There’s something special about a bowl of chicken broccoli pasta—it’s simple, comforting, and always hits the spot. Whether you’ve had a long day or just want an easy dinner, this creamy pasta brings everything together in one dish. Tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and smooth sauce come together fast, making it a go-to meal you’ll keep coming back to.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Broccoli Pasta
Chicken broccoli pasta isn’t just a comfort food classic—it’s your weeknight savior. Here’s why it deserves a permanent spot in your dinner rotation:
Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it saves you precious time.
Balanced meal: Protein from chicken, fiber from broccoli, and energy from pasta—done.
Family-friendly: Even the pickiest eaters won’t resist its creamy goodness.
Customizable: Easily swap ingredients based on dietary needs.
Budget-friendly: Made with affordable pantry staples.
This is the kind of meal that keeps your stomach full and your to-do list intact.
Ingredients
Pasta – Penne or fettuccine work best because their shape holds the sauce well, giving you flavorful bites every time. Avoid substituting with very thin pasta like angel hair as it won’t coat evenly.
Broccoli florets – Fresh or frozen broccoli works fine. Adding broccoli toward the end of pasta cooking keeps it crisp and vibrant green, which balances the creamy sauce perfectly.
Olive oil – Used for sautéing the chicken and garlic. Extra virgin olive oil adds a mild fruity flavor, but any light olive oil will do.
Chicken breasts – Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are ideal for quick cooking and tender pieces. Cut into bite-sized chunks for even cooking.
Garlic cloves – Fresh garlic brings a rich aroma and depth to the sauce. Avoid pre-minced garlic as it lacks that fresh flavor punch.
Heavy cream – This makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and smooth. For a lighter option, half-and-half can be used but the sauce won’t be as rich.
Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated parmesan melts into the sauce, adding nutty and savory notes. Pre-grated cheese may not melt as well and can contain anti-caking agents.
How to Make Chicken Broccoli Pasta
Follow these clear steps, and you’ll have a dinner that’s both elegant and effortless:
Boil Pasta and Broccoli
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook pasta according to package instructions.
In the last 2–3 minutes of boiling, add the broccoli.
Drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper.
Cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes.
Remove from the pan and set aside.
Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed.
Sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
Pour in heavy cream and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes.
Stir in parmesan until melted and smooth.
Combine Everything
Add cooked pasta and broccoli to the sauce.
Toss in the chicken and mix well.
Let everything heat together for 2–3 minutes.
Serve hot with extra parmesan or lemon juice if desired.
Expert Tips for Perfect Results
Make your chicken broccoli pasta shine with these insider techniques:
Use fresh garlic and freshly grated parmesan for maximum flavor.
Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency if it thickens too much.
Don’t overcook the broccoli; it should stay vibrant green and slightly crisp.
Let the chicken rest before slicing—this keeps it juicy.
Add the pasta last to avoid overcooking and breaking noodles.
These tweaks might seem small, but they turn a good dish into a great one.
Variations to Suit Your Style
Adapt this recipe to your preferences or pantry with these simple changes:
Cheesy Baked Pasta: Transfer to a baking dish, top with shredded mozzarella, and bake until bubbly.
Low-Carb Swap: Use spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.
Lemon-Garlic Version: Add lemon zest and juice for a fresher profile.
Spicy Chicken Broccoli Pasta: Add chili flakes or diced jalapeño for extra heat.
Mushroom Boost: Sauté mushrooms with the garlic for earthy richness.
You’re not limited to just one version. Mix, match, and find the perfect combination for your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Turn this pasta into a full meal with these serving ideas:
Pair with a crisp green salad for freshness.
Serve with garlic bread or warm rolls to soak up the sauce.
Add roasted asparagus or green beans on the side.
Garnish with cracked black pepper and more parmesan for a restaurant-style finish.
Plate in shallow bowls for a cozy, comforting presentation.
This dish brings people together. It looks inviting and tastes even better.
More Pasta recipes you will love!
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Broccoli Pasta
What pasta works best with chicken and broccoli?
Penne, fettuccine, or bowties work well because they hold onto the sauce, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
Can I use frozen broccoli in this recipe?
Absolutely. Just toss it into the pasta water a few minutes before the pasta is done. No need to thaw beforehand.
How do I make this dish dairy-free?
Use unsweetened almond milk and a plant-based parmesan alternative. You can also thicken the sauce with a roux made from flour and dairy-free butter.
Is this good for meal prep?
Yes! It stores well in airtight containers and reheats beautifully. Add a splash of water or milk when reheating to bring back the creamy texture.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave with added liquid to refresh the sauce.
Chicken Broccoli Pasta
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large Skillet
Ingredients
- 2 cups pasta penne or fettuccine recommended
- 2 cups broccoli florets fresh or frozen
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts chicken cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions. In the last 2–3 minutes of boiling, add the broccoli. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in heavy cream and let simmer for 3–4 minutes. Stir in parmesan until melted and smooth.
- Add cooked pasta and broccoli to the sauce. Toss in the chicken and mix well. Let everything heat together for 2–3 minutes.
- Serve hot with extra parmesan or lemon juice if desired.
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