Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe

Quick & Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe for Dinner Bliss

Creamy chicken broccoli alfredo promises a delightful culinary adventure that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Comfort food doesn’t get much better than this classic pasta dish.

Tender chicken and vibrant broccoli mingle with silky sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Rich parmesan cheese adds a luxurious depth that screams indulgence.

Simple ingredients come together in mere minutes, making this recipe perfect for busy nights.

Home cooks can whip up this restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort.

One bite will transport you to an Italian kitchen, leaving you craving more.

What Makes Chicken Broccoli Alfredo So Comforting

What Makes Chicken Broccoli Alfredo So Comforting
  • Conquer Dinner Quickly: Tackle this recipe with minimal prep and cooking steps, making it a go-to solution for busy households craving a satisfying meal.
  • Transform Leftovers Magically: Convert simple ingredients like cooked chicken and pasta into a restaurant-worthy dish that feels completely new and exciting.
  • Create Family-Friendly Comfort: Blend kid-approved ingredients like cheesy pasta and tender chicken with nutritious broccoli, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys a delicious and balanced meal.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add personal touches like different cheeses, herbs, or protein options to match your family's taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Chicken Broccoli Alfredo

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: Shredded protein that adds hearty flavor and substance to the pasta dish.
Pasta and Vegetables:
  • Rotini Pasta, Broccoli: Rotini provides a fun, twisty texture while broccoli adds nutritious green color and crisp freshness.
Sauce and Dairy Components:
  • Alfredo Sauce: Creamy white sauce that binds all ingredients together with rich, smooth consistency.
  • Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty cheeses that create a golden, bubbly topping with tangy and savory notes.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Olive Oil, Garlic: Olive oil helps sauté garlic, releasing its aromatic and flavorful essence.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste of the dish.
Garnish:
  • Parsley, Cilantro: Fresh herbs that add a bright, colorful finishing touch and subtle herbal aroma.

How to Cook Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Easily

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by setting it to 350°F. This will help create a perfectly golden and bubbly dish that everyone will love.

Step 2: Sizzle the Garlic

Grab a large skillet and drizzle in some olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and let it dance around for 1-2 minutes until it releases its amazing aroma. Watch carefully to prevent burning!

Step 3: Combine Tasty Ingredients

In a big mixing bowl, bring together:
  • Cooked rotini pasta
  • Shredded chicken
  • Steamed broccoli
  • Sautéed garlic

Mix everything until it’s well combined and looking delicious.

Step 4: Drench in Creamy Sauce

Pour the Alfredo sauce over the pasta mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until every single bite is coated in creamy goodness.

Step 5: Prepare the Baking Dish

Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Carefully transfer the pasta mixture, spreading it out evenly so each spoonful is perfect.

Step 6: Create a Cheesy Blanket

Sprinkle a generous layer of:
  • Shredded mozzarella
  • Grated Parmesan

Cover the pasta with this cheesy topping that will melt into pure deliciousness.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese turns golden and starts bubbling with excitement.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Let the dish cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle some fresh parsley or cilantro on top for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy masterpiece you’ve created!

Tips to Nail Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Every Time

  • Prevent Soggy Pasta: Cook rotini al dente before mixing with other ingredients to maintain perfect texture and avoid mushy results.
  • Boost Flavor Depth: Sauté garlic slowly in olive oil to release rich, nutty undertones that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
  • Control Sauce Consistency: Use room temperature Alfredo sauce for smoother blending and even coating across all ingredients.
  • Cheese Melting Trick: Grate cheese fresh for better melting and more uniform coverage, creating a golden, crispy top layer.
  • Healthier Ingredient Swap: Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or low-fat milk to reduce calories without compromising creamy texture.

Fun Flavor Ideas for Chicken Broccoli Alfredo

  • Seafood Pasta Swap: Replace chicken with succulent shrimp or tender salmon for a marine-inspired version that brings ocean flavors to the classic recipe.
  • Vegetarian Protein Alternative: Substitute chicken with cubed tofu, roasted chickpeas, or white beans to create a plant-based protein-packed meal that maintains the creamy texture.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free rotini pasta and ensure the Alfredo sauce is made without wheat-based thickeners to accommodate gluten-sensitive diners.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Option: Swap traditional pasta with roasted cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrates while keeping the rich, creamy essence of the original dish.

Great Pairings for Chicken Broccoli Alfredo

  • Pair Crisp White Wine with Creamy Dish: Select a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the richness of the Alfredo sauce, creating a refreshing balance that enhances the meal's creamy texture.
  • Complement with Fresh Garden Salad: Toss a light mixed greens salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a zesty, crisp contrast to the heavy pasta, adding brightness and helping cleanse the palate between bites.
  • Match with Garlic Bread Companion: Serve warm, buttery garlic bread alongside the dish to soak up extra sauce and provide a crunchy texture that complements the creamy pasta's smoothness.

How to Store Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Like a Pro

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, maintaining great flavor and texture.
  • Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freezes well for up to 2 months without losing quality.
  • Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add 1-2 tablespoons of milk or water to prevent drying. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place pasta in oven-safe dish, add splash of milk or cream. Cover with foil to retain moisture.

Chicken Broccoli Alfredo FAQ Roundup

  • Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

This recipe is perfect for home cooks with basic kitchen skills. The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are easy to find. Even if you’re new to cooking, you can follow the instructions and create a delicious meal.

  • Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for rotini, you can easily substitute with penne, fettuccine, or any other pasta shape you prefer. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente before mixing with other ingredients.

  • How can I make this dish healthier?

To make the recipe lighter, use whole wheat pasta, reduce the cheese quantity, and opt for a low-fat Alfredo sauce. You can also add more vegetables like spinach or zucchini to increase nutritional value.

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Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe

Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy chicken broccoli alfredo delivers comfort and elegance in one delightful pasta dish. Rich parmesan sauce and tender chicken embrace perfectly cooked broccoli, promising a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Main Components:

  • 2 cups cooked rotini pasta
  • 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
  • 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed)
  • 2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Cheese and Dairy:

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoning and Garnish:

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F, creating the ideal thermal environment for a perfectly baked casserole.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature, gently sautéing minced garlic until aromatic and translucent, approximately 1-2 minutes.
  3. Combine cooked rotini pasta, tender shredded chicken, and steamed broccoli florets in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring thorough integration of ingredients.
  4. Drizzle Alfredo sauce over the mixture, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance flavor profile, then meticulously fold until every morsel is luxuriously coated.
  5. Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with a light grease coating, then uniformly distribute the pasta blend to promote even heating and consistent texture.
  6. Generously cascade shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan across the surface, creating a delectable cheese layer that will transform into a golden, bubbling crust.
  7. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese melts into a tempting, bronzed topping.
  8. Remove from oven and permit a brief cooling period, then embellish with fresh parsley or cilantro, adding a vibrant garnish that elevates the dish’s visual and flavor complexity.

Notes

  • Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to create a low-carb, gluten-free version perfect for health-conscious eaters.
  • Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream in the Alfredo sauce to reduce calories and boost protein content while maintaining creamy texture.
  • Roast broccoli beforehand to enhance its natural sweetness and add deeper flavor complexity to the overall dish, creating a more caramelized taste profile.
  • Choose rotisserie chicken for a time-saving hack that delivers tender, pre-seasoned meat without additional cooking steps, making meal preparation quicker and easier.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 950mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 54g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 40g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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