Easy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Recipe – Quick, Creamy & Delicious
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a creamy, comforting, and easy one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and pasta come together in a rich, creamy garlic sauce. This family-friendly dinner is made with simple pantry ingredients, ready in under 30 minutes, and delivers satisfying flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley and red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli to the pot. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 6-7 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Make Sauce: In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in Parmesan cheese and simmer until slightly thickened (about 3-4 minutes).
- Combine: Return cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything in the creamy sauce until well coated.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Substitute heavy cream with milk and a tablespoon of flour for a lighter version.
- Want to add a kick? Sprinkle in cayenne pepper or drizzle with hot sauce.
- Swap broccoli for spinach, asparagus, or zucchini if preferred.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated with a splash of broth or cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Cuisine: American / Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Calories: ~580 kcal
- Fat: ~26g
- Carbohydrates: ~55g
- Protein: ~38g
If you’ve ever wondered how to combine the ultimate comfort food with a nutritious twist, chicken broccoli pasta is your answer. As a matter of fact, this dish has been a dinner staple for families across the United States for decades. Not only does it blend tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and creamy pasta into one irresistible bowl, but it also checks every box for simplicity, flavor, and balance.
Because life gets busy, we need recipes that work hard for us. For this reason, chicken broccoli pasta stands out. With pantry staples like pasta and cream, alongside fresh chicken and broccoli, you can create something that tastes gourmet yet feels effortless. As well as being quick to prepare, this recipe welcomes endless variations, ensuring you can tailor it to your family’s preferences without stress.
Table of Contents
Ingredients & Instructions – How to Make Chicken Broccoli Pasta
Ingredients Breakdown
Undoubtedly, quality ingredients make the difference between average pasta and a dish that wows everyone at the table. Consequently, this recipe uses fresh, simple items that are easy to find but deliver big flavor.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breast | 2 cups, diced | Rotisserie works if short on time |
| Pasta | 12 oz | Penne, rotini, or fettuccine preferred |
| Fresh broccoli | 3 cups florets | Frozen can work in a pinch |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced | Fresh is best for aroma |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup | Swap for Greek yogurt if desired |
| Parmesan cheese | ½ cup | Freshly grated for optimal melting |
| Butter | 2 tbsp | Adds silky richness |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp | For browning chicken |
| Salt & pepper | To taste | Essential seasoning |
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
Step 1: Boil Pasta
First, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Next, cook the pasta until al dente, following package instructions. After that, drain the pasta, but reserve about half a cup of the starchy water for the sauce. This starchy water helps the sauce cling to the pasta beautifully.
Step 2: Cook Chicken to Perfection
Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add diced chicken breast, seasoning it generously with salt and pepper. During cooking, stir occasionally to ensure even browning. Generally, this takes about 6 minutes. As I have shown in my creamy chicken ramen recipe, adding a pinch of garlic powder or paprika can build even deeper flavor.
Step 3: Add Broccoli and Garlic
Next, lower the heat slightly and stir in minced garlic. Following this, cook the garlic until fragrant—about 1 minute. Thereafter, add the broccoli florets, tossing them with the chicken and garlic. After that, cover the skillet to allow the broccoli to steam for 3-4 minutes, ensuring it stays bright green and tender-crisp.
Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce
Afterward, pour in the heavy cream and butter directly into the pan. Then, sprinkle in freshly grated Parmesan, stirring constantly to ensure a smooth, velvety sauce. Furthermore, if the sauce thickens too much, simply add a splash of the reserved pasta water until the consistency is perfect.
Step 5: Combine & Finish
At this point, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. After that, toss everything together so the creamy sauce coats each piece of pasta evenly. Taste the dish, then adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if necessary. Accordingly, your chicken broccoli pasta is ready to serve.
Image 2 Placeholder: Flat lay of fresh ingredients: chicken breast, pasta, broccoli, cream, garlic, Parmesan, displayed on marble countertop.
Combine and Coat
Once the sauce thickens to the right consistency, add the drained pasta directly into the skillet. Because the pasta absorbs flavor best while warm, toss it immediately. Afterward, stir until every piece is fully coated.
Final Touches
Because garnishes add visual and flavor appeal, sprinkle chopped parsley or basil over the top. Additionally, a final dusting of Parmesan adds the perfect savory punch.
Image 4 Placeholder: Three plates of chicken broccoli pasta showcasing different serving styles – classic creamy, cheesy baked, and veggie-loaded versions.
Optional Baked Finish
If you want extra indulgence, transfer the pasta to a baking dish. Afterward, top it with shredded mozzarella and bake at 400°F until bubbly and golden.
Image 5 Placeholder: Close-up shot of finished chicken broccoli pasta highlighting creamy sauce and tender broccoli florets.
Variations – Customize Your Chicken Broccoli Pasta
Although this classic version tastes incredible, you can make this dish your own in several ways. Particularly if you enjoy experimenting, these ideas keep dinner exciting.
Add Veggie Variety
Certainly, broccoli stars in this recipe, but that doesn’t mean other vegetables can’t join the party. As a result, mushrooms, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes can add color and flavor contrast.
Cheese Lover’s Dream
For a gooey twist, add shredded mozzarella or sharp cheddar to the sauce. Then, broil the whole dish for 2 minutes to create a bubbly cheese crust, similar to what you see in The Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Casserole.
Healthier Swap
If you want a lighter version, replace cream with Greek yogurt. Additionally, swap regular pasta for whole wheat or chickpea pasta to increase fiber and protein. Even with these changes, the dish retains its comforting appeal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking Chicken Broccoli Pasta
Even though the recipe looks straightforward, small mistakes can diminish the dish’s quality. Therefore, these are the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
Overcooked Pasta
Pasta should always be al dente—firm to the bite. Since overcooked pasta turns mushy, it loses its ability to hold sauce effectively. For this reason, always check your pasta 1-2 minutes before the package suggests.
Undercooked Broccoli
Although broccoli should stay bright and tender-crisp, undercooking it leaves it bitter. To avoid this, either pre-steam the broccoli before adding it to the pan or give it ample time to steam directly in the sauce.
Dry, Flavorless Chicken
Because chicken breast is lean, overcooking dries it out quickly. As a precaution, you could marinate the chicken briefly with olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic before cooking. This step not only adds moisture but also infuses flavor.
What to Serve with Chicken Broccoli Pasta?
Despite being a complete meal, pairing chicken broccoli pasta with complementary sides elevates your dinner table spread. Consequently, these are the best sides to serve:
Garlic Bread
Undeniably, nothing beats garlic bread’s buttery crunch next to creamy pasta. Besides, it helps soak up every last bit of sauce.
Caesar Salad
On the other hand, a crisp Caesar salad balances the richness of the pasta with its tangy dressing and crunchy croutons.
Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
Meanwhile, for an extra veggie boost, serve a side of broccoli cauliflower salad, adding texture contrast without doubling your cooking workload.
Is Chicken and Broccoli a Healthy Dinner?
Overall, chicken broccoli pasta can be surprisingly balanced, particularly if you choose smart ingredients.
High-Quality Protein
Chicken breast provides lean, complete protein essential for muscle repair and overall satiety. Furthermore, Parmesan contributes a bit more protein, enhancing nutritional value.
Nutrient-Packed Broccoli
As one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables, broccoli brings fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins A, C, and K to your plate. Therefore, even creamy pasta can carry strong nutritional benefits.
Balanced Carbs
If you swap regular pasta for whole wheat or chickpea pasta, you get added fiber and a slower digestion rate. In turn, this keeps you full longer and prevents blood sugar spikes.
How Many Calories Are in Chicken Broccoli Pasta?
Although calorie counts vary based on portion size and ingredients, these are reliable estimates:
- Classic Version: 450-500 calories per serving.
- Lighter Version: 350 calories if you swap cream for Greek yogurt and use whole wheat pasta.
- Extra Cheesy Baked Version: 600 calories—but the indulgence is worth it.
FAQs – Everything You Need to Know About Chicken Broccoli Pasta
What Type of Pasta Works Best?
Although you could use any pasta you have on hand, shapes that hold sauce well—like penne, rotini, or farfalle—work best. Because they have ridges and curves, these shapes trap bits of chicken and broccoli beautifully. Furthermore, fettuccine works if you want a more elegant presentation.
Can I Make Chicken Broccoli Pasta Ahead of Time?
Yes, chicken broccoli pasta is meal-prep friendly. After cooking, store the pasta in an airtight container for up to three days. Furthermore, when reheating, add a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce. For best results, avoid overcooking the broccoli initially, so it retains some crunch.
Can You Freeze Chicken Broccoli Pasta?
Freezing creamy pasta can be tricky because dairy-based sauces tend to separate upon thawing. Therefore, if you plan to freeze leftovers, it’s better to store the cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli separately from the sauce. Then, make a fresh batch of sauce after thawing the pasta.
How Can I Make Chicken Broccoli Pasta Dairy-Free?
To make this dish dairy-free, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Additionally, nutritional yeast works as a cheesy alternative to Parmesan. Accordingly, these swaps maintain creaminess while keeping the recipe plant-based.
Expert Tips for Perfect Chicken Broccoli Pasta Every Time
Season Every Layer
Seasoning at every stage ensures deep flavor. Because pasta, chicken, and sauce all need attention, adding salt at the right moments makes all the difference.
Reserve Pasta Water
Whenever you need to adjust sauce consistency, reserved pasta water is your secret weapon. Not only does it thin the sauce gently, but the starch in the water helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
Use Fresh Parmesan
Although pre-shredded cheese is convenient, it contains anti-caking agents that can create a gritty sauce. Therefore, grating Parmesan fresh ensures smooth melting.
Pro Tips & Creative Variations
Although the classic recipe is already crowd-pleasing, customizing chicken broccoli pasta keeps it exciting. Therefore, feel free to get creative.
Add More Vegetables
If you love veggies, sauté mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach along with the chicken. Additionally, sun-dried tomatoes provide a burst of tangy flavor.
Try Different Cheeses
Although Parmesan is classic, you could use Gruyère for nuttiness or sharp cheddar for extra punch. Moreover, if you love gooey pasta bakes, sprinkle mozzarella over the top before baking.
Swap Proteins
Although chicken is the default choice, shrimp works beautifully in this dish too. Additionally, you could substitute turkey, or for a vegetarian version, toss in chickpeas.
Conclusion
In summary, chicken broccoli pasta earns its reputation as a versatile, family-friendly meal that works for any occasion. Because it combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy sauce into one comforting dish, it checks all the right boxes for flavor, ease, and nutrition.
Furthermore, whether you follow the classic version or add creative twists, this recipe never fails to satisfy. Above all, its adaptability ensures you can make it healthier, cheesier, or even vegetarian, depending on your needs.
Ultimately, from weeknight dinners to meal prep lunches, chicken broccoli pasta deserves a regular spot at your table.