Creamy Garlic Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli & Fettuccine

There’s something undeniably soul-satisfying about twirling tender fettuccine strands coated in silky, garlicky Alfredo sauce, with golden seared chicken and crisp-tender broccoli nestled in every bite. Creamy Garlic Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli & Fettuccine is the kind of comforting, restaurant-worthy dish that feels indulgent yet comes together effortlessly in your own kitchen.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe was born out of a cozy Saturday night craving—something hearty, rich, and filled with comforting flavors. I remember the first time I made it at home, trying to recreate the creaminess of my favorite Italian restaurant Alfredo. With a few tweaks and the addition of garlic, broccoli, and juicy chicken, it turned into a weeknight staple and a dinner party favorite all at once.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Alfredo sauce originated in Rome in the early 1900s, traditionally made with just butter and Parmesan. The American version evolved to include cream and garlic, giving it the velvety richness we now love. Adding chicken and broccoli isn’t traditional, but it’s become a beloved twist in American kitchens—boosting flavor, protein, and texture in one comforting dish.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Garlic Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli & Fettuccine

Let me tell you why this dish is a total game-changer.

Versatile: Swap the pasta, veggies, or protein to suit your taste or pantry.

Budget-Friendly: Uses accessible ingredients that deliver luxurious results.

Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes with simple steps.

Customizable: Add mushrooms, spinach, or swap in shrimp for a twist.

Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves creamy pasta, especially when it’s this packed with flavor.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Sauce and components can be prepped ahead for faster assembly.

Great for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day after the flavors mingle.

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Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

This recipe is straightforward, but a few small touches elevate it to restaurant quality.

1. Use freshly grated Parmesan: It melts smoothly and gives richer flavor than pre-shredded.
2. Cook broccoli just until vibrant green: Overcooking dulls color and texture.
3. Deglaze the pan with a splash of pasta water: Adds depth and helps the sauce cling.
4. Don’t overheat the sauce: Keep it just at a simmer to prevent curdling.
5. Toss pasta directly into the sauce: This lets the noodles absorb all that creamy goodness.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

These tools will make cooking a breeze and clean-up even easier.

Large skillet: For searing chicken and building the sauce.

Medium saucepan: For boiling pasta and blanching broccoli.

Tongs: Perfect for tossing fettuccine without breaking it.

Grater or microplane: Essential for grating Parmesan and zesting if desired.

Sharp knife and cutting board: For prepping the chicken and veggies.

Ingredients in Creamy Garlic Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli & Fettuccine

Every element in this dish brings harmony to the plate—rich, creamy, and full of texture.

1. Fettuccine: 12 oz — wide, flat pasta perfect for catching creamy sauce.
2. Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: 2 medium, sliced — juicy protein that browns beautifully.
3. Broccoli Florets: 2 cups — adds freshness, color, and crunch.
4. Garlic: 4 cloves, minced — gives aromatic depth to the sauce.
5. Butter: 3 tablespoons — the base of our rich Alfredo flavor.
6. Heavy Cream: 1 1/2 cups — delivers luxurious creaminess.
7. Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, freshly grated — melts into the sauce for salty, nutty goodness.
8. Salt: 1 teaspoon — enhances the dish’s overall flavor.
9. Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon — adds warmth and gentle heat.
10. Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon — for searing the chicken golden and tender.
11. Pasta Water: 1/2 cup reserved — emulsifies and loosens the sauce if needed.

Ingredient Substitutions

Want to personalize your Alfredo? Try these easy swaps:

Fettuccine: Use linguine, penne, or gluten-free pasta.

Chicken Breasts: Boneless thighs or rotisserie chicken.

Heavy Cream: Half-and-half for lighter texture, or dairy-free cream alternative.

Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano.

Broccoli: Try asparagus, spinach, or peas.

Ingredient Spotlight

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is the soul of Alfredo—it adds the umami kick that balances the richness.

Garlic: Sautéed in butter, garlic transforms into a mellow, aromatic base that infuses the sauce with irresistible depth.

Instructions for Making Creamy Garlic Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli & Fettuccine

Let’s get cooking—this dish comes together like a dream with these simple steps.

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a boil for the pasta and broccoli. Heat a large skillet over medium heat for the chicken.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In the skillet, heat olive oil. Add sliced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and sear until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   In the same pot of boiling water, cook fettuccine according to package directions. In the last 2 minutes, add broccoli florets. Drain pasta and broccoli together, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add Parmesan, stirring until melted and smooth.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Add pasta and broccoli to the sauce. Toss gently to coat. Stir in cooked chicken, thinning with reserved pasta water as needed for a silky consistency.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Season to taste with additional salt and pepper. Top with extra Parmesan and a crack of black pepper.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Serve hot with crusty bread and a fresh green salad for a complete, comforting meal.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

Creaminess, tenderness, and balance—that’s what sets this Alfredo apart. The fettuccine provides a silky base, the sauce is smooth and garlicky without being overpowering, and the chicken adds savory depth. Broccoli brings crunch and freshness, tying the richness together.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

These smart steps will help you get perfect results every time:

• Always reserve pasta water—it’s liquid gold for sauces.
• Don’t rinse your pasta; the starch helps the sauce cling.
• Let chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy.

What to Avoid

A few missteps can throw off your Alfredo—here’s what to steer clear of:

• Overcooking broccoli (turns mushy and bland).
• Using pre-grated cheese (won’t melt smoothly).
• Overheating the cream (can separate or curdle).

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 680
Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can prep the sauce, chicken, and broccoli ahead of time and reheat gently when ready to serve. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to life.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli & Fettuccine

Serve in shallow pasta bowls with freshly grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of parsley, and crusty garlic bread on the side. A crisp Caesar or arugula salad makes the perfect pairing. For a dinner party, garnish with lemon zest or red pepper flakes for color and kick.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Give those leftovers a second life:

• Toss into a frittata or quiche base.
• Turn into a creamy baked pasta dish with breadcrumbs.
• Add extra broth and transform into a creamy soup.

Additional Tips

• Warm your serving bowls to keep pasta hot longer.
• Use tongs to toss pasta gently and evenly in the sauce.
• Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten flavors.

Make It a Showstopper

For presentation that impresses, twirl pasta into nests on the plate and top with sliced chicken and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. A drizzle of garlic oil or Parmesan crisp on the side adds restaurant flair.

Variations to Try

• Shrimp Alfredo: Swap chicken for sautéed shrimp.
• Mushroom Spinach: Add sautéed mushrooms and fresh spinach to the sauce.
• Lemon Garlic Alfredo: Add lemon zest and a splash of juice for brightness.
• Spicy Alfredo: Stir in red pepper flakes or chili oil.
• Bacon Broccoli Alfredo: Add crispy bacon bits for salty crunch.

FAQ’s

Q1. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free fettuccine and check labels on your cream and cheese.

Q2. Can I substitute the cream?
You can use half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce may be thinner.

Q3. How do I avoid grainy sauce?
Use freshly grated cheese and add it off heat if needed.

Q4. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, just thaw and add in the last minute of pasta cooking.

Q5. What’s the best chicken cut?
Thin-sliced breasts or boneless thighs both work well.

Q6. Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
Yes, but homemade tastes fresher and creamier.

Q7. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—just use a larger skillet or pot.

Q8. Is this freezer-friendly?
Not recommended—the sauce texture may break after thawing.

Q9. Can I add more veggies?
Of course! Bell peppers, peas, or zucchini are great additions.

Q10. What wine pairs well?
Try a chilled Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli & Fettuccine is comfort food that feels both indulgent and homey. Trust me, it’s worth every bite—whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply treating yourself to something extra special tonight.

Watch How To Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli & Fettuccine