Name: Easy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo for Busy Nights Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta; 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen); 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces); 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning; 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 ½ cups heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Chopped parsley (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re in search of a cozy, crowd-pleasing pasta that comes together in a flash, Easy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo for Busy Nights is about to become your new weeknight hero. This dish brings together juicy chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a creamy, garlicky Alfredo sauce that’s utterly irresistible. Not only does it taste like a little Italian café in your own kitchen, but it also fits seamlessly into even the busiest schedule—without sacrificing a single ounce of flavor or comfort.

Easy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo for Busy Nights Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Easy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo for Busy Nights is how a handful of everyday staples transform into something truly special. Each ingredient plays a starring role, creating layers of creaminess, bold flavor, and vibrant color in every single bite.

Fettuccine or penne pasta (12 oz): Choose your favorite shape; both hold the sauce beautifully and make for a hearty base.
Broccoli florets (2 cups, fresh or frozen): Broccoli adds a pop of green and a fresh crunch that balances the richness of the Alfredo sauce.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 lb, cut into bite-sized pieces): Tender chicken soaks up the sauce and makes the dish extra satisfying.
Olive oil (2 tbsp): A must for browning the chicken and adding depth to the sauce.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Just a little goes a long way to make the sauce aromatic and utterly mouthwatering.
Heavy cream (1 ½ cups): This is the secret to that silky Alfredo texture everyone loves.
Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Parmesan melts into the sauce, giving it a salty tang and creamy body.
Salt (1/2 tsp): Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
Black pepper (1/4 tsp): Adds just a touch of warmth and spice.
Italian seasoning (1/4 tsp): This blend infuses the dish with classic herb notes.
Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish): A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens the finished plate.

How to Make Easy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo for Busy Nights

Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and add your chosen pasta. When the pasta has about three minutes left, toss in the broccoli florets. This timing ensures the broccoli stays bright green and perfectly tender without getting mushy. Once both are cooked, drain them together and set aside. It’s a clever one-pot trick that saves you time and dishes!

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

While your pasta and broccoli are cooking, heat olive oil in a big skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until golden and just cooked through—about 5 to 7 minutes. Browning the chicken gives it extra flavor and ensures every bite is juicy. Once it’s ready, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it handy for later.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out—those tasty chicken bits add flavor!), add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and let the sauce bubble away for a few minutes until it thickens just enough to coat the back of a spoon. It’s rich, dreamy, and comes together in no time.

Step 4: Combine and Toss

Now for the magic: return the cooked chicken, drained pasta, and broccoli to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss everything together so every noodle and piece of broccoli is glossed in that creamy, cheesy goodness. Let it all heat through for a minute or two, making sure nothing sticks to the pan. The moment the sauce clings to every bite, you’re ready to serve.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the Easy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo for Busy Nights onto plates or into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley if you like, and serve immediately while it’s piping hot. The result is a comforting, belly-warming meal that feels fancy but is secretly so easy.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo for Busy Nights

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley instantly brightens up each plate, adding a pop of color and a hint of freshness. For an extra cheesy finish, try shaving a little more Parmesan over the top just before serving. If you love a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes is delicious here too!

Side Dishes

Easy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo for Busy Nights is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or some warm, crusty garlic bread. A tangy Italian vinaigrette or simple balsamic-dressed greens make for a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta, while bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this dish family-style in a big, shallow serving bowl for a comforting, communal vibe. For a special touch, plate the pasta with chicken and broccoli on top, then spoon extra Alfredo sauce and finish with fresh herbs. If you’re hosting, consider portioning into individual ramekins and broiling with a little mozzarella for a bubbly, golden finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo for Busy Nights stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors meld as it sits, making the leftovers taste even richer the next day. Just be sure to let the dish cool before refrigerating to keep the pasta from getting soggy.

Freezing

If you want to get ahead, you can freeze portions of this dish for up to two months. For best results, freeze the pasta and sauce separately if possible, as this helps the texture stay creamy when you thaw and reheat. Let everything cool completely before sealing in freezer-safe containers.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the Alfredo gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. If you’re using the microwave, cover loosely and stir every minute or so to keep the sauce from separating. Enjoy within a day or two for the best taste and texture.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken to save time?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for Easy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo for Busy Nights. Just shred or cube the cooked chicken and add it to the sauce when you return the pasta and broccoli—it saves time and still tastes amazing.

What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?

Both fettuccine and penne are excellent choices. Fettuccine is traditional for Alfredo, while penne is great for catching all the creamy sauce in its tubes. Feel free to use your favorite or whatever you have on hand.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute your preferred gluten-free pasta for a version that fits your needs. The rest of the ingredients in Easy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo for Busy Nights are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy swap.

How can I lighten up the Alfredo sauce?

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, or use a combination of whole milk and a little extra Parmesan. The sauce will still be creamy and flavorful, just a bit less rich.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach make wonderful additions or substitutions. Just sauté them with the chicken or steam with the broccoli, and toss them in with the rest of the ingredients.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably comforting about a big bowl of Easy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo for Busy Nights—especially when it’s so quick and foolproof to make. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want a little extra comfort at the end of a long day, this recipe delivers every single time. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new staple at your table!

Easy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo for Busy Nights Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A quick and comforting Easy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo recipe perfect for busy weeknights, combining tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy Alfredo sauce tossed with pasta for a delicious Italian-American main course.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Vegetables

12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

Chicken and Seasoning

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp Italian seasoning

Sauce

2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

Chopped parsley (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets to the boiling water. Drain pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
Cook Chicken: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Sauté Garlic and Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine All Ingredients: Return cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss everything together to coat well and heat through.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm for a hearty, creamy Italian-American dinner.