Looking for a delicious, healthy, and budget-friendly dinner you can make in under 30 minutes? This chicken broccoli alfredo recipe is perfect for college students who want something creamy, filling, and a little more nutritious than instant ramen. With simple ingredients and just one pan, you’ll get that restaurant-quality comfort food without blowing your grocery budget.
Table of Contents
Best Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe (Ready in 25 Minutes)
Healthy and creamy chicken broccoli alfredo recipe made with simple ingredients. A quick and affordable dinner idea ready in just 25 minutes.
- Total Time: 25 min
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
Ingredients
2 chicken breasts (or canned chicken)
2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
1 jar (15 oz) Alfredo sauce
8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
Salt, pepper, garlic powder
Optional: parmesan, red pepper flakes
Instructions
Cook pasta in boiling salted water for 5 minutes.
Add broccoli to same pot and cook 5 more minutes. Drain.
In a skillet, cook chicken in olive oil until golden.
Add Alfredo sauce and reduce heat.
Combine with pasta and broccoli. Stir until creamy and hot.
Serve with parmesan or red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
Frozen broccoli works great. For even faster prep, use canned chicken or pre-cooked rotisserie.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2–3 servings
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthier twist: Packed with lean protein and fresh or frozen broccoli.
- Fast & simple: Ready in 25 minutes minimal prep, minimal cleanup.
- Budget-friendly: Uses affordable staples like pasta and jar sauce.
- Dorm kitchen approved: No oven or fancy equipment needed.
- Satisfying and creamy: Comfort food that actually fills you up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 chicken breasts (or canned chicken in a pinch)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 jar (15 oz) Alfredo sauce
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder to taste
- Optional: grated parmesan, red pepper flakes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add broccoli florets into the same pot and boil for another 4–5 minutes.
- Drain everything and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Slice chicken into bite-sized pieces, season, and sauté for 6–8 minutes.
- Cook until golden and no longer pink in the center.
Step 3: Combine with Sauce
- Reduce heat to low and pour in the Alfredo sauce.
- Stir in the cooked pasta and broccoli.
- Mix until everything is hot and creamy (about 3–4 minutes).
- Optional: Sprinkle parmesan and red pepper flakes before serving.
Simple Variations You Can Try
- One-pot shortcut: Cook everything in one large pot—less cleanup.
- Use rotisserie chicken: Saves even more time.
- Go dairy-free: Use a vegan Alfredo sauce.
- Whole wheat pasta: For a fiber boost.
Meal Prep & Storage Tips
- Make ahead: Cook and store in individual containers.
- Reheat: Add a splash of milk or water before microwaving.
- Fridge: Keeps well for 3–4 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze it, but sauce texture may change slightly.
Cost Breakdown (Approximate)
| Ingredient | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Pasta (8 oz) | $0.80 |
| Alfredo sauce | $2.00 |
| Chicken (2 breasts) | $3.00 |
| Broccoli (2 cups) | $1.20 |
| Oil & Spices | $0.30 |
| Total | $7.30 |
Serves 3: Around $2.43 per portion!
What vegetables go well with chicken Alfredo?
Broccoli is a classic, but you can also add spinach, peas, zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers for more flavor and nutrients.
Is this chicken Alfredo recipe good for meal prep?
Definitely! It stores well in the fridge and reheats nicely. Perfect for prepping 2–3 portions in advance.
Can I make chicken broccoli Alfredo with canned chicken?
Yes, canned chicken works great if you’re short on time or cooking in a dorm. Just drain it and warm it with the Alfredo sauce.
Looking for an even faster version? Try our Easy Chicken Alfredo Recipe with Jar Sauce for a creamy meal in under 25 minutes!
Give it a try this week your future self (and your budget) will thank you! Chicken broccoli alfredo recipe is officially dorm-approved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Just add it to the boiling pasta during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
What kind of Alfredo sauce should I use?
Any store-bought jar works. You can also use a light or plant-based version.
Can I make it all in one pot?
Absolutely. Cook the pasta, drain, then use the same pot to heat chicken and combine everything.
Does broccoli go in chicken alfredo?
Yes! Broccoli is one of the most popular add-ins for chicken Alfredo. It adds texture, color, and a healthy boost to this creamy dish.
How do I make it healthier?
Use grilled chicken, whole wheat pasta, and light Alfredo sauce. Add extra broccoli or spinach.
Can I make it all in one pot?
Absolutely. Cook the pasta, drain, then use the same pot to heat chicken and combine everything.
Does broccoli go in chicken alfredo?
Yes! Broccoli is one of the most popular add-ins for chicken Alfredo. It adds texture, color, and a healthy boost to this creamy dish.
How to cook broccoli to add to Alfredo?
Boil fresh or frozen broccoli for 4–5 minutes until just tender. You can also steam or microwave it before mixing it with the pasta and sauce.
What is the secret to a good Alfredo sauce?
A touch of garlic powder, freshly grated parmesan, and a splash of pasta water make any jar Alfredo sauce richer and more homemade.
What can I add to a jar of Alfredo sauce to make it taste better?
Add garlic powder, black pepper, cream cheese, or sautéed onions and mushrooms to enhance the flavor. A bit of lemon juice can brighten it too.
Conclusion
This chicken broccoli alfredo recipe is a lifesaver for students who want quick, creamy meals without skipping the greens. It’s cheap, comforting, and easy to customize to your style or schedule.
Give it a try this week your future self (and your budget) will thank you! Chicken broccoli alfredo recipe is officially dorm-approved.