Easy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Whip up creamy, satisfying Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta with plant-based cheese and fresh veggies for a quick, delicious meal everyone will love. This dish brings together tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce that’s both comforting and surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, this recipe balances flavor and nutrition in one colorful bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple yet flavorful: Combines everyday ingredients into a rich and satisfying pasta dish.
• One-pot convenience: Minimal cleanup with most of your cooking happening in one pan.
• Family-friendly: A creamy, comforting meal that appeals to all ages.
• Nutritious and colorful: Fresh broccoli adds crunch, color, and vitamins to every bite.
• Customizable: Easily adapted with plant-based cheese or different veggies to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple but essential ingredients is the key to nailing this Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta. Each element plays a role in building layers of flavor, creamy texture, and appealing presentation.

• Chicken breasts: Skinless and boneless, they cook quickly and stay juicy.
• Broccoli florets: Fresh or frozen, providing crunch and vibrant green color.
• Pasta of your choice: Fettuccine or penne works wonderfully to catch the sauce.
• Plant-based cheese (shredded): For that creamy, melted Alfredo richness.
• Plant-based butter: Adds smoothness and depth to the sauce.
• Garlic cloves (minced): Boosts savory flavor with aromatic warmth.
• Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural): Adds umami and subtle tang to the sauce.
• Milk (plant-based): Keeps the sauce creamy and light.
• Flour (all-purpose): Helps thicken the Alfredo sauce perfectly.
• Salt and pepper: To season and enhance all the flavors.
• Natural gelling agent: Assists the sauce’s smooth, clingy texture.
• Grape juice: Adds a touch of sweetness and balance to the sauce.

Variations for Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, making it easy to customize according to your mood, pantry staples, or any dietary preferences.

• Swap the chicken: Use pan-seared shrimp or grilled calamari for a seafood twist.
• Add different veggies: Toss in mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or spinach for variety.
• Try a spicy kick: Incorporate crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to spice things up.
• Go gluten-free: Substitute with gluten-free pasta and flour alternatives.
• Use almond or coconut milk: For a thinner, lighter Alfredo sauce preference.

How to Make Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli

Start by boiling salted water and cook your pasta until al dente according to package instructions. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to soften slightly while retaining their vibrant green and crunch. Drain both and set aside, reserving a little pasta water for later.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Heat plant-based butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper, cooking until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and slice it thinly once it rests.

Step 3: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet, melt more plant-based butter and add minced garlic, stirring until fragrant but not browned. Sprinkle in flour to create a roux, constantly whisking to avoid lumps. Gradually pour in the plant-based milk and grape juice while whisking to build a smooth, creamy sauce. Stir in the vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), plant-based cheese, and a pinch of natural gelling agent to thicken the sauce further. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta and broccoli into the Alfredo sauce, tossing gently to coat everything evenly. Return the sliced chicken to the pan and mix until well incorporated. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Pro Tips for Making Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta

• Prep ingredients beforehand: Having everything ready makes cooking smoother and faster.
• Don’t overcook the broccoli: Keep it crisp for the best texture contrast in the dish.
• Use low heat when making the sauce: To avoid curdling the milk and achieve perfect creaminess.
• Reserve pasta water: It’s magic for loosening up thick sauce without losing flavor.
• Let the chicken rest: Helps keep juices locked in for tender, moist slices.

How to Serve Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta

Garnishes

Top your Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a burst of fresh herbal flavor and a pop of color. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper elevates the aroma and adds subtle heat.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette makes a refreshing partner to this creamy pasta. Garlic bread with plant-based butter and herbs is another delicious choice to soak up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls for an elegant, restaurant-style feel. For casual meals, a deep casserole dish straight from the oven invites everyone to dig in family-style, creating a cozy dining experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Make sure the pasta has cooled to room temperature before sealing to preserve texture and flavor.

Freezing

This dish freezes well for up to 1 month. Portion into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

Warm leftover pasta slowly over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of plant-based milk to restore creaminess. Avoid microwave reheating at high power to prevent the sauce from separating and pasta from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use different vegetables instead of broccoli?

Absolutely! Vegetables like spinach, asparagus, or bell peppers all complement the creamy sauce beautifully and can be swapped in based on preference or seasonality.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Definitely. Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta tastes great reheated and keeps well, making it a fantastic option for preparing lunches or dinners ahead of time.

How do I make the sauce thicker or thinner?

Adjust the thickness by controlling the amount of plant-based milk and natural gelling agent you add. For thicker sauce, reduce milk slightly and add a bit more natural gelling agent; for thinner, add extra milk or reserved pasta water.

Can I use a different plant-based cheese?

Yes, feel free to choose any plant-based shredded cheese you like; mozzarella or a mild cheddar-style cheese work especially well in this recipe.

What type of pasta is best for this dish?

Fettuccine, penne, or even rigatoni all pair wonderfully with the Alfredo sauce because their shapes hold the creamy sauce well, providing excellent texture in every bite.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta is an irresistible combination of rich creaminess, fresh veggies, and tender chicken that makes weeknight dinners exciting and satisfying. It’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again because it’s easy, delicious, and endlessly adaptable to fit your kitchen and taste buds. Give it a try and watch it become a new household favorite!

Related Posts

• Creamy Broccoli Mac and Cheese You’ll Love
• Easy Chicken Zucchini Casserole for Dinner
• Easy Chicken Taco Casserole for Weeknights

Print