There’s something truly comforting about a creamy bowl of pasta, especially when it’s loaded with tender chicken and vibrant broccoli. This chicken and broccoli pasta isn’t just another weeknight dinner—it’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent yet comes together effortlessly. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping lunches for the week, or craving a cozy dinner for two, this recipe has you covered.

With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish on the table in under 30 minutes. And the best part? It’s endlessly adaptable. You can make it lighter, spicier, or pack it with even more veggies to suit your taste.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

This isn’t just a recipe; it’s your weeknight savior and your weekend comfort food rolled into one.

Key Benefits

• Quick and easy – From start to finish, you’re only 30 minutes away from creamy, cheesy pasta perfection.

• Family-friendly – Even picky eaters will love the mild, creamy sauce paired with juicy chicken and tender broccoli.

• Versatile – Swap in your favorite pasta shape or toss in extra veggies for a customized meal.

• Great for leftovers – It reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Perfect For

• Busy weeknights when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.

• Family dinners where everyone craves comfort food.

• Impressing guests with a dish that looks and tastes like it came from a fancy Italian restaurant.

Ingredients for Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You probably already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen.

Core Ingredients

• Olive oil – For sautéing the chicken and garlic.

• Garlic cloves (minced) – Adds a delicious aromatic base to the sauce.

• Italian seasoning – Brings a touch of herby flavor to the chicken.

• Pasta (8 oz) – Penne, fettuccine, or rotini all work beautifully.

• Broccoli florets (2 cups) – Fresh or frozen broccoli will do the trick.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 lb) – Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking.

• Heavy cream (1 cup) – Creates a luscious, creamy sauce. You can use half-and-half for a lighter version.

• Parmesan cheese (½ cup grated) – For rich, nutty flavor.

• Red pepper flakes (optional) – Adds a gentle kick of heat.

• Lemon zest (optional) – Brightens the dish with a pop of freshness.

• Salt and black pepper – Season to taste.

• Fresh parsley – For a fresh, vibrant garnish.

Substitutions and Tips

• Chicken options – Use rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time. It makes the recipe even faster.

• Dairy-free version – Replace the cream with coconut cream and swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast.

• Veggie boost – Add mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrients.

• Pasta alternatives – For gluten-free, use rice pasta or chickpea pasta without sacrificing texture.

Best Chicken and Broccoli for Pasta

Choosing the Best Chicken

For this dish, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal because they cook quickly and stay juicy. If you prefer dark meat, boneless thighs will add even more flavor.

Fresh vs Frozen Broccoli

Both fresh and frozen broccoli work wonderfully here. Fresh broccoli gives a bit more bite, while frozen broccoli is a convenient option that cooks in the same amount of time as the pasta. Just be sure to add frozen broccoli in the last 2–3 minutes of boiling so it doesn’t get mushy.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Having the right tools makes this dish even easier to pull together.

Must-Have Tools

• Large skillet – For cooking the chicken and sauce.

• Pasta pot – A big enough pot to cook both pasta and broccoli together.

• Sharp knife – To prep your chicken and broccoli efficiently.

• Garlic press (optional) – For perfectly minced garlic in seconds.

Nice-to-Have Tools

• Microplane grater – Perfect for grating Parmesan and zesting lemons.

• Pasta strainer insert – Great for draining pasta and broccoli together without fuss.

How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

 

This creamy chicken and broccoli pasta comes together with simple steps that are easy to follow, even on your busiest days. Think of me as your kitchen companion, walking you through each stage so you can confidently bring this dish to life.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Adding enough salt here is key—it’s your first chance to season the pasta and broccoli from the inside out. Once the water boils, drop in your chosen pasta and cook according to the package directions.

Two to three minutes before the pasta is done, toss in the broccoli florets. This quick blanch gives the broccoli a tender-crisp texture and bright green color. Once everything is cooked, drain it well and set aside.

Tip: Don’t rinse the pasta. That starchy coating helps the sauce cling beautifully later.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

While the pasta bubbles away, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and swirl it around to coat the pan.

Season your chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. When the skillet is hot enough that a drop of water sizzles, add the chicken in a single layer. Resist the urge to stir too often—let it sear undisturbed for a few minutes to develop that golden, flavorful crust.

Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Tip: Cut your chicken into even bite-sized pieces so they cook quickly and evenly.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, add a touch more olive oil if needed, then toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds—just until fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown, or it may turn bitter.

Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring often. Once the cream is warmed, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and stir until melted and smooth. For a little heat, add red pepper flakes. To brighten the flavor, stir in lemon zest if using.

Let the sauce bubble for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened. You’re looking for a silky texture that will coat the back of a spoon.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Now comes the best part—bringing all the elements together. Add the cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss gently over low heat until everything is evenly coated and warmed through.

Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Tip: If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up to your liking.

Tips for Success

• Don’t overcook the broccoli. Adding it in the last few minutes of pasta cooking ensures it stays vibrant and tender-crisp.

• Use freshly grated Parmesan. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.

• Keep the heat low when combining. High heat can cause the cream sauce to split.

• Customize with add-ins. A handful of baby spinach, some sautéed mushrooms, or chopped sun-dried tomatoes can take this dish to the next level.

How to Store Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

This dish tastes just as good the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

At Room Temperature

Allow the pasta to cool slightly, but don’t leave it out for more than two hours to keep it safe for eating.

In the Refrigerator

Transfer the pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce.

Freezing Tips

While creamy sauces don’t always freeze perfectly, you can freeze portions of this pasta for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently, stirring in a little extra cream to refresh the texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes. Frozen broccoli is a great time-saver. Just add it directly to the boiling pasta water during the last few minutes of cooking.

What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?

Penne and rotini are excellent because their ridges catch the creamy sauce. Fettuccine also works beautifully for a more elegant presentation.

Can I make this dish lighter?

Absolutely. Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and swap in whole-wheat or legume-based pasta for a healthier twist.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes. Cook and assemble everything, then store in the fridge. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream to keep it saucy.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Chicken and Broccoli Pasta, you might enjoy these other delicious pasta dishes:

• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipes – A rich and creamy pasta dish with garlic and Parmesan.

• Chicken Mushroom Pasta – Tender chicken and mushrooms tossed in a savory sauce.

• Steak Pasta Recipe – A hearty pasta recipe with juicy steak strips.

• Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta – A fun and indulgent pasta twist.

• Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta – Italian sausage brings bold flavor to this creamy pasta.

Conclusion

This chicken and broccoli pasta is proof that a comforting, flavorful meal doesn’t have to be complicated. With tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a luxuriously creamy sauce, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Perfect for busy nights or when you just need a little cozy indulgence.

So go ahead, tie on your apron, and bring a little restaurant-worthy magic to your kitchen tonight.

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