Easy Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo: A Quick & Delicious Weeknight Dinner
Indulge in a rich, creamy, and satisfying Chicken Broccoli Alfredo that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This incredibly easy recipe combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a luscious Parmesan Alfredo sauce, making it a delicious meal the whole family will adore.
Life can be hectic, and getting a wholesome, homemade dinner on the table shouldn’t add to the stress. That’s why this creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo is a game-changer! It’s a recipe designed for speed, simplicity, and incredible flavor, ensuring it will quickly become a cherished part of your dinner rotation. Imagine tender, juicy pieces of chicken breast mingled with crisp-tender broccoli florets, all coated in a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce, served over your favorite pasta. It’s comfort food at its finest, made accessible for even the busiest evenings.
One of the biggest wins with this Chicken Broccoli Alfredo is its ability to sneak in those all-important vegetables. Getting kids (or even some adults!) to eat their greens can be a challenge. By incorporating fresh or frozen broccoli into a dish as universally loved as creamy Alfredo pasta, you significantly increase the likelihood of them enjoying every bite. This makes it an ideal choice for a balanced meal, much like my One-Pan Chicken Spinach Alfredo, which offers a similar strategy for adding greens with minimal fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe
- Effortlessly Quick: From prep to plate in under 30 minutes, it’s the ultimate solution for those “what’s for dinner?” moments.
- Family-Friendly Favorite: The creamy sauce and familiar flavors are a hit with picky eaters, making vegetables more appealing.
- Rich & Satisfying: Despite its quick preparation, this dish doesn’t compromise on flavor. It’s wonderfully creamy, cheesy, and deeply satisfying.
- Nutrient-Packed: Fresh broccoli adds essential vitamins and fiber, balancing the richness of the Alfredo sauce.
- Customizable: Easily adapt ingredients to suit your taste, from the type of pasta to adding extra veggies or protein.
This recipe isn’t just about speed; it’s about crafting a meal that feels indulgent and comforting without requiring hours in the kitchen. The blend of seasoned chicken, tender-crisp broccoli, and a perfectly balanced Parmesan sauce creates a harmony of textures and flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Essential Ingredients for Your Best Chicken Broccoli Alfredo
To make this delectable Chicken Broccoli Alfredo, you’ll need a handful of readily available ingredients. Scroll to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card with precise measurements.
- Pasta: I recommend using short-cut pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or even farfalle (bowties). These shapes are excellent for holding onto the creamy Alfredo sauce and ensuring you get a bit of chicken, broccoli, and pasta in every forkful. While fettuccine or spaghetti also work, shorter cuts offer a more consistent bite.
- Broccoli Florets: You can use either fresh or frozen broccoli florets. If using fresh, make sure to chop them into bite-sized pieces so they cook quickly and are easy to eat. Frozen broccoli is a great time-saver – just ensure it’s thawed or added directly to the boiling pasta water for the last few minutes of cooking.
- Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is my go-to for its lean protein and quick cooking time. However, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can also be used for a slightly richer flavor and juicier texture. Just ensure they are cut into uniform, bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing the chicken to a beautiful golden brown and developing a flavorful crust.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides an aromatic foundation for the Alfredo sauce, adding depth and warmth.
- Butter: Along with flour, butter forms the base of our velvety sauce. Using good quality butter makes a noticeable difference.
- All-Purpose Flour: This is key for creating a roux, which thickens the sauce and gives it that luxurious, creamy consistency without being watery.
- Heavy Cream: The star of any Alfredo sauce! Heavy cream delivers that signature richness and mouthfeel.
- Milk: My personal preference is to use a combination of heavy cream and milk (I typically use 2% or whole milk). This approach allows you to achieve a wonderfully rich and creamy sauce while subtly reducing some of the fat and calories, making the dish feel a little lighter. You absolutely can use all heavy cream for an ultra-decadent experience, or even all milk if you want a much lighter sauce, though the texture will be less robust. The key is maintaining the overall liquid volume.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts smoothly into the sauce, imparting its salty, nutty, and savory notes. Pre-grated Parmesan can sometimes contain anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy, so for the best results, grate your own from a block.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors in the dish. Always taste and adjust to your preference.
I often get questions about why I choose to use both milk and heavy cream in my Alfredo and other white sauces. The simple answer is balance. While I love the indulgence of a classic Alfredo, using a blend of both liquids allows me to create a sauce that is still incredibly creamy and flavorful, but not quite as heavy. It means you can enjoy a generous serving without feeling overly full or sluggish afterward. This small adjustment makes a big difference in the overall enjoyment of the meal.
However, your kitchen is your domain! If you prefer a truly classic, intensely rich Alfredo, feel free to use all heavy cream. The total amount of liquid is what’s most important for the sauce’s consistency. If you’re looking to lighten it up even more, you can opt for all milk, but be aware that the sauce will have a thinner consistency and less of that signature Alfredo richness. It’s all about tailoring the recipe to your dietary preferences and taste. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
How To Make Chicken Broccoli Alfredo: Step-by-Step
Making this Chicken Broccoli Alfredo is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect, creamy dish every time:
- Cook Pasta and Broccoli. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. This typically takes 8-10 minutes. During the last 2 minutes of the pasta’s cooking time, add the broccoli florets directly to the boiling water with the pasta. This ensures the broccoli is tender-crisp, not mushy, and cooks in tandem with the pasta, saving you time and an extra pot. Once cooked, drain the pasta and broccoli and set them aside.
- Cook the Chicken. While the pasta is cooking, cut the chicken breast (or thighs) into uniform bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. Season them generously with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over high heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is beautifully browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside, keeping it warm. Don’t clean the pan; those browned bits (fond) will add flavor to your sauce!
- Make the Alfredo Sauce. Reduce the heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet where you cooked the chicken. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Whisk in the all-purpose flour, creating a roux. Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until no white streaks of flour remain and it forms a pale paste. This step is crucial for thickening the sauce and cooking out the raw flour taste. Slowly, in a steady stream, whisk in the heavy cream and milk. Continue to stir continuously until the sauce begins to gently thicken. It will become noticeably creamy.
- Season the Sauce. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it’s completely melted and smooth. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, Parmesan cheese is salty, so taste before adding too much salt. If the sauce appears too thick for your liking, you can thin it out by stirring in a little more milk or even some of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Combine Everything. Return the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are thoroughly coated in the rich, creamy sauce. Ensure even distribution of the chicken and broccoli.
- Serve. Serve your Chicken Broccoli Alfredo immediately. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired, for extra flavor and a pop of color.
Expert Tips for Perfect Chicken Broccoli Alfredo
Achieving restaurant-quality Chicken Broccoli Alfredo at home is easier than you think with a few key tips:
- Perfectly Cooked Broccoli: Don’t overcook your broccoli! Adding it to the pasta water during the last 2 minutes ensures it’s tender-crisp and retains its vibrant green color and nutritional value. Whether using fresh or frozen, aim for this texture. If using fresh, chop it into small, uniform florets for even cooking.
- Bite-Sized Chicken for Speed: Cutting your chicken into small, bite-sized pieces isn’t just for ease of eating; it dramatically reduces cooking time. This allows the chicken to cook quickly and evenly, ensuring your dinner is ready in about 20-25 minutes. Chicken breasts and thighs will cook similarly when cut this way.
- Seasoning is Key: Always taste your sauce before and after adding the Parmesan cheese. The saltiness of Parmesan can vary, so adjust the salt and pepper levels to your liking. A well-seasoned sauce makes all the difference.
- Pasta Choice Matters: While you can use any pasta, short-cut varieties like penne, rotini, or bowties are ideal for this dish. They “catch” the sauce beautifully and allow you to get a balanced bite of chicken, broccoli, and pasta in every mouthful.
- Prevent a Grainy Sauce: For the smoothest Alfredo sauce, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese from a block. Pre-grated cheeses often contain cellulose or other anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting and lead to a grainy texture. Also, add the Parmesan cheese off the heat or over very low heat to prevent it from seizing.
- Don’t Overthicken the Sauce: The sauce will naturally thicken as it cools. If it seems a little too thin when you first finish it, resist the urge to add too much more flour. If it becomes too thick later, a splash of warm milk or even some reserved pasta water can bring it back to the perfect consistency.
- Reheating Leftovers: Chicken Broccoli Alfredo is delicious leftover! To reheat, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to the pasta before warming it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. This will help rehydrate the sauce and bring back its creamy texture.
What To Serve With Chicken Broccoli Alfredo
This Chicken Broccoli Alfredo is hearty enough to be a complete meal on its own, thanks to the protein from the chicken and the vegetables from the broccoli. However, if you’re looking to round out your dinner with some delicious and easy side dishes, here are a few perfect pairings:
- Tossed Salad: A crisp, fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a wonderful contrast to the rich and creamy pasta, adding a refreshing element to the meal.
- Air Fryer Garlic Bread: What’s better than dipping warm, crusty garlic bread into creamy Alfredo sauce? It’s a classic pairing that’s always a crowd-pleaser and super easy to make in the air fryer.
- Tomato Mozzarella Salad: A Caprese-style salad with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil offers a light, acidic, and flavorful side that complements the pasta without overwhelming it.
- Olive Garden Breadsticks: For ultimate comfort and soak-up-the-sauce potential, warm, soft breadsticks are an irresistible addition.
More Easy Dinner Recipes to Explore
If you love quick and delicious meals, be sure to check out these other fantastic dinner recipes that are perfect for any night of the week:
- Chipotle Chicken Bowls: Flavorful and customizable for a healthy meal.
- Pan Seared Salmon: A quick and elegant seafood option.
- Sausage Penne Pasta: Another hearty and comforting pasta dish.
- Arby’s Beef & Cheddar: Recreate a fast-food favorite at home.
- Grilled Avocado Chicken: Fresh and vibrant, perfect for warmer weather.
- Air Fryer Chimichanga: Crispy and delicious with less oil.
- Chicken Caesar Wrap: A portable and satisfying lunch or light dinner.
- Chicken Chorizo Pasta: A flavorful pasta dish with a spicy kick.
Chicken Broccoli Alfredo
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Ingredients
- 8 oz dried pasta
- 10 oz broccoli florets
- 8 oz chicken breast, cut into cubes
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 2 clove garlic, minced
- 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- salt and pepper
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of water to boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. During the last 2 minutes of cooking add the broccoli florets to the water. Drain and set aside.8 oz dried pasta, 10 oz broccoli florets
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Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.8 oz chicken breast, salt and pepper
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In a large skillet heat the oil over high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pan and keep arm.1 Tablespoon olive oil
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Reduce the heat to medium. Add butter to the pan. Once melted sauté garlic for 1 minute until you can start to smell it.2 Tablespoons butter, 2 clove garlic
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Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until no white streaks remain. Slowly whisk in cream and milk, and stir until it just starts to thicken.2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 cup heavy cream, 3/4 cup milk
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Add in Parmesan cheese as well as salt and pepper. If the sauce is too thick, you can stir in a little more milk.1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Add pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the sauce and stir until well combined.
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Serve with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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