There’s nothing quite like a creamy, hearty pasta dish after a long day — and Chicken and Broccoli Pasta hits all the right notes. Tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta are tossed together in a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce that feels both indulgent and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or planning a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe is quick, easy, and always delicious.
Growing up, creamy pasta dishes were a staple at our table. My grandmother loved tossing together whatever vegetables were in the fridge, mixing them with a simple cream sauce and plenty of cheese. This modern twist brings that same cozy comfort with a pop of fresh green broccoli and juicy, perfectly seared chicken.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Comforting and satisfying
- Uses simple pantry and fridge ingredients
- Kid-friendly and family-approved
- Easily customizable with your favorite pasta shapes or proteins
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed or blanched)
- 3 cups cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or spaghetti work well)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream (or substitute half-and-half for a lighter version)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a kick)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Meanwhile, steam or blanch the broccoli florets for about 3–4 minutes until tender but still bright green. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and sauté for 5–7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic-Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, whisking gently until the cheese is melted and the sauce begins to thicken. If the sauce feels too thick, you can add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken back to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated and heated through. If you’d like a bit of heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the pasta to bowls or plates, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot with extra Parmesan on the side.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the broccoli — blanch just until tender and bright green to keep its color and texture
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the creamiest sauce
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency
- Swap out the chicken for shrimp or turkey for a fun variation
- Add extra veggies like peas or mushrooms for more flavor and color
Serving Suggestions
Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is filling and satisfying on its own, but you can serve it with:
- Warm garlic bread
- A crisp green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- A glass of chilled white wine
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to keep the sauce silky and smooth.
FAQs
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and check that your other ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the chicken and broccoli ahead of time, then quickly toss it all together when you’re ready to serve.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half or whole milk will work, though the sauce will be a bit lighter.
Let’s Stay Connected
If you try this Chicken and Broccoli Pasta, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below or tag me on social media — I love seeing your kitchen creations.
Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets steamed or blanched
- 3 cups cooked pasta penne, rotini, or spaghetti work well
- 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream or substitute half-and-half for a lighter version
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional for a kick
- Fresh parsley chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Meanwhile, steam or blanch the broccoli florets for about 3–4 minutes until tender but still bright green. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and sauté for 5–7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic-Parmesan Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, whisking gently until the cheese is melted and the sauce begins to thicken. If the sauce feels too thick, you can add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken back to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated and heated through. If you’d like a bit of heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Transfer the pasta to bowls or plates, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot with extra Parmesan on the side.
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