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Dive into a bowl of Chicken Broccoli Alfredo with a cozy seasonal twist. This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pumpkin Alfredo swaps the usual flour-based sauce for a creamy pumpkin alfredo that feels lighter without losing any of that velvety richness you love. Each bite brings together tender chicken breast pieces, bright broccoli, and a silky sauce that clings beautifully to any pasta you choose.
If you enjoy comforting plates of chicken broccoli pasta alfredo, this version brings a fresher and more nourishing take while still delivering the same satisfying creaminess. It is the kind of chicken broccoli alfredo recipe you can make on repeat for easy weeknights, special dinners, or whenever you want something wholesome, warm, and incredibly delicious.
What Makes This Recipe So Good
What makes this Chicken Broccoli Alfredo so good is the way it transforms simple ingredients into something extra comforting. The pumpkin based alfredo sauce gives you the same creamy feel you expect from a classic broccoli alfredo but with a lighter, smoother finish that coats every strand of pasta. Tender chicken and crisp broccoli round out the dish, giving you a complete and satisfying meal in one pan.
This chicken broccoli alfredo recipe also stands out because it is quick, reliable, and customizable. You can use any pasta shape you love, adjust the creaminess, or bulk it up for meal prep without losing flavor. It is a fresh take on chicken broccoli pasta alfredo that feels both indulgent and nourishing, making it the kind of dish you will want to cook again and again.
What Goes Into Chicken Broccoli Alfredo
This Chicken Broccoli Alfredo uses simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to make a creamy but lighter pasta dish
- Pumpkin Puree: Creates a naturally creamy, thick base for the alfredo sauce and adds subtle sweetness without flour or cream.
- Chicken Breast Tenders: Lean, tender pieces that cook quickly and add protein to balance the richness of the sauce.
- Broccoli Florets: Bring freshness and texture, adding color and a mild bite that pairs well with the creamy pasta.
- Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the sauce to give it depth and a savory finish that ties the pumpkin and pasta together.
Note: Please see recipe card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients with measurements.
How To Make Chicken Broccoli Alfredo
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente, then reserve one cup of the pasta water before draining.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat butter in a large pan, cook the onion until soft, then add the garlic and let it become fragrant.
- Add the Chicken: Stir in the chicken pieces and cook until they turn white and begin to lightly brown.
- Build the Sauce: Add the pumpkin puree and milk, stirring continuously until the mixture simmers and starts to thicken.
- Add Broccoli and Seasoning: Mix in the broccoli, parmesan, stock powder, and salt, then cook until the chicken is done and broccoli reaches your preferred tenderness.
- Combine Everything: Pour in pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce, then gently stir in the pasta and finish with extra parmesan.
Lift the richness of the alfredo with sides that feel surprising but still beautifully complementary. Try Smokey Mexican Beef Wedges for a bold, hearty side that brings smoky spice and crispy texture next to the creamy pasta. For something fresh yet unconventional, Caprese Stuffed Avocado adds cool creaminess and acidity that brighten each bite. If you want a cozy but standout pairing, Crispy Greek Lemon Smashed Potatoes offer bright citrus, crunch, and a flavor profile that cuts perfectly through the velvety sauce.
Tips For Making Chicken Broccoli Alfredo
- I always cook the pasta just until al dente because it holds up so much better once it gets coated in the creamy pumpkin sauce.
- Try cutting the chicken into similar sized pieces. It keeps everything cooking evenly and makes the dish feel more put together.
- Add the broccoli toward the end so it stays bright and a little crisp. Limp broccoli makes the whole dish feel heavy, and this little timing trick really helps.
- Pour in the reserved pasta water slowly. I like to add it in small splashes until the sauce hits that perfect silky texture.
Recipe FAQ’s
Add the reserved pasta water in small splashes until the texture loosens. If you accidentally over reduce the sauce, a little extra milk will bring it back.
Keep the heat at medium and stir frequently. Avoid rapid boiling, which can cause dairy to separate.
Yes. Just steam or roast fresh pumpkin until soft, then blend or mash it until smooth. Make sure it is thick and not watery so the sauce stays creamy.
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Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pumpkin Alfredo
Ingredients
- 1 lbs packet penne pasta (or any pasta)
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
- 2 tablespoons light butter of choice
- 1 medium brown onion sliced thinly
- 2 cloves garlic crushed or minced
- 1 lbs skinless chicken breast tenders cubed
- 1 3/4 cups pumpkin puree canned or fresh, steamed until soft
- 2 cups skim/low fat milk
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon vegetable stock powder
- 1 pinch salt to season
Instructions
- Boil pasta in a large pot of salted water according to packet directions, until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the water for later use.
- Heat a large pan over medium heat and add butter. As soon as it starts to fry and sizzle, add onion and cook until transparent. Add the garlic, and fry until garlic becomes fragrant (about a minute). Add the chicken and stir it through the onion and garlic. Cook until chicken changes in colour. Add the pumpkin and milk, continuously stirring until it combines and begins to simmer and thicken. Add the broccoli and parmesan cheese, stock powder and salt. Mix well and cook until chicken has cooked through and broccoli is cooked to your liking. Pour the reserved pasta water into the pan in 1/4 cup increments, stirring between each addition, until you gain the consistency you like. (If you need too, add a little extra milk for a thinner sauce).
- Gently stir the pasta through the sauce and serve with extra parmesan cheese!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Very tasty and can easily feed about 6 people. Had plenty of leftovers. I mashed my pumpkin as we don’t have canned in Australia ??
I made it for dinner today and it was amazing! Thank you for the recipe.
Hey Misha that’s awesome! Thank you so much for letting me know! And you’re welcome — so much! Xx
Wow! My fiancée and I made this last night. What a delicious meal. Thank you for sharing!!
Aw that’s awesome! You’re very welcome. (I know when boys approve..then it must be good!) Xx
I’m going to make this tonight! Looks dreamy. Might toast some almonds and sprinkle them on top, mmmm. 🙂
Ooooohhhh toasted almonds! I love that! Please let me know how you go. Thank you for commenting and join me on here! Xx
OMG I think I am going to crash my diet.. :/ this looks just to good. still have some frozen Pumpkin puree 😉 think this would be a great use. Have a wonderful Sunday
Aw I only just saw this now! Thank you so much Claudia. I hope you had a great weekend!