Easy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that’s creamy, comforting, and bursting with fresh flavors, this Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta is your new go-to. Creamy and simple Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta made with plant-based cheese and fresh veggies for a quick, delicious dinner everyone will love. It blends tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta all smothered in a rich, velvety sauce that glides over every bite. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe brings warmth and satisfaction with every forkful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect when time is tight but flavor is essential.
• Rich and Creamy: The plant-based cheese sauce transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious dinner.
• Nutritious Boost: Fresh broccoli adds vibrant color and a healthy crunch to balance the silky sauce.
• Family Friendly: Kids and adults alike enjoy the delicious blend of flavors and textures.
• Versatile Dish: Great for batch cooking or adapting with your favorite vegetables or proteins.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dish uses simple, wholesome ingredients that each play an important role. The chicken provides hearty protein, the broccoli adds freshness and a pop of green, and the plant-based cheese sauce ties it all together with creamy richness. Pasta acts as the perfect canvas to soak up the sauce for a comforting meal.

• Chicken breast: Boneless and skinless, diced into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and tenderness.
• Broccoli florets: Fresh and crisp, adding a vibrant color and a gentle crunch.
• Pasta: Fettuccine or penne works beautifully to catch the sauce with every bite.
• Plant-based cheese: Choose a melty variety for that classic cheesy, creamy Alfredo texture.
• Garlic cloves: Minced for a fragrant flavor base that enhances the whole dish.
• Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural): Adds depth and umami, complementing the cheesy richness.
• Apple cider vinegar: A subtle tang to brighten and balance the creamy sauce.
• Plant-based butter: Used to sauté and enrich the sauce with silky smoothness.
• Plant-based milk: Unsweetened and unflavored, to create the creamy sauce base.
• Flour: To naturally thicken the sauce and give it a velvety finish.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, enhancing every flavor in the dish.
• Natural gelling agent: Just a pinch to give the sauce perfect consistency and creaminess.

Variations for Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta

Feel free to customize this Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta easily to suit your flavor preferences or pantry staples. The base is extremely flexible, inviting your creativity while keeping the core comforting essence intact.

• Swap the chicken: Use cubed turkey or tofu for a plant-based or leaner alternative.
• Try different greens: Kale, spinach, or asparagus work well instead of broccoli for a fresh twist.
• Add spices: A pinch of nutmeg or chili flakes can lift the flavor profile with warm or spicy notes.
• Change the pasta: Whole wheat, gluten-free, or rice noodles can easily replace traditional pasta.
• Boost the sauce: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for extra color and dimension.

How to Make Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your choice of pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce later if needed.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat plant-based butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Broccoli and Garlic

In the same pan, add a little more plant-based butter if needed. Toss in the broccoli florets and minced garlic, sautéing until the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp, about 4 minutes. The garlic should smell fragrant but not burnt.

Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce

Sprinkle the flour over the broccoli and garlic and stir well to coat. Slowly whisk in the plant-based milk while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add in the plant-based cheese, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of natural gelling agent. Continue to stir until the sauce thickens perfectly and the cheese melts into a smooth, creamy blend.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the pan and fold in the cooked pasta. Toss everything together gently to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the sauce and broccoli. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up to your desired consistency.

Step 6: Final Touches

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately while warm and creamy for the best experience.

Pro Tips for Making Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh broccoli and minced garlic always deliver brighter flavor and texture.
• Don’t overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta holds the sauce better and prevents mushiness.
• Warm the sauce gently: Avoid high heat when thickening the sauce to keep it smooth and creamy.
• Reserve pasta water: It helps to thin the sauce naturally and improves sauce adherence to pasta.
• Mix the sauce gradually: Whisking slowly when adding milk ensures a lump-free, velvety finish.

How to Serve Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley, cracked black pepper, or toasted pine nuts on top for a fresh and elegant garnish that adds extra texture and brightness.

Side Dishes

Serve with a crisp green salad dressed simply with olive oil and lemon juice or garlic bread using plant-based butter and herbs for a comforting full meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, serve the Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta in small bowls as an appetizer or layer it in a clear glass dish paired with a colorful sliced tomato and basil salad for visual appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; the flavors only deepen with time.

Freezing

Freeze portions in sealed containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of plant-based milk or pasta water to rehydrate the sauce and keep it creamy without drying out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well; just thaw and drain excess moisture before cooking to avoid a watery sauce.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening the sauce.

Can I prepare this dish without chicken?

Yes, you can replace chicken with tofu, tempeh, or more vegetables for a vegetarian version that’s just as satisfying and hearty.

How can I make the sauce extra creamy?

Using a higher-fat plant-based cheese and adding a little extra plant-based butter will intensify the creaminess of the sauce.

What type of pasta works best?

Fettuccine and penne are popular choices as their shapes hold the creamy sauce beautifully, but feel free to use your favorite shape.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta is truly one of those comfort dishes that feels special yet comes together effortlessly. With its creamy plant-based cheese sauce and fresh broccoli packed in every bite, it’s a delightful meal to share with family or friends any day of the week. Don’t hesitate to try your hand at this recipe and make it your own once you taste it, this will likely become a favorite staple in your cooking lineup.

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