Pesto Chicken Alfredo with Spicy Feta Cream & Parmesan Broccoli Crunch

Pesto Chicken Alfredo with Spicy Feta Cream & Parmesan Broccoli Crunch 1

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Creamy, herby, spicy, and a little bit crunchy—this Pesto Chicken Alfredo with Spicy Feta Cream and Parmesan Broccoli Crunch isn’t just a mouthful to say, it’s an unforgettable experience to eat. Think of it as your classic comfort pasta leveled up with bold Mediterranean flair and just the right amount of heat.

Each bite of juicy chicken soaked in garlicky pesto Alfredo is made even better with a surprise layer of whipped spicy feta cream underneath. And then there’s the crispy roasted broccoli tossed in parmesan that finishes the dish with a satisfying crunch. This isn’t just dinner, it’s a moment.

Why You’ll Love This Pesto Chicken Alfredo with Spicy Feta Cream & Parmesan Broccoli Crunch

This recipe combines rich, creamy Alfredo sauce with the fresh zest of pesto for a sauce that hugs every piece of chicken and pasta. The spicy feta cream adds a tangy heat that balances the richness, and the crispy broccoli provides texture and depth that keeps every bite interesting. It’s the kind of dish that impresses without being fussy.

Whether you’re cooking for guests or just want to make an ordinary weeknight dinner special, this one-pan wonder delivers big flavor with simple ingredients. And the best part? It comes together faster than you’d expect.

What Kind of Pesto Should I Use?

You can use any good-quality basil pesto for this dish—store-bought works perfectly if you’re short on time. But if you happen to have a homemade version on hand, even better. Classic basil pesto with parmesan, pine nuts, and garlic is the ideal match, but don’t be afraid to explore variations like arugula pesto or even a walnut-spinach blend. The key is to use something vibrant and flavorful that can cut through the creamy Alfredo base and complement the spiced feta layer underneath.

Ingredients for the Pesto Chicken Alfredo with Spicy Feta Cream & Parmesan Broccoli Crunch

To bring all the layers of flavor in this dish together, each ingredient plays a key role in building taste and texture. From creamy and spicy to fresh and crispy, here’s what you’ll need:

  • Chicken breast
  • Salt and pepper
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic cloves
  • Heavy cream
  • Basil pesto
  • Pasta (fettuccine or penne)
  • Crumbled feta cheese
  • Greek yogurt
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Broccoli florets
  • Grated parmesan cheese

Each of these helps build contrast and balance in the dish. The chicken adds protein and richness. Garlic and olive oil create a base layer of aromatic depth. The cream and pesto come together into a luscious sauce, while the spicy feta layer cuts the richness and wakes up your palate. Roasted broccoli is there not just for color and health but for crunch. And nothing brings it all home like a good handful of parmesan.

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How To Make the Pesto Chicken Alfredo with Spicy Feta Cream & Parmesan Broccoli Crunch

Step 1: Roast the Broccoli

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Roast for about 20-25 minutes until crispy and golden.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil salted water and cook your pasta until just al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear in a hot skillet with a bit of olive oil until golden on the outside and fully cooked through. Slice or dice and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Spicy Feta Cream

Blend feta cheese, Greek yogurt, a drizzle of olive oil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes until smooth and creamy. Spread a layer of this on the bottom of each serving plate.

Step 5: Prepare the Pesto Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet used for the chicken, sauté garlic in a little olive oil until fragrant. Add heavy cream and stir until it gently simmers. Mix in basil pesto and cook until the sauce thickens slightly. Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken, tossing to coat. Use the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Spoon the pasta and chicken mixture over the spicy feta layer on each plate. Top with roasted broccoli and an extra dusting of parmesan. Serve hot and creamy.

How to Serve and Store Pesto Chicken Alfredo with Spicy Feta Cream & Parmesan Broccoli Crunch

This dish is best enjoyed right after it’s cooked when the spicy feta cream is still cool beneath the hot Alfredo pasta and the broccoli is at its crispiest. The textures and temperatures are what make this recipe shine. Serve it on a shallow plate to show off those layers, or go rustic in a bowl for a cozier feel.

It comfortably feeds four people as a full meal, making it a great choice for small gatherings or a weeknight family dinner. If you have leftovers, store everything separately: the chicken Alfredo in one container, the broccoli in another, and the feta cream in a small airtight jar. This keeps the broccoli from getting soggy and the feta cream from losing its chill. Reheat the pasta gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or cream to loosen it back up.

What to Serve With Pesto Chicken Alfredo?

Garlic Bread or Cheesy Flatbread

Warm, crispy bread is the perfect sidekick to scoop up extra sauce and feta.

Sparkling Water with Lemon or a Crisp White Wine

Balance the richness with a refreshing drink that cleanses the palate between bites.

Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

A sharp, peppery salad cuts through the creamy pasta and adds freshness.

Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

They bring a burst of sweet acidity that pairs beautifully with the pesto and feta.

Grilled Zucchini or Asparagus

A simple grilled vegetable adds smoky flavor and rounds out the meal.

Pickled Onions or Olives

A salty, vinegary accent brightens everything and adds contrast.

Fruit-Forward Dessert

Think lemon sorbet, mixed berry compote, or a scoop of peach gelato to finish the meal lightly.

Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If this bold and creamy Pesto Chicken Alfredo became an instant favorite, here are more crave-worthy dishes you’ll love next:

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And let me know in the comments how it turned out for you. Did you go heavy on the feta, or did you turn up the heat in the cream? Did you mix in the broccoli or serve it on top?

I love seeing the creative ways you make Luna Meals recipes your own. Drop your ideas, swaps, or questions — let’s inspire each other in the kitchen.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dishes on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your next obsession.

Conclusion

Pesto Chicken Alfredo with Spicy Feta Cream & Parmesan Broccoli Crunch is everything you didn’t know you needed in a weeknight dinner. Rich yet vibrant, comforting but with a spicy kick, and finished with a crispy vegetable twist. It brings together the best of creamy pasta and bold Mediterranean accents. Once you try it, don’t be surprised if it makes its way into your regular dinner rotation.

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Pesto Chicken Alfredo with Spicy Feta Cream & Parmesan Broccoli Crunch 1

Pesto Chicken Alfredo with Spicy Feta Cream & Parmesan Broccoli Crunch


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  • Author: Luna Bailey
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

This Pesto Chicken Alfredo with Spicy Feta Cream and Parmesan Broccoli Crunch is a bold Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish featuring juicy chicken, creamy pesto Alfredo sauce, and a zesty layer of spicy feta. Finished with crispy roasted broccoli and parmesan for the ultimate crunchy finish, this flavorful dinner is the perfect fusion of comfort food and vibrant flair. Ideal for weeknight meals, chicken pasta lovers, and anyone craving layered texture and spice.


Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

3 tbsp olive oil

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup basil pesto

8 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne)

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

1/3 cup Greek yogurt

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

2 cups broccoli florets

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss broccoli florets with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese. Roast for 20–25 minutes until crisp and golden.

2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

3. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a skillet over medium-high heat, sear chicken in 1 tablespoon olive oil until golden and fully cooked. Slice and set aside.

4. Blend feta cheese, Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and red pepper flakes until smooth. Spread a layer of spicy feta cream on each serving plate.

5. In the same skillet used for chicken, sauté garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and simmer. Add pesto and mix well. Let thicken slightly. Add pasta and chicken, tossing to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed.

6. Spoon pasta and chicken over the spicy feta layer. Top with crispy roasted broccoli and extra parmesan. Serve hot.

Notes

This recipe is best served fresh to enjoy the contrast between hot Alfredo pasta and cool feta cream.

To keep leftovers crisp and creamy, store components separately and reheat gently.

Feel free to adjust the heat by adding more or less red pepper flakes to the feta mix.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop + Oven
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean Fusion

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 645
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 38g
  • Saturated Fat: 16g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 42g
  • Cholesterol: 130mg
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