Pesto Chicken Alfredo with Spicy Feta Cream & Parmesan Broccoli Crunch

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Creamy, bold, and packed with layers of flavor, this Pesto Chicken Alfredo with Spicy Feta Cream & Parmesan Broccoli Crunch is anything but ordinary. It’s the kind of comfort food that looks fancy on the plate but comes together in a surprisingly easy way. The grilled chicken is juicy and herb-kissed, the Alfredo sauce is velvety and infused with pesto, and the feta adds a zesty kick that wakes everything up. Toss in crispy roasted broccoli for texture, and you’ve got a meal worthy of any weeknight dinner upgrade or special occasion.

This recipe blends rustic Italian comfort with a splash of Mediterranean flair. The spicy feta cream melts into the pesto Alfredo sauce, binding everything with an irresistible richness, while the roasted Parmesan broccoli brings a nutty crunch that balances the creaminess beautifully. It’s an all-in-one plate that satisfies every craving: creamy, spicy, savory, and crunchy.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving in, make sure you have these tools ready:

• Grill pan or outdoor grill – Crucial for getting that charred, smoky flavor on the chicken. It adds an irreplaceable depth.
• Blender or food processor – To whip up the spicy feta cream into a perfectly smooth consistency.
• Medium saucepan – Ideal for simmering the Alfredo and pesto mixture gently without scorching.
• Sheet pan – For roasting broccoli until it’s golden and crisp.
• Tongs and spatula – Essential for handling and flipping the chicken without losing those sear marks.
• Whisk – Helps emulsify the cream, pesto, and cheeses into a smooth, luscious sauce.

Organizing these tools ahead makes each step seamless and ensures everything is served hot and fresh.

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

• Boneless Chicken Breasts – The star protein; lean and perfect for grilling, soaking up the marinade and sear flavors.
• Pesto Sauce – Brings herbaceous richness and a bright, garlicky punch to the Alfredo base.
• Heavy Cream – Creates that luxurious Alfredo texture, binding all the flavors.
• Feta Cheese – Adds tang and creaminess to the spicy cream, balancing the richness of the Alfredo.
• Red Pepper Flakes – Infuses the feta cream with a bold, spicy edge.
• Fresh Garlic – Boosts flavor in both the pesto and the cream.
• Parmesan Cheese – Key to the broccoli crunch, it crisps beautifully when roasted.
• Broccoli Florets – Roasts to a nutty, crispy finish; perfect contrast to the creamy components.
• Olive Oil – Used for roasting and marinating, it enhances the dish’s Mediterranean notes.
• Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning every layer just right.

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

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a light brush of pesto. Let them marinate for 15 minutes while prepping other ingredients.

Step 2: Make the Spicy Feta Cream

In a blender, combine feta cheese, a splash of cream, red pepper flakes, and garlic. Blend until silky smooth. Set aside.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Use a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Grill chicken 6–7 minutes per side or until fully cooked and beautifully seared. Let it rest before slicing.

Step 4: Prepare Parmesan Broccoli Crunch

Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, pepper, and Parmesan. Roast in a preheated oven at 425°F for 20–25 minutes until edges are crispy and golden.

Step 5: Create the Pesto Alfredo Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, warm heavy cream and stir in pesto. Let it gently simmer, then whisk in a bit of the spicy feta cream for extra tang and heat.

Step 6: Plate and Assemble

Spoon a base of the pesto Alfredo onto the plate, layer with sliced grilled chicken, top with a dollop of spicy feta cream, and finish with a generous side of roasted Parmesan broccoli.

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

Serve this dish warm, ideally just after assembling for the freshest flavor and texture. The grilled chicken should be tender and warm, resting on a pool of the creamy pesto Alfredo, with the spicy feta cream spooned generously on top. Don’t forget to pile on the Parmesan broccoli for crunch in every bite.

For a more formal dinner, serve it with warm garlic naan or crusty bread to mop up every bit of the sauce. A chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon complements the creamy, spicy balance of this meal.

Storing: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the components separately to preserve texture—especially the broccoli. Avoid microwaving everything together to prevent sogginess.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of feta if I don’t like it?

Goat cheese is a creamy alternative with a similar tang. You can also use cream cheese for a milder profile.

Can I use store-bought pesto?

Absolutely. Homemade is best, but a quality store-bought pesto saves time and still delivers flavor.

Is it okay to use frozen broccoli?

Yes, but fresh is recommended for that signature crunch. If using frozen, thaw and pat dry before roasting.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

You can! Swap the chicken with grilled halloumi or roasted cauliflower steaks for a meat-free twist.

How spicy is the feta cream?

It’s mild to medium heat, but you can adjust the red pepper flakes to suit your preference.

What’s the best way to reheat this meal?

Stovetop on low heat works best for the sauce and chicken. Reheat broccoli in the oven or air fryer to keep it crispy.

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Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you enjoyed this Pesto Chicken Alfredo with Spicy Feta Cream & Parmesan Broccoli Crunch, you might love these other flavorful mains:

• Longhorn Parmesan Chicken for a restaurant-style crusted favorite.
• Sweet Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot for an easy slow-cooked meal.
• Chicken and Stuffing Casserole when you’re craving cozy comfort.
• Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini in Parmesan Sauce for another rich, pasta-forward dinner.
• Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet if you want bold and buttery flavor.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time: Life With Olivia on Pinterest.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you go bold with the feta, or tweak the heat? Did you use fresh or store-bought pesto?

I love seeing how you make these recipes your own. Share your tips and twists so we can all keep cooking better together!

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