Looking for a cozy, comforting meal that checks all the boxes creamy, hearty, packed with veggies, and irresistibly satisfying? This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is the weeknight wonder you didn’t know you needed. It’s loaded with juicy chicken, tender broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta, all tossed in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce that clings to every bite. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a total keeper!

Why You’ll Love Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with protein and greens, this is one of those dishes that feels indulgent without being complicated. Here’s why this pasta always wins a spot on the dinner table:

Family Favorite: It’s kid-approved and adult-loved. Everyone digs into this bowl with smiles.

One-Pot Option: With just a few tweaks, you can make this a one-pot meal hello, easy cleanup!

Balanced and Satisfying: You’ve got carbs, protein, and veggies all working in harmony.

Customizable: Switch the sauce, toss in extra veggies, or use your favorite pasta there are endless ways to make it your own.

Comfort Food with a Fresh Twist: The creaminess is balanced out by the bright broccoli, so it feels indulgent but not too heavy.

Ingredients in Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

You don’t need anything fancy just a few pantry staples and some fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Pasta: Penne, fusilli, or fettuccine all work beautifully here. Choose your favorite or use what you have on hand.

Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless, cooked and sliced or cubed. Grilled or pan-seared works best.

Broccoli Florets: Fresh or frozen, steamed just until bright green and tender-crisp.

Olive Oil or Butter: For sautéing and flavoring the sauce base.

Garlic: Freshly minced for maximum flavor.

Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: This gives the sauce that creamy, dreamy texture.

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is ideal it melts better and adds a rich, nutty finish.

Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning goes a long way in enhancing the flavors.

Optional Add-Ins: A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, a squeeze of lemon for brightness, or a handful of mozzarella for extra cheesiness.

Instructions

Preheat Your Equipment

Get your large pot ready to boil the pasta and have a skillet on standby for the chicken and sauce. If you’re going one-pot, a deep sauté pan or Dutch oven works best.

Combine Ingredients

Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, toss in the broccoli florets so they cook along with the pasta. Drain and set aside.

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel

In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the cooked chicken and sauté for a couple of minutes to reheat and add color.

Assemble the Dish

Add garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant. Pour in the cream and stir until warmed through. Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet and toss gently to coat.

Cook to Perfection

Simmer everything together for 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and cling to the pasta and chicken. Stir in grated Parmesan and season with salt and pepper.

Finishing Touches

Add more cream or pasta water if the sauce feels too thick. Finish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or extra cheese on top if desired.

Serve and Enjoy

Scoop generous portions into bowls and dig in while it’s hot and creamy. A slice of crusty bread on the side never hurts either!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 500 (approx.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

This dish is a full meal on its own, but you can elevate it even further with a few pairings:

• Serve with garlic bread or warm baguette for sopping up that amazing sauce.
• A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances out the richness.
• Sprinkle extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper right before serving for a gourmet finish.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to take your dish from good to unforgettable:

• Cut broccoli into small florets so they cook quickly and evenly.
• Use leftover rotisserie chicken for an even faster meal.
• Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for depth.
• Stir in some sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms for more flavor layers.
• Don’t overcook the broccoli tender-crisp is key.
• Reserve a bit of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
• Grate the Parmesan fresh for best melt and taste.
• Substitute cream with Greek yogurt or milk + a bit of flour for a lighter version.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently with a splash of milk to revive the creaminess.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, just thaw it first and pat dry to avoid watering down the sauce.

2. What’s the best pasta to use?
Short pastas like penne or fusilli work best, but fettuccine or linguine are great too.

3. Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely shrimp, sausage, or tofu all make great swaps.

4. Is there a lighter version?
Try using half-and-half or Greek yogurt and skip the extra cheese.

5. Can I make it ahead?
Yes, it reheats beautifully. Just store it in the fridge and add a splash of milk before reheating.

6. How do I keep the sauce from drying out?
Use reserved pasta water to loosen it or reheat slowly over low heat.

7. Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely spinach, peas, or mushrooms all work wonderfully.

8. Is this freezer-friendly?
Cream-based sauces don’t always freeze well, but you can freeze the chicken and broccoli mix separately.

9. Can I make this gluten-free?
Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta!

10. What cheese works best?
Parmesan is ideal, but mozzarella, Asiago, or even cream cheese can work for a different flavor twist.

Conclusion

Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is that go-to comfort dish you’ll want to make again and again. It’s fast, flavorful, and loaded with the kind of goodness that hits all the right notes creamy, garlicky, and satisfying. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy dinner-in moment, this recipe delivers big flavor with simple ingredients. Get ready to twirl your fork into something truly delicious!

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