Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe With Jar Sauce No Pasta: Low-Carb Creamy Indulgence

Visual representation of chicken broccoli alfredo recipe with jar sauce no pasta

This low-carb dish transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, satisfying meal without the pasta. The jarred alfredo sauce makes it effortless to achieve rich, velvety results.

Tender chicken and crisp broccoli pair perfectly with the smooth sauce, creating a balanced plate that’s both indulgent and guilt-free. Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.

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Difficulty
Medium
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Diet
Poultry
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Total Time
30 min
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Calories
Med Cal

Ingredients for Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe with Jar Sauce No Pasta

Simple and satisfying ingredients create a creamy, low-carb masterpiece without pasta.

Ingredient Amount Notes
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast 🍗 1 ½ lb Cut into bite-sized pieces
Broccoli Florets 🥦 4 cups Fresh or frozen, thawed if frozen
Jarred Alfredo Sauce 🥫 16 oz About 2 cups, any premium brand
Heavy Cream 🥛 ½ cup For extra creaminess
Garlic Cloves 🧄 3 cloves Minced finely
Unsalted Butter 🧈 2 tbsp For sautéing chicken
Olive Oil 🫒 1 tbsp For cooking broccoli
Parmesan Cheese 🧀 ½ cup Freshly grated from block
Italian Seasoning 🌿 1 tsp Dried blend of herbs
Salt 🧂 1 tsp Diamond Crystal kosher preferred
Black Pepper 🌶️ ½ tsp Freshly ground for best flavor
Red Pepper Flakes 🔥 ¼ tsp Optional for slight heat

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The chicken breast quality matters for this dish. Opt for air-chilled, hormone-free from Whole Foods or Costco—it cooks more evenly and stays tender. For the broccoli, fresh florets with vibrant color are ideal, but frozen works in a pinch (thaw and pat dry). The jarred alfredo sauce is the shortcut hero here—Rao’s or Bertolli deliver that restaurant-quality texture without the fuss.

Need to swap the chicken? Boneless, skinless thighs stay juicier if overcooked. Out of heavy cream? Half-and-half or whole milk works, though the sauce will be slightly less rich. No Italian seasoning? Dried oregano plus basil at equal parts gets you there. For extra depth, add a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce—freshly grated if you’ve got it (worth the extra minute).

Store leftovers in airtight containers—they’ll keep for 4-5 days in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. The dish doesn’t freeze well due to the cream separating, so enjoy fresh when possible.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • One Pan Wonder: I toss the chicken, broccoli, and jarred sauce together with a splash of cream—no extra bowls, no fuss.
  • Garlic Lovers Dream: The fresh garlic cloves simmered in the alfredo give it that deep, rich kick jarred sauce alone can’t.
  • Meal Prep Magic: It reheats beautifully, so I make a big batch for lunches all week—no soggy pasta to worry about.
  • Budget Stretcher: Boneless chicken breast and frozen broccoli keep it affordable, but it still feels like a treat. Honestly, my wallet thanks me.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Broccoli Alfredo With Jar Sauce No Pasta

This method delivers a rich, velvety sauce with perfectly cooked chicken and tender broccoli.

Step 1: Sear the Chicken Until Golden

Heat the 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the butter stops foaming, add the cut 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breast pieces in a single layer.

Season immediately with 1 tsp salt, 0.5 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp Italian seasoning. Cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until the underside develops a golden-brown crust.

Flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F internally. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Broccoli to Vibrant Tenderness

In the same skillet, add the 1 tbsp olive oil and increase heat to medium-high. Add the 4 cups broccoli florets and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the florets are bright green and tender-crisp.

Add the 3 cloves minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as it will become bitter.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Alfredo Base

Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in the 16 oz jarred alfredo sauce and 0.5 cup heavy cream. Stir well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.

Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes smooth and velvety. Stir in the 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with any accumulated juices. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through and coated in the sauce.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. For a touch of heat, sprinkle in the 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes. The sauce should cling beautifully to both the chicken and broccoli, creating a cohesive, creamy dish.

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Pro Tips For Making Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe With Jar Sauce No Pasta

  • Sear Chicken First: Cook the chicken breast in a hot pan with a little oil until golden on both sides—this locks in juices before adding the sauce. I learned this the hard way after serving dry, bland chicken too many times.
  • Blanch the Broccoli: Toss the florets in boiling water for 2 minutes, then shock in ice water to keep them bright green and crisp. Sounds like extra work, but it actually changes the outcome.
  • Thin the Sauce: Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream to the jarred alfredo to loosen it up—this makes a real difference, especially if the sauce seems too thick when heated.
  • Use Fresh Garlic: Mince 2-3 cloves of fresh garlic and sauté it lightly before adding the sauce—jarred garlic just doesn’t have the same punch. My grandmother swore by this, and she was right.

Pro Cooking Tips for chicken broccoli alfredo recipe with jar sauce no pasta

Prevent Sauce Separation

Keep your sauce silky by warming the 16 oz jarred alfredo sauce gently before adding it to the pan. I place the unopened jar in a bowl of warm water for 5 minutes while prepping other ingredients. This prevents cold sauce from seizing when it hits the hot skillet. 💡

Perfect Chicken Texture

Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the 1.5 lb chicken breast. Cook in batches if needed to ensure each piece develops a golden crust without steaming. I use a 12-inch stainless steel skillet for even heat distribution.

Broccoli Brightness

For vibrant 4 cups broccoli florets, blanch them in boiling water for 1 minute before sautéing. This preserves the bright green color and ensures even cooking. Shock in ice water immediately to stop the cooking process.

Creamy Consistency

If your sauce thickens too much, whisk in 2-3 tbsp warm milk or chicken broth to restore the perfect consistency. I find whole milk works best for maintaining richness without thinning too much. Stir constantly over low heat.

Seasoning Balance

Jarred sauces often need a flavor boost. After combining, taste and adjust with ¼ tsp salt or a pinch of white pepper if needed. The 0.5 cup Parmesan adds depth, but fresh herbs like parsley can brighten the dish. 🌟

Rest Before Serving

Let the finished dish rest for 5 minutes off heat before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. I garnish with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for color and heat.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories 580kcal
% Daily Value
Total Fat 42g54%
Saturated Fat 22g110%
Cholesterol 165mg55%
Sodium 1250mg54%
Total Carbohydrate 12g4%
Dietary Fiber 3g11%
Sugars 4g
Protein 45g90%
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, but thaw and pat it completely dry first to prevent excess moisture. Cook frozen florets 2 minutes longer than fresh to ensure tenderness.

2

How do I prevent the sauce from breaking?

Warm the jarred sauce gently before adding it to the hot pan. Keep heat at medium-low and stir constantly to maintain a smooth, creamy texture.

3

What can I serve this with instead of pasta?

Try cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or mashed potatoes for a low-carb option. Crusty bread works well for soaking up the extra sauce.

4

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can prep ingredients in advance. Store cooked chicken and broccoli separately, then combine with warm sauce just before serving.

★★★★★4.6(13 reviews)
Tyler Campbell