Name: 30-Minute Creamy Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb total); salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste); 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning; 1 Tbsp olive oil; 2 cups fresh broccoli florets; salt (to taste); 1 Tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter; 12 oz fettuccine pasta; 4 Tbsp unsalted butter; 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 1 Tbsp olive oil; 1 cup rich heavy cream; 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional); 1 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

What’s for dinner tonight? It’s the question that can loom over a busy weekday, often leading to takeout menus or boring repeats. But what if you could have a restaurant-quality, soul-soothing comfort meal on the table in about 30 minutes? This Creamy Garlic Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli & Fettuccine isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s your new weeknight hero. We’re talking tender, seasoned chicken and vibrant, crisp-tender broccoli tossed with fettuccine in a ridiculously creamy, homemade garlic-parmesan sauce. Forget the jarred stuff. This recipe proves that a luxurious, satisfying meal doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite dinner.

Contents

Ingredients
Timing
Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep & Cook the Pasta
Step 2: Cook the Chicken to Perfection
Step 3: Sauté the Broccoli
Step 4: Craft the Luscious Garlic Alfredo Sauce
Step 5: Combine Everything Beautifully
Step 6: Plate & Serve Your Masterpiece

Nutritional Information
Healthier Alternatives
Serving Suggestions
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Storing Tips
Conclusion
FAQs

Q1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Q2. Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Q3. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

30-Minute Creamy Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli

Description
Ingredients

For the Chicken
For the Broccoli
For the Pasta & Sauce

Instructions
Notes
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?

Ingredients

To create this masterpiece, you’ll need a handful of simple, fresh ingredients. Using high-quality components, especially freshly grated Parmesan, will make all the difference in the final flavor.

Ingredient Group	Ingredient	Amount/Quantity
For the Chicken	Boneless, skinless chicken breasts	2 large (about 1 lb)
	Salt and freshly ground black pepper	To taste
	Garlic powder	1 tsp
	Dried Italian seasoning	½ tsp
	Olive oil	1 Tbsp
For the Broccoli	Fresh broccoli florets	2 cups
	Salt	To taste
	Olive oil or unsalted butter	1 Tbsp
For the Pasta & Sauce	Fettuccine pasta	12 oz
	Unsalted butter	4 Tbsp
	Fresh garlic, minced	4 cloves
	Olive oil	1 Tbsp
	Rich heavy cream	1 cup
	Freshly grated Parmesan cheese	¾ cup
	Ground nutmeg	¼ tsp (optional)
	Fresh parsley, chopped	1 Tbsp (plus extra)

Timing

This recipe is designed for busy weeknights when you crave something special without the wait.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

In the time it takes to order and wait for a delivery, you can have this fresh, homemade chicken alfredo on the table. It’s a complete meal that’s both fast and flavorful.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a perfect, creamy pasta dish every time. We’ll build the flavors layer by layer for a truly unforgettable result.

Step 1: Prep & Cook the Pasta

Begin by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package directions until it’s al dente—tender but still with a slight bite. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water. This liquid gold is the secret to a perfectly silky sauce later. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken to Perfection

While the pasta cooks, pat your chicken breasts dry with a paper towel; this helps create a beautiful golden-brown sear. Season them generously on all sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until it’s golden and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet, let it rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes, then slice it into strips.

Step 3: Sauté the Broccoli

Using the same skillet (no need to wash it!), heat another tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets and a pinch of salt. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and crisp-tender. You want it to have a slight crunch, not be mushy. Once done, transfer the broccoli to a bowl and set it aside with the chicken.

Step 4: Craft the Luscious Garlic Alfredo Sauce

Now for the heart of the dish. In the same skillet, melt the butter with a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until it’s wonderfully fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown, as it can become bitter. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted completely and the sauce is smooth and has slightly thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if you’re using it—it adds a lovely warmth that complements the cream.

Step 5: Combine Everything Beautifully

It’s time to bring it all together! Return the sliced chicken and sautéed broccoli to the skillet with the alfredo sauce. Add the drained fettuccine and gently toss everything together until the pasta, chicken, and broccoli are thoroughly coated in that glorious sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin it to your desired consistency. Finally, stir in the chopped fresh parsley.

Step 6: Plate & Serve Your Masterpiece

Serve your creamy garlic chicken alfredo immediately while it’s hot and the sauce is at its peak. Garnish each plate with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, a bit more fresh parsley, and a final crack of freshly ground black pepper. Enjoy!

Nutritional Information

This is an indulgent dish, perfect for a satisfying meal. The following is an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving (assuming the recipe makes 4 servings).

Calories: 750 kcal
Protein: 45 g
Carbohydrates: 55 g
Fat: 40 g (Saturated: 22 g)

Bonus: The broccoli provides a good source of Vitamin C and fiber, adding a healthy and delicious component to this classic comfort food.

Healthier Alternatives

Love this dish but looking for a lighter version? Here are a few simple swaps that keep the flavor while reducing the calories and fat.

Lighten the Cream: Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even evaporated milk for a sauce that’s still creamy but with less fat.
Use Whole Wheat Pasta: Substitute whole wheat fettuccine for a boost of fiber and nutrients.
Grill the Chicken: Instead of pan-frying, grill or bake the chicken to reduce the amount of oil used.
Load Up on Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables! Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers would all be delicious additions.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few classic sides to create a full Italian-inspired feast.

Garlic Bread: A side of warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for sopping up any extra alfredo sauce.
Simple Green Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a fresh, acidic contrast that cuts through the richness of the cream sauce.
Wine Pairing: A crisp, dry white wine like a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc beautifully complements the creamy, garlicky flavors of the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Alfredo sauce can be a bit finicky. Here’s how to ensure yours turns out perfectly smooth and creamy every time.

Browning the Garlic: Cooking the garlic for too long or on heat that’s too high will make it bitter, and that flavor will permeate your entire sauce.
- Solution: Sauté the garlic gently over medium-low heat for just 30-60 seconds, until it’s fragrant but not colored.
Boiling the Sauce with Cheese: High heat can cause dairy and cheese to separate or “break,” resulting in a grainy or oily texture.
- Solution: Once you add the Parmesan cheese, keep the heat on low and stir constantly until it’s just melted. Never let the sauce boil after the cheese is in.
Using Pre-Grated Parmesan: Bagged, pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents like cellulose, which prevent it from melting smoothly.
- Solution: Always buy a block of Parmesan and grate it yourself. It takes just a minute and the difference in your sauce’s texture will be astounding.

Storing Tips

While best enjoyed fresh, leftovers can still be delicious if stored and reheated properly.

Refrigeration: Store any leftover chicken alfredo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: The sauce will thicken considerably when chilled. The best way to reheat it is gently in a saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream and stir frequently until it’s warmed through and the sauce has returned to its creamy consistency. Microwaving can work in a pinch, but it may cause the sauce to separate.

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Alfredo recipe is more than just a meal—it’s a solution for busy nights, a comfort for tired souls, and a celebration of simple, delicious ingredients. It proves that you can create a truly spectacular dish that the whole family will love in just 30 minutes. The rich, homemade sauce and perfectly cooked components come together in a symphony of flavor that’s hard to beat.

We truly hope you enjoy making this dish. Give it a try and let us know in the comments how you liked it! We love hearing your feedback and seeing your culinary creations. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and subscribe for more easy and delicious meals.

FAQs

Q1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While fettuccine is the classic choice for alfredo, this sauce works beautifully with other pasta shapes. Try it with penne, rigatoni, or linguine. Just be sure to cook it al dente and reserve some of that essential pasta water.

Q2. Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, it’s very easy to adapt. Simply substitute your favorite brand of gluten-free fettuccine or other gluten-free pasta and follow the recipe as written. The sauce itself is naturally gluten-free.

Q3. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Of course! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs would be a fantastic substitute. They have a richer flavor and are more forgiving, as they tend to stay juicier. The cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly, so be sure to cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).