Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo with Spinach, Bacon & Broccoli: Weeknight Comfort in One Pan

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Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo with Spinach, Bacon & Broccoli

This rich and comforting pasta combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, fresh spinach, and broccoli in a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce. A hearty one-pan dinner perfect for weeknights!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired

Calories: 610

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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• 2 large chicken breasts, diced
• 1/2 cup butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
• 1 1/2 cups steamed broccoli florets
• 8 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking
• Optional: fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for garnish

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Pasta pot
• Colander for draining pasta
• Cutting board and knife for dicing chicken and chopping veggies
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula or cooking spoon

Method

 

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
4. Pour in heavy cream and stir in Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until thickened.
5. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Stir in the cooked bacon and steamed broccoli.
6. Return the chicken to the pan, toss to coat in the sauce.
7. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well coated and heated through.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan, if desired. Serve hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 610kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 36gFat: 42gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 145mgSodium: 640mgPotassium: 650mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 2900IUVitamin C: 35mgCalcium: 240mgIron: 2mg

Notes

You can swap fettuccine for penne or gluten-free pasta. Add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, or mushrooms for extra texture. Great for meal prep—just reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk.

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Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this skillet full of love to life:

• 2 large chicken breasts, diced

• Olive oil for cooking

• Salt & pepper to taste

• ½ cup butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 3 cups fresh spinach

• 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon

• 1½ cups steamed broccoli florets

• 8 oz fettuccine (or any pasta you love)

• Optional garnish: chopped parsley, extra Parmesan

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or sauté pan

• Pot for boiling pasta

• Knife and cutting board

• Tongs or a spatula

• Colander for draining pasta

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions

• No bacon? Swap with turkey bacon or pancetta

• Add heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes goes a long way

• More veggies? Mushrooms, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes fit right in

• Lighter option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream

• Gluten-free? Use gluten-free pasta of your choice

How to Make It: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant—don’t let it burn!

4. Add the Cream & Cheese

Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Let simmer gently for 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce begins to thicken.

5. Add the Greens

Toss in the fresh spinach and cook until just wilted. Stir in the steamed broccoli and crumbled bacon.

6. Combine Chicken and Pasta

Return the chicken to the skillet and give everything a toss to coat. Add your cooked pasta and stir until everything is hot, creamy, and well combined.

7. Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy. Serve warm, with a side of crusty bread or a crisp salad if you’d like!

What to Serve with Chicken Alfredo

• Garlic bread or warm focaccia

• Crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette

• Roasted asparagus or glazed carrots

• A glass of white wine (Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio = yes please)

Tips for Creamy Chicken Alfredo Success

• Don’t overcook the garlic—it turns bitter quickly.

• Use freshly grated Parmesan if possible—it melts better and tastes incredible.

• Steam broccoli lightly before adding it to keep it bright and tender-crisp.

• Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce if it gets too thick.

• Use room-temp cream to help it blend smoothly with the butter.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.

• Not freezer-friendly—the creamy sauce can split when thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Just shred it and toss it in after the sauce is ready. Great time-saver!

Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be—just use GF pasta and double-check your bacon and cheese labels.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely! It reheats well—just add a splash of cream or milk to keep the sauce silky.

What kind of pasta works best?
Fettuccine is classic, but penne, linguine, or even rigatoni all work beautifully.

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo with Spinach, Bacon & Broccoli is everything a weeknight dinner should be: warm, easy, filling, and full of joy. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table and keeps them there just a little longer. 💛

So go ahead—grab your skillet and let’s turn some simple ingredients into something truly special.

More Cozy Pasta Dinners You’ll Love

• Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

• One-Pot Chicken Bacon Ranch Penne

• Broccoli Alfredo Mac & Cheese

• Garlic Shrimp Linguine with Spinach

Share Your Kitchen Wins!

Tried this recipe? I love seeing your creations! Snap a photo, share it on Pinterest, and don’t forget to tag me so we can celebrate your delicious success together.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 610

• Protein: 32g

• Carbs: 42g

• Fat: 38g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 2g

Thanks for being here, friend. Until next time—keep cooking from the heart, and don’t forget to sneak a bite or two straight from the pan. 😉