Easy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting yet vibrant dish that’s both creamy and packed with fresh flavor, this Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta is an absolute winner. Combining tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a luscious sauce made with plant-based (plant-based) cheese, this recipe delivers satisfying richness without any fuss. Perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you need a quick, delicious meal, this Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta will soon become one of your favorite go-to dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple yet satisfying: Uses everyday ingredients to create a restaurant-quality taste at home.
• Quick to prepare: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy schedules.
• Rich and creamy texture: The plant-based (plant-based) cheese sauce is velvety and indulgent without heaviness.
• Nutritious and colorful: Fresh broccoli adds great texture and vibrant color as well as nutrients.
• Family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults, making dinner time a joy for everyone.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta comes down to a handful of simple ingredients that each play an essential role in flavor, texture, and color. From juicy chicken to crisp broccoli and creamy plant-based (plant-based) cheese, these components come together effortlessly.

• Chicken breast: Provides lean protein and tender bite that pairs well with creamy sauce.
• Broccoli florets: Adds a fresh crunch and vibrant green pop to brighten the dish.
• Fettuccine pasta: Classic pasta shape that holds onto the sauce beautifully.
• Plant-based (plant-based) cheese: Creates a luscious, creamy Alfredo sauce without dairy heaviness.
• Garlic cloves: Infuses the sauce with savory depth and aroma.
• Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce: Enhances umami flavor, adding complexity.
• Apple cider vinegar: Adds subtle tang to balance the richness of the sauce.
• Plant-based milk: Keeps the sauce smooth and creamy with mild flavor.
• Natural gelling agent: Helps thicken the sauce for perfect texture.
• Olive oil: Used to cook chicken and vegetables for enhanced flavor.
• Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings that bring all the elements together.

Variations for Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable and easy to customize, whether you’re catering to dietary preferences, experimenting with flavors, or just making use of what you have in the kitchen.

• Swap chicken for shrimp: Tender shrimp works beautifully for a seafood twist.
• Add mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms introduce earthiness to the dish.
• Use gluten-free pasta: Keep the recipe friendly for gluten sensitivity without losing texture.
• Include spinach: Toss in fresh spinach for extra leafy greens and nutrients.
• Make it spicy: A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes livens up the creamy sauce.

How to Make Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients

Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and chopping the broccoli into bite-friendly florets. Mince the garlic cloves to release their full flavor. Set the stage by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.

Step 2: Cook the pasta and broccoli

Add the fettuccine to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until just al dente. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, toss in the broccoli florets to soften yet retain their bright color. Once done, drain both and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the chicken

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden on the outside and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep warm.

Step 4: Make the creamy Alfredo sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic, cooking until fragrant without browning. Pour in plant-based milk and add the plant-based (plant-based) cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Incorporate vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of the natural gelling agent to thicken the sauce, stirring continuously.

Step 5: Combine everything

Return the cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet, stirring gently to coat everything evenly in the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to warm through.

Pro Tips for Making Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta

• Use fresh broccoli: For the best flavor and texture, choose firm, deep green broccoli heads.
• Don’t overcook pasta: Al dente pasta gives the perfect bite and helps the sauce cling better.
• Low heat for sauce: Melt plant-based (plant-based) cheese slowly over low heat to avoid separation.
• Natural gelling agent timing: Add the natural gelling agent gradually to get your preferred sauce thickness.
• Reserve pasta water: Keep a cup of pasta water for adjusting sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.

How to Serve Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a fresh herbal note and a pop of green. For an extra touch, grated plant-based (plant-based) parmesan-like cheese can be dusted on top for that finishing flavor boost.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a crisp garden salad or roasted vegetables for complementary freshness. Garlic bread made with a drizzle of olive oil and herbs also pairs perfectly for a comforting meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try nesting the chicken broccoli Alfredo pasta in individual shallow bowls topped with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and cracked black pepper. Alternatively, bake the pasta in a casserole dish topped with extra plant-based (plant-based) cheese for a bubbly crust on top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This recipe holds up well, with flavors maturing after sitting overnight.

Freezing

Freeze portions of this dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To maintain optimal texture, slightly undercook broccoli and pasta before freezing.

Reheating

Reheat the pasta gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of plant-based milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed and prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional, penne, linguine, or even rotini work well to hold onto the creamy sauce.

Is there a way to make this dish vegan?

Yes, by using plant-based chicken alternatives or tofu along with plant-based (plant-based) cheese and plant-based milk, you can enjoy a fully vegan version.

How do I store leftover sauce separately?

Keep the sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator and reheat gently, stirring in a bit of plant-based milk to restore creaminess if needed.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can partially prepare by cooking chicken and chopping vegetables in advance, then quickly assembling and cooking the pasta and sauce when ready to serve.

What if I don’t have vegetarian Worcestershire sauce?

Simply replace it with a splash of soy sauce or tamari for a similar depth of flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta is a cozy, creamy, and vibrant dish that you’ll want to make again and again. Its simple ingredients come together in such a delightful way, making it perfect for any night of the week. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple on your dinner table.

Related Posts

• Easy American Chop Suey for Cozy Dinners
• Easy Homemade Spaghetti Sauce for Family Meals
• Easy Skillet Chicken Parmesan Recipe Tonight

Print