Craving something creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying but short on time? Say goodbye to jarred sauces and long ingredient lists! This Fettuccine Chicken Broccoli Alfredo comes together in just about 20 minutes using one pot and a single skillet.
It’s the ultimate weeknight win: tender chicken, vibrant green broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta, all coated in a rich, homemade garlic Parmesan sauce that puts the jarred stuff to shame. It’s comfort food, simplified.
Why This Recipe Works
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Speed: From fridge to table in under 30 minutes.
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One-Pot Pasta (Optional): We have a method to cook the pasta and broccoli together to save on dishes!
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Real Ingredients: No cans of “cheese sauce”—just real butter, cream, and Parmesan.
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Family Approved: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with protein and veggies.
The Recipe: Quick & Easy Fettuccine Chicken Broccoli Alfredo
Yield: 4 servings
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
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For the Pasta:
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12 oz Fettuccine pasta
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2 cups fresh broccoli florets (chopped into bite-sized pieces)
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For the Chicken:
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2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 3–4 cutlets)
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1 tbsp olive oil
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
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For the Alfredo Sauce:
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2 tbsp unsalted butter
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3–4 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
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1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese (the kind you grate yourself—it melts so much better!)
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¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, but adds depth)
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Salt and cracked black pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
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Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta (The Efficient Way)
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package directions. About 3–4 minutes before the pasta is done, toss the broccoli florets right into the boiling water with the pasta. Cook until the pasta is al dente and the broccoli is bright green and tender.
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Pro Tip: Reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. This is liquid gold for adjusting your sauce later!
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
While the pasta boils, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F). Remove the chicken from the pan, let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice it into strips.
Step 3: Make the Dreamy Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out—the browned bits add flavor!), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
Whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese a handful at a time, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
Step 4: Combine & Serve
Drain the pasta and broccoli thoroughly. Add them directly to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss everything together, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick (it will help it coat the pasta perfectly).
Add the sliced chicken on top or toss it in. Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra crack of black pepper. Serve immediately!
