Easy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo is the kind of dinner that feels like comfort food without the stress. Juicy chicken, tender broccoli, and fettuccine are tossed in a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce that comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s rich, hearty, and simple enough for a weeknight but tasty enough to feel special. One skillet, big flavor, and zero hassle this Alfredo will be a family favorite in no time.
Why This Easy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Is a Weeknight Win
- Fast prep: You can get this meal on the table in under 30 minutes.
- Easy cleanup: One skillet means less mess and less time spent washing dishes.
- Big flavor: The blend of garlic, Parmesan, and spices makes every bite satisfying.
How to Make Easy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo (3 Steps & Timing)
Cook the Fettuccine:
Boil water in a pot and cook 8 ounces of fettuccine according to package directions. Don’t forget to reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Cook Chicken and Broccoli:
While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of cubed chicken breasts. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring until the chicken is browned and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add 1 pound of broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes.
Make the Alfredo Sauce:
Reduce the heat to medium. Add 1/2 cup of butter to the same skillet and allow it to melt. Stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. Add thawed and squeezed dry 10-ounce package of chopped spinach, followed by 2 cups of heavy cream. Bring to a simmer. Gradually whisk in 1 1/2 cups of grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg. Add the cooked chicken and broccoli to the sauce and simmer for another 5 minutes. Finally, stir in the cooked fettuccine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve your desired sauce consistency. Serve right away.
Quick Sides & Serving Ideas
- Garlic bread for a hearty side.
- A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Steamed vegetables for extra nutrients.
- A sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Storage & Reheat (No Soggy Leftovers)
You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, use an air fryer or oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to keep the dish from getting soggy.
Got Leftovers? Make Them Work for You
Leftovers don’t have to be boring. Most of the time they’re a head start on tomorrow’s meal. Toss roasted veggies into eggs, turn last night’s chicken into wraps, or freeze soups for a lazy-night rescue. The trick is storing them right and keeping it simple. That way, instead of another chore, leftovers feel like a shortcut. See more easy ideas here and make the most of what you’ve got.
10-Minute Prep & Time-Saving Shortcuts
- Use pre-chopped broccoli to save time.
- Opt for rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own.
- Buy bagged frozen spinach that is already thawed.
- Use jarred Alfredo sauce for an even quicker solution.
Smart Swaps & Variations
- Substitute whole wheat fettuccine for a healthier option.
- Try using low-fat cream or a dairy-free alternative.
- Use leftover vegetables you have on hand.
- Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein.
Craving Something Quick and Crave-Worthy?
Lazy Bites is my go-to spot for those snack cravings that hit out of nowhere. Cheesy pulls, sweet bites, and sides that come together fast no fuss, no fancy prep. Whether it’s a lazy Saturday, a game night spread, or just a quick fix before dinner, these recipes are made to hit the spot without stealing your time. Grab a bite now and keep it easy.
Easy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo
Ingredients
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
- 1 pound chicken breasts cut into cubes
- 1 pound broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 10 ounces chopped spinach thawed and squeezed dry
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1.5 cups Parmesan cheese grated
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water as needed for sauce consistency
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add cubed chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, cook broccoli florets for 3–4 minutes until tender. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium and melt butter in the skillet. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in spinach and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, then gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Return chicken and broccoli to skillet. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add cooked pasta and toss to coat. Stir in reserved pasta water as needed for desired sauce consistency. Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Lazy Cook’s Pro Tips
A couple of small tweaks can save you time every week. Line sheet pans with parchment for zero scrubbing, keep pre-chopped garlic in the fridge for instant flavor, and double-batch sauces so you’ve got a backup for busy nights. Little shortcuts like these keep dinners easy without giving up taste. See more time-saving tips here and make cooking less of a chore.
FAQs about Easy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe
Can I use jarred Alfredo sauce instead of homemade?
Yes! Store-bought Alfredo saves time and still delivers great flavor. Just heat it up with your chicken and broccoli, then stir in pasta water to loosen it up.
What if my sauce gets too thick?
Add a splash of the reserved pasta water or even a bit of milk to thin it out. Alfredo thickens as it cools, so loosen it before serving.
Can I make this dish lighter?
Swap heavy cream for half-and-half, or use a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk. Whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles are also great options.
Can I substitute the protein?
Absolutely. Shrimp, tofu, or even leftover rotisserie chicken work beautifully. Just adjust cooking times so the protein doesn’t overcook.
Can I freeze Chicken Broccoli Alfredo?
Yes, but freeze only the sauce, chicken, and broccoli mixture. Pasta doesn’t reheat as well, so cook fresh noodles when you’re ready to serve.
Wrapping It Up
Easy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo is the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. With creamy sauce, hearty chicken, and crisp broccoli, it’s a dinner that satisfies without piling on stress. Plus, it comes together in one skillet and under 30 minutes ideal for busy nights. Whether you stick with the classic or try a fun variation, this dish proves that weeknight dinners can be fast, flavorful, and downright comforting.
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