Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo, Broccoli & Spinach

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish has everything: juicy garlic butter chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy Alfredo sauce that clings to every bite. Broccoli and spinach add freshness and color, making it a well-rounded, family-friendly meal. It’s all made in one pan, making cleanup easy, and it’s customizable depending on the ingredients you have on hand. If you love a creamy pasta dish that’s both comforting and nourishing, this recipe delivers.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced
• Olive oil
• Butter
• Garlic, minced
• Pasta (fettuccine, penne, or linguine)
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Fresh spinach
• Broccoli florets
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Italian seasoning or dried herbs (optional)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and cook the sliced chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, and optional Italian seasoning. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the broccoli and cook for 2–3 minutes until it starts to soften.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Stir in grated Parmesan and whisk until smooth and creamy. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to loosen the sauce.
7. Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 1–2 minutes.
8. Return the cooked chicken to the pan along with the drained pasta.
9. Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce.
10. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
11. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4–6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Low-Carb Option: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or steamed cauliflower.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use a plant-based cream and dairy-free Parmesan.
• Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the broccoli for extra umami.
• Swap Proteins: Try shrimp or turkey instead of chicken.
• Cheesy Twist: Stir in mozzarella or cream cheese for an even richer sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it may cause the sauce to separate. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen without the pasta for up to 1 month.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken works well. Just add it toward the end to warm through.

What type of pasta is best for this dish?

Fettuccine, linguine, or penne are great choices because they hold the creamy sauce well.

How do I prevent the Alfredo sauce from curdling?

Keep the heat low when adding the cream and cheese, and stir continuously.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

You can, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. Whole milk works best if substituting.

Should I blanch the broccoli first?

No need—sautéing it in the pan keeps it crisp-tender and flavorful.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely—mushrooms, peas, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers all make great additions.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your Parmesan is gluten-free to make it suitable.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prep components ahead, but for best texture and flavor, assemble and serve fresh.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Let the sauce simmer longer or add extra cheese. You can also whisk in a spoonful of cream cheese.

What’s a good wine pairing?

A dry white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy richness beautifully.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli & Spinach is a satisfying, crowd-pleasing dish that’s as easy to make as it is to love. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant veggies, this one-pan pasta delivers on flavor, comfort, and simplicity. It’s a perfect recipe to keep in your weekly rotation or serve to guests when you want to impress without the stress.

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo, Broccoli & Spinach

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Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli & Spinach is a rich, one-pan pasta dish featuring juicy chicken, fresh vegetables, and a velvety Parmesan cream sauce. It’s hearty, comforting, and quick enough for busy weeknights.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or linguine)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning or dried herbs (optional)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and optional Italian seasoning. Cook until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add broccoli and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.
4. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Stir in Parmesan and whisk until sauce is smooth. Add reserved pasta water if needed to thin the sauce.
6. Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 1–2 minutes.
7. Return chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss until everything is well coated in the sauce.
8. Season with additional salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
9. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.

Notes

• Use rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken to save time.
• Substitute half-and-half for a lighter version of the sauce.
• To make the sauce thicker, simmer longer or stir in a spoonful of cream cheese.
• Customize with extra vegetables like mushrooms, peas, or bell peppers.
• This dish is best served fresh but can be prepped ahead in components.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1.5 cups
• Calories: 560
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 520mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 115mg