This Chicken Broccoli Pasta recipe is your new go-to for a busy weeknight dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Imagine tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta all tossed in a rich, velvety garlic cream sauce. It’s a complete, satisfying meal in one bowl that the whole family will love. Forget complicated steps and long cooking times; this dish is designed for ease and deliciousness, delivering a restaurant-quality meal right from your own kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe guarantees a perfect result every time.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Broccoli Pasta Recipe
There are countless reasons this dish will become a staple in your meal rotation. It strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and a well-rounded meal. The creamy sauce is irresistibly good, but it’s also packed with protein from the chicken and nutrients from the broccoli.
- Quick & Easy: This entire meal comes together in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for hectic weeknights.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples to create the rich, creamy sauce.
- Customizable: Feel free to add other vegetables, switch up the protein, or adjust the seasonings to your liking.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a proven crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will devour without complaint.
Key Ingredients for The Perfect Pasta
The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity. We use high-quality, straightforward ingredients to build a truly memorable sauce. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Pasta & Mix-ins:
- Pasta: Penne is a classic choice because the tubes catch the sauce beautifully, but feel free to use rotini, fettuccine, or any shape you love.
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces work best.
- Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets provide a vibrant color and a healthy crunch.
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- Butter & Olive Oil: Using both gives the sauce a rich flavor base and prevents the butter from browning too quickly.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable for the best flavor.
- Heavy Cream: This is the secret to an ultra-creamy, luscious sauce.
- Chicken Broth: Adds depth and helps to thin the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts beautifully and adds a nutty, salty flavor that ties everything together.
- Seasoning: A simple mix of salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a tiny kick.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta
Follow these simple steps to create a flawless dish. We’ll start by cooking the components and then bring them all together in that glorious cream sauce.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli
First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. In the last 3-4 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot with the pasta. This blanches them perfectly, so they are tender-crisp. Once done, drain everything and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, season your chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until it’s golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Build the Cream Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Finally, add the drained pasta and broccoli to the sauce. Toss everything together gently until it’s well-coated and heated through. Serve your homemade Chicken Broccoli Pasta immediately, with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan on top.
Tips and Variations for the Best Result
Want to make this recipe your own? Here are a few expert tips and simple variations to try.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook it just until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when you toss it in the hot sauce.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. Grating your own ensures a smoother melt. For another cheesy and comforting meal, you might also love this white chicken lasagna soup recipe.
- Add a Splash of Pasta Water: If your sauce gets too thick, a little starchy pasta water can help loosen it to the perfect consistency.
- Variations: Try adding mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or spinach for extra veggies. For a similar baked dish, consider this fantastic Alfredo tortellini bake.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Store any leftover Chicken Broccoli Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat. You may need to add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy texture. If you enjoy simple, savory pasta dishes, this creamy tomato garlic pasta is another must-try.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. For a creamy texture without heavy cream, you can make a roux with butter and flour, then slowly whisk in milk. Another alternative is to blend 1/2 cup of cashews (soaked in hot water for 30 minutes) with 1/2 cup of water until smooth to create a dairy-free cream substitute.
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. For the best results, steam it separately according to the package directions until it is tender-crisp. Then, add it to the skillet along with the pasta at the end to avoid making it mushy.
To make a healthier version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk, use whole wheat pasta for more fiber, and use low-fat Parmesan cheese. You can also increase the amount of broccoli for extra nutrients.
Penne is an excellent choice because the tubes hold the creamy sauce well. However, other shapes like rotini, fettuccine, bowties (farfalle), or rigatoni also work wonderfully. The most important thing is to choose a pasta shape that has plenty of surface area or nooks to catch the sauce.
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad with a vinaigrette dressing, some crusty garlic bread to soak up the sauce, or steamed green beans.
The Perfect Chicken Broccoli Pasta
This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a true winner for any occasion. It’s quick, delicious, and endlessly satisfying. Give it a try this week and watch it become an instant family favorite! We hope you love this recipe as much as we do. If you make it, please leave a comment below or share a photo of your creation on Pinterest!
Chicken Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Chicken Broccoli Pasta: The Ultimate Creamy & Easy Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook according to package instructions. In the last 3-4 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Drain and set aside.
- While pasta cooks, season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through (5-7 minutes). Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze, scraping any bits from the bottom. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained pasta and broccoli.
- Toss everything together until well-coated and heated through. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Tip 2: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Tip 3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
