When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with a plate of creamy fettuccine Alfredo. The smooth, velvety sauce clings to every strand of pasta, delivering richness in every bite. But what happens when you add tender chicken and vibrant broccoli to the mix? You get a balanced, hearty dish that satisfies on all fronts. Broccoli Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo takes the beloved Italian classic and elevates it by adding a nutritious twist.
The key ingredients in this recipe make it both indulgent and wholesome. The chicken provides a hearty, lean protein, and the broccoli adds not only a pop of color but also a healthy serving of vitamins and fiber. The star of the show, however, is the Alfredo sauce—rich, buttery, and packed with flavor from freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The combination of these ingredients creates a meal that feels restaurant-worthy, yet it’s easy enough to make at home.
One of the best tips for nailing this recipe is to use fresh ingredients whenever possible. Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully into the sauce, giving it a creamy texture without the need for processed cheese or added thickeners. When cooking the broccoli, it’s important to steam or lightly blanch it to maintain that bright green color and slight crunch, which complements the richness of the Alfredo sauce perfectly.
A great trick for making a silky-smooth Alfredo sauce is to cook it over low heat, stirring constantly. This ensures the sauce doesn’t break or become too thick. Another important step is seasoning—don’t forget to season both your chicken and sauce well with salt and pepper to balance out the creamy richness of the dish.
This dish is a great choice for family dinners or special occasions, where you want something comforting and impressive without too much fuss. Serve it alongside garlic bread and a fresh Caesar salad to complete your Italian-inspired feast. You can also switch things up by adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a little heat or some sautéed mushrooms for added earthiness.
What makes Broccoli Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo truly special is the balance it strikes between indulgence and nourishment. The creamy Alfredo sauce satisfies those comfort food cravings, while the addition of chicken and broccoli keeps things feeling wholesome and balanced. Plus, it’s versatile! You can swap the chicken for shrimp or add extra veggies like spinach or peas to make it your own.
PrintBroccoli Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
Possibly the ultimate comfort food in its creamy, cheesy goodness, fettuccine alfredo is a fantastic recipe to have in your back pocket. This version uses broccoli and chicken to add a bit of protein and nutrients to this classic pasta dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Entrées
Ingredients
- 8 ounces fettuccine
- 3 cups chopped broccoli florets
- 8 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded Italian blend cheese
- 4 ounces mascarpone cheese, room temperature
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly coat a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook until almost al dente. Add the broccoli and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until the pasta is al dente and the broccoli is crisp-tender. Drain and return to the pot.
- While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat, add the chicken, and sauté until fully cooked. Add the chicken to the pasta/ broccoli mixture.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the garlic, and cook for 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it. Whisk in the flour to form a roux. Cook for 30 seconds, then whisk in the milk and cheeses and continue whisking until the sauce thickens about 5 minutes.
- Pour the sauce over the pasta, broccoli, and chicken and stir to combine. Pour the mixture into the baking dish.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown and bubbling. Let cool for 10 minutes and serve.
Want to grow your own broccoli? Check out our Broccoli Gardening Guide for everything you need to know about planting, nurturing, and harvesting your own fresh broccoli right at home. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this guide will help you grow the best-tasting broccoli for all your favorite dishes.
Ready to dig in? Let me know what you think in the comments!