This creamy chicken and broccoli pasta recipe combines tender chicken pieces, vibrant broccoli florets, and perfectly cooked pasta in a rich, savory cream sauce. It’s a complete meal that brings comfort food flavors to your dinner table in just 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This chicken and broccoli pasta recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort. The combination of protein-packed chicken and nutrient-rich broccoli creates a well-balanced meal that satisfies both adults and children. The creamy Parmesan sauce ties everything together without being overly heavy, while the garlic adds depth and aroma. You’ll appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together using simple, everyday ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite pasta shapes or additional vegetables.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or fettuccine work best)
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Other Essential Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add chicken to the hot skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
Step 3: Add Aromatics Add minced garlic to the chicken and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Step 4: Cook the Broccoli Add broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
Step 5: Create the Sauce Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Add heavy cream and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly.
Step 6: Finish the Dish Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Step 7: Serve Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Helpful Tips
Choose the right pasta shape for this chicken and broccoli pasta recipe. Penne and fettuccine work exceptionally well because they hold the creamy sauce beautifully. Cut chicken pieces uniformly to ensure even cooking, and don’t overcrowd the pan when searing. For the best broccoli texture, avoid overcooking—it should remain bright green and slightly crisp. When adding the cream, keep the heat at medium to prevent curdling. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties and provides better flavor.
Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4-6 people
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Can be made gluten-free with pasta substitution
Notes
This chicken and broccoli pasta recipe is highly adaptable. You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich. Frozen broccoli can be used in place of fresh—just add it directly to the skillet without thawing and cook for an extra minute. For added nutrition, consider including other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes. The recipe works well with rotisserie chicken too—simply add it during the last few minutes of cooking to warm through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this chicken and broccoli pasta recipe ahead of time? While best served fresh, you can prepare components separately and combine when ready to serve. Cook pasta slightly underdone if reheating.
What pasta shapes work best? Penne, fettuccine, rigatoni, and bow-tie pasta all work wonderfully. Choose shapes with grooves or curves that hold the creamy sauce well.
Can I freeze this recipe? Cream-based pasta dishes don’t freeze well as the sauce may separate when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for up to 3 days.
How do I prevent the cream from curdling? Keep the heat at medium or medium-low when adding cream, and avoid rapid boiling. Stir gently and consistently.
Can I use chicken thighs instead? Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs add extra flavor and remain tender. Cook them the same way as the chicken breasts.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover chicken and broccoli pasta recipe in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore the creamy consistency, as the sauce may thicken when cold. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently, or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through. For best results, avoid freezing this dish as cream-based sauces can separate when thawed.
Conclusion
This chicken and broccoli pasta recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With its perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and satisfying carbs all brought together in a luscious cream sauce, it’s destined to become a family favorite. The recipe’s simplicity makes it perfect for busy weeknights, while the restaurant-quality results make it special enough for entertaining. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this versatile dish delivers every time. Give this chicken and broccoli pasta recipe a try, and discover why it’s such a beloved combination that never goes out of style.