Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is one of those comforting, satisfying meals I turn to when I want something hearty and wholesome. With tender pieces of chicken, vibrant broccoli, and pasta all coated in a rich, creamy sauce, it’s a one-pan wonder that hits every note of flavor and comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish comes together so quickly with simple ingredients but tastes like something I could’ve ordered at a cozy Italian restaurant. The creamy sauce clings to every bite of pasta, while the broccoli adds just the right touch of freshness and texture. It’s a great way to get a complete meal in one dish—protein, veggies, and carbs—all cooked together and ready in no time.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced

• Pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite)

• Fresh broccoli florets

• Olive oil

• Garlic, minced

• Heavy cream

• Chicken broth

• Grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

• Butter (optional, for extra richness)

• Lemon zest or juice (optional, for brightness)

Directions

1. I cook the pasta according to package instructions, adding the broccoli florets to the boiling water during the last 3 minutes. I drain and set both aside.

2. In a large skillet, I heat olive oil over medium heat and cook the diced chicken with salt and pepper until browned and cooked through. I then remove it from the pan and set it aside.

3. In the same skillet, I add a bit more oil or butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.

4. I pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then bring it to a gentle simmer.

5. I stir in the Parmesan cheese and continue to simmer the sauce until slightly thickened.

6. I return the chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet and toss everything together until well coated in the sauce.

7. I adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if I want a little kick.

8. I serve it hot, optionally garnished with more cheese or a touch of lemon zest for a fresh finish.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• I swap in shrimp for the chicken when I want a seafood twist.

• Adding mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes brings in more flavor and depth.

• I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.

• For extra richness, I stir in a spoonful of cream cheese or mascarpone.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, I warm it gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. The microwave works too—just stir halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, I use frozen broccoli when fresh isn’t available. I add it during the last few minutes of pasta cooking time.

What’s the best pasta for this dish?

I prefer short pasta like penne or rotini because it holds the sauce well, but any pasta will work.

Can I make it ahead of time?

I cook the components ahead, then combine and reheat just before serving. It holds up well for meal prep too.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely. I usually skip the red pepper flakes for the kids, and they love the cheesy, creamy flavor.

Can I make it without cream?

Yes, I’ve used a mix of milk and a bit of flour or cornstarch to create a creamy sauce alternative.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is one of my favorite comfort meals. It’s quick, full of flavor, and brings everything I want in a dinner—protein, veggies, and pasta—together in one delicious skillet. Whether I’m making it for family dinner or reheating it for lunch the next day, it never fails to satisfy.

Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

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• Author: Linda
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

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Description

Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a comforting one-pan dish featuring tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and pasta all tossed in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. It’s a hearty, balanced meal that’s quick and easy to make.

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Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
• 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or preferred type)
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tbsp butter (optional)
• 1 tsp lemon zest or juice (optional)

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Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions, adding broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook chicken with salt and pepper until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add more oil or butter. Sauté garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese and simmer until slightly thickened.
6. Return chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss to coat in sauce.
7. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
8. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or lemon zest if desired.

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Notes

• Substitute shrimp for chicken for a seafood version.
• Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
• Use half-and-half or a milk-flour mix for a lighter sauce.
• Stir in cream cheese or mascarpone for added richness.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 120mg