with a fried egg on top!

Meal Prep and Storage Instructions

One of the best things about this Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta is that it reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. You can make the entire dish in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or gently warm it on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth to thin out the sauce if needed.

This recipe also freezes well. Let the pasta cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or resealable freezer bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

* Calories: 625
* Protein: 43g
* Carbohydrates: 53g
* Fat: 31g
* Fiber: 4g

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll give this Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta a try! It’s such a comforting, delicious, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Plus, it’s so versatile – you can customize it in endless ways to suit your tastes and dietary needs.

Whether you’re craving a cozy, indulgent pasta dish or just need a reliable recipe that the whole family will love, this Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta is sure to become a new favorite. So go ahead, give it a shot, and let me know what you think! And don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest for more of my favorite easy, comforting recipes.