If you are craving a comforting, creamy, and delicious meal that comes together fast, this Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo With Broccoli Recipe is everything you need. Imagine tender chicken pieces mingling with bright green broccoli florets and perfectly cooked fettuccine, all enveloped in a rich, homemade Alfredo sauce that sings with garlic, butter, and freshly grated Parmesan. This dish is not only a feast for your taste buds but also a wonderful way to bring a touch of elegance to your weeknight dinner routine. Ready in just 25 minutes, it has all the cozy flavors you love with none of the fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows ingredients neatly arranged on a white marbled surface. There is a small bowl with shredded pale yellow cheese at the top left, and below it a small white dish with three square pieces of pale yellow butter. In the center top, a white bowl is filled with fresh, green broccoli florets. To the right, a clear glass holds a golden yellow liquid, likely oil. Below the broccoli, a white bowl contains diced pale pink raw chicken. In the bottom center, a bundle of long, straight, pale yellow dry pasta lies flat. To the right of the pasta, a tall glass jug filled with creamy white sauce is placed. In the bottom left, a small round white dish holds three spices—one white, one black, and one brown—arranged in sections. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the first step to creating this beloved Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo With Broccoli Recipe. Each ingredient plays a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and visual appeal that make this dish shine.

1 pound fettuccine pasta: The perfect noodle to soak up creamy Alfredo sauce and deliver rich flavor with every bite.
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided: Adds a light, fruity base to sauté the chicken and broccoli without overpowering the dish.
3 cups broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli adds vibrant color and a crisp-tender texture that balances the richness of the sauce.
¼ cup water: Helps steam the broccoli gently to keep it bright and slightly crunchy.
1.25 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces: Tender, juicy chicken makes the dish hearty and protein-packed.
3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creates a silky, luxurious base for the Alfredo sauce with its rich mouthfeel.
1½ cups heavy cream: The star ingredient giving the sauce a velvety, decadent texture you’ll love.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the sauce with a gentle, buttery garlic flavor without being overwhelming.
1 pinch nutmeg: A subtle hint of warmth that elevates the creamy sauce with a cozy, aromatic touch.
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, salty depth and creamy richness that makes Alfredo sauce unforgettable.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that bring out the best in every ingredient.

How to Make Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo With Broccoli Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. The pasta serves as the comforting canvas for your sauce, so be sure not to overcook it. Once ready, drain the pasta but remember to save a cup of that starchy pasta water—it works wonders in loosening and perfecting your Alfredo sauce later.

Step 2: Prepare and Cook the Broccoli

Rinse the broccoli florets and drain well. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the broccoli with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté for about 3 minutes, then add ¼ cup water and cover to steam for another 4 minutes. This double cooking method ensures the broccoli stays tender yet crisp and retains its brilliant green color. Set the broccoli aside once done.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add your bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through, about 4 to 5 minutes. This quick sauté locks in moisture, keeping the chicken juicy. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to join the broccoli.

Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce

Using the skillet you cooked the chicken in, melt the butter over medium heat and then pour in the heavy cream. Add garlic powder and a pinch of nutmeg. Scrape the bottom of the pan to release any flavorful brown bits left from cooking the chicken—these little nuggets of flavor create a rich foundation for your sauce. Bring the cream mixture to a gentle simmer, then stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into a smooth, luscious sauce. Turn the heat to low, allowing the sauce to thicken gently without breaking.

Step 5: Finish the Sauce with Pasta Water

Add some of your reserved pasta water a little at a time to the Alfredo sauce, whisking until smooth and just the right consistency. The starchy water helps the sauce cling beautifully to the pasta without becoming too thick or gluey. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed; this step ensures the sauce is seasoned perfectly.

Step 6: Combine All Ingredients

Return the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken back into the skillet with your creamy Alfredo sauce. Toss everything gently but thoroughly until each noodle and bite of broccoli and chicken is luxuriously coated. This is the moment when the magic happens—creamy, cheesy, tender morsels all united in one delicious dish.

How to Serve Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo With Broccoli Recipe

A white bowl filled with three main layers shows the dish: the bottom layer is creamy, light yellow pasta noodles twisted and coated with sauce, the middle layer has large, bright green broccoli florets scattered around, and the top layer features chunks of light pink cooked fish, all sprinkled lightly with grated white cheese and black pepper. A silver fork holds a piece of the fish and some noodles lifted above the bowl. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface with some broccoli and a cloth with an orange floral pattern nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a final flourish, sprinkle extra freshly grated Parmesan over the top and add a crack of black pepper to brighten the dish. You can also toss some chopped fresh parsley or basil to add a burst of freshness and a pop of color that invites you to dig in.

Side Dishes

This Alfredo dish is quite rich and filling, so pair it with light and crisp sides like a simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette or some roasted cherry tomatoes. A crusty garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are perfect if you want to scoop up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this in individual shallow bowls for an elegant family-style meal, or pile the pasta high on large plates for a restaurant-inspired presentation. Garnishing the dish with toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of chili flakes can add unexpected texture and a bit of heat, taking your Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo With Broccoli Recipe to the next level.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta might absorb some sauce as it sits, so add a splash of cream or milk when reheating to bring back its creamy texture.

Freezing

While Alfredo dishes don’t freeze with perfect texture due to the cream, you can freeze the cooked chicken and broccoli separately, and the sauce separately. When ready to eat, thaw completely and gently reheat on the stove, stirring gently to recombine everything.

Reheating

Reheat the leftover pasta on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a little milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwave reheating if possible to prevent the sauce from separating, ensuring that each bite stays creamy and dreamy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo With Broccoli Recipe?

Yes, frozen broccoli works in a pinch! Just thaw and drain it well before sautéing to reduce excess moisture, which helps maintain that nice texture and prevents the sauce from thinning out too much.

What can I substitute for heavy cream in the Alfredo sauce?

If you want a lighter option, whole milk combined with a bit of flour or cornstarch can work to thicken the sauce, but it won’t be as rich as using heavy cream. For a dairy-free option, coconut cream can be experimented with, but it will alter the classic flavor.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional and perfect for holding creamy Alfredo sauce, you can swap in linguine, tagliatelle, or even penne if you prefer. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

How do I avoid the Alfredo sauce breaking or separating?

Keep the heat moderate and avoid boiling the cream once cheese is added. Stir gently and keep the sauce warm but not scorching. Adding pasta water gradually helps maintain a smooth consistency as well.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply skip the chicken and add extra broccoli or your favorite sautéed vegetables like mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes to keep it hearty and satisfying while still enjoying the creamy Alfredo sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo With Broccoli Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a hug on a plate—creamy, comforting, and packed with wonderful textures and flavors. It’s perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a quick yet elegant dinner. Don’t hesitate to make it a regular in your recipe rotation because once you try it, you’ll be hooked on this easy and incredibly delicious version of a classic favorite.