If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal packed with flavor and nutrients, this Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe will quickly become your go-to dinner. It combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta all enveloped in a luscious, cheesy cream sauce that’s incredibly easy to whip up. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish feels like a warm hug on a plate, delivering both satisfaction and simple elegance in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential for balancing taste, texture, and color in the dish. Each one plays a role in bringing out the creamy, savory, and fresh elements that make this Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe truly memorable.
- 8 ounces pasta: Choose penne, rotini, or fettuccine for that perfect bite that holds the sauce wonderfully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken evenly for extra flavor.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick to round out the seasoning.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with an irresistible aroma and depth of flavor.
- 3 cups broccoli florets: Brings vibrant green color and a satisfying crunch to the dish.
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half: Provides the creamy, luscious base for the sauce.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Lightens the sauce a bit while adding savory undertones.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, creating that signature cheesy goodness.
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a little heat for those who like a spicy touch.
- Extra Parmesan and parsley for garnish: Fresh and flavorful finishing touches that elevate the presentation and taste.
How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. This step is crucial for perfectly seasoned pasta from the start. Cook your chosen pasta according to the package instructions until al dente — just tender enough but with a slight bite. Add the broccoli florets into the boiling water during the final two minutes of the pasta cooking time. This method tenderizes the broccoli while helping it maintain its vibrant color and crunch. Drain everything together and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
While your pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoning them immediately with salt and black pepper to build flavor right away. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 6 minutes until it’s golden and cooked through. This step creates that wonderful caramelized exterior that adds texture and taste. Once ready, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
Using the same skillet (full of all those flavorful bits left behind from the chicken), add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it! Next, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring thoroughly to combine. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer to let the flavors meld together. Gradually stir in Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, then cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens just slightly and becomes velvety smooth.
Step 4: Combine and Toss Everything Together
Return the cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything gently but thoroughly, ensuring each piece of pasta and broccoli is coated in the creamy sauce. This step is where the magic happens — the flavors meld and the dish becomes irresistibly cohesive. Taste and adjust seasonings with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if you prefer a little heat. Once everything is heated through, your dish is ready to shine.
How to Serve Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Adding extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top brightens the salad and offers a lovely contrast in both flavor and color. These simple garnishes bring a fresh, homemade touch that will make your guests feel special.
Side Dishes
Since the Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe is quite filling, lighter side dishes work best. A crisp green salad with vinaigrette or some garlic bread can complement the meal perfectly without overpowering it. Roasted vegetables also pair wonderfully for added variety and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the pasta in colorful bowls or on elegant plates to make it pop visually. For a fun twist, try layering it in a glass casserole dish topped with extra cheese and broil briefly for a bubbly, golden crust. You can also portion into individual ramekins for a charming presentation at dinner parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pasta will last well for about 3 to 4 days, making it a perfect dish to enjoy as next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe freezes well, which is great for meal prep. Pack it into freezer-safe containers or bags, making sure to leave some room for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. You might want to add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened during storage. This helps bring back the creamy texture without drying out the chicken or pasta.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables besides broccoli in this recipe?
Absolutely! While broccoli adds great color and crunch, you can substitute or add vegetables like asparagus, peas, or sautéed mushrooms to customize the dish to your taste preferences.
What type of pasta works best for Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe?
Penne, rotini, and fettuccine are all fantastic choices because their shapes help hold the creamy sauce beautifully. Feel free to use your favorite pasta shape for a personal touch.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
Yes! Replace the heavy cream with evaporated milk or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt to cut down on calories while still keeping the sauce creamy and delicious.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can cook the pasta and chicken ahead and keep them refrigerated separately. Combine and reheat with the sauce shortly before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
How do I prevent the broccoli from becoming mushy?
Adding the broccoli in the last two minutes of pasta cooking time allows it to stay tender-crisp. Avoid overcooking by removing them promptly and draining immediately.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe is such a joyful, crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. Its balance of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and bright broccoli makes every forkful a delight. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and experience how effortlessly it turns simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Happy cooking!
Print
Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish perfect for a quick family dinner. Tender chicken pieces and fresh broccoli florets are tossed with pasta in a rich Parmesan cream sauce seasoned with garlic and Italian herbs. It’s a one-pan stovetop meal that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Extra Parmesan cheese and parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Add the broccoli florets during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain both and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until well coated and heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Add red pepper flakes if you desire a little heat.
Notes
- To make this dish lighter, substitute heavy cream with evaporated milk or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture variations.
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- The recipe can be doubled for larger families or meal prepping.
