Easy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Recipe – Creamy Pasta Dinner with Garlic Parmesan Sauce

A Weeknight Classic with Comfort and Speed (150 words)

Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo is the kind of dinner that checks every box—comforting, creamy, and ready in under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. Inspired by the cozy simplicity of Tessie’s Table, the crowd-pleasing approach of AllRecipes, and the practical flair of Easy Chicken Recipes, this dish blends convenience with indulgence. Tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and pasta are enveloped in a rich, garlicky Alfredo sauce that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re cooking for family, prepping lunches, or just craving something satisfying, this recipe delivers. Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable—swap pasta shapes, use rotisserie chicken, or add a cheesy baked finish. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo is a weeknight staple you’ll come back to again and again.

What Makes It “Easy”?

This dish earns its “easy” title thanks to smart shortcuts and pantry-friendly ingredients. You only need a few basics: pasta, chicken, broccoli, cream cheese, milk, and Parmesan. Most of these are probably already in your kitchen. The recipe uses a one-pan or two-pot method, meaning less mess and faster cleanup. Cook the pasta while sautéing the chicken, then steam the broccoli and stir everything together with a quick homemade Alfredo sauce.

It’s also great for meal prep—leftovers reheat beautifully and can be packed for lunch or dinner the next day. Using rotisserie chicken or frozen broccoli cuts down prep time even more. No fancy techniques, no complicated steps—just straightforward cooking that yields delicious results. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook, this recipe is designed to be stress-free and satisfying.

Ingredient Breakdown

Here’s what you’ll need to make Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo:

• Boneless chicken breast or thighs: Lean and protein-rich. Thighs offer extra juiciness.
• Broccoli florets: Fresh or frozen both work. Steam or blanch until bright green and tender.
• Pasta: Fettuccine, penne, or rotini are great choices. Use what you have.
• Cream cheese: Adds richness and helps thicken the sauce.
• Milk: Whole or 2% preferred for creaminess.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated melts best and adds nutty depth.
• Garlic: Minced or crushed for aromatic flavor.
• Olive oil: For sautéing the chicken.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning.

Optional add-ins:

• Italian dressing: Marinate chicken for extra flavor.
• Mozzarella cheese: Sprinkle on top and bake for a bubbly finish.
• Red pepper flakes: Add heat if desired.

Tip: Use rotisserie chicken to save time—just shred and toss it in. This shortcut makes the dish even faster without sacrificing flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Chicken While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sauté until golden brown and cooked through (about 5–7 minutes per side). Remove and slice or shred.
3. Steam the Broccoli Steam fresh broccoli in a separate pot or microwave until bright green and tender-crisp (about 4–5 minutes). If using frozen, cook according to package instructions.
4. Make the Alfredo Sauce In the same skillet, melt cream cheese over low heat. Add milk gradually, whisking until smooth. Stir in garlic and Parmesan. Simmer until sauce thickens slightly (about 5 minutes). Season to taste.
5. Combine Everything Add cooked pasta, chicken, and broccoli to the sauce. Toss gently to coat. If desired, transfer to a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes until bubbly.

Bold Tips:

• For a smooth sauce, use room-temperature cream cheese and whisk continuously.
• To keep broccoli tender, avoid overcooking—steam just until fork-tender and vibrant.

Serve hot and enjoy the creamy comfort!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple recipes have pitfalls—here’s how to avoid them:

• Overcooking the broccoli: It turns mushy and loses its vibrant color. Steam just until tender-crisp and immediately remove from heat.
• Using pre-shredded cheese: It contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Always grate Parmesan fresh for the best texture and flavor.
• Skipping seasoning: Alfredo sauce can taste flat without proper salt, pepper, and garlic. Taste as you go and adjust.
• Adding sauce to hot pasta too early: If the pasta is too hot, the sauce can separate or become oily. Let pasta cool slightly before combining.

Bonus tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken—this ensures even browning and juicy results. And if you’re baking the dish, don’t skip the mozzarella topping—it adds a golden, gooey finish that’s hard to resist.