How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Pasta – A Creamy, Weeknight Classic
There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of creamy chicken and broccoli pasta — it’s a comfort food staple that’s both nourishing and soul-satisfying. 🥦🍝✨ With tender chicken breasts, perfectly cooked pasta, and vibrant broccoli all tossed in a rich, garlicky cream sauce, this one-pan wonder is a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.
Whether you're prepping dinner on a busy weeknight or need a reliable go-to recipe for guests, this dish hits all the right notes: simple ingredients, easy steps, and maximum flavor with every bite. Let’s dive into making this creamy classic!
Ingredients
🍗 Protein:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips or cubes
🥦 Vegetables:
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 handful of fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
🍝 Pasta & Dairy:
- 3 cups cooked pasta penne, fusilli, or fettuccine work best
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
🧂 Spices & Seasoning:
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional, for a kick
- Salt and black pepper to taste
🫒 Oils:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Sauté until fully cooked and golden brown (about 6–8 minutes). Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Broccoli
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil.
- Toss in the broccoli and a pinch of salt.
- Cook for 3–4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Remove from pan.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
- Lower the heat to medium-low. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the pan.
- Stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stir well, and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and let the sauce thicken (about 2–3 minutes).
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Return the chicken and broccoli to the pan.
- Add the cooked pasta and toss until everything is coated in the creamy sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top and serve hot.
Notes
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad Add a glass of chilled white wine or lemon water for balance 🍋 Sprinkle extra parmesan and a twist of black pepper on top Pair with roasted cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness 🔄 Variations
Lighter Version: Use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream Add Crunch: Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs or chopped walnuts on top Gluten-Free: Swap with your favorite gluten-free pasta Protein Boost: Add grilled shrimp or cooked chickpeas Extra Greens: Stir in spinach or kale with the broccoli for more nutrients 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days Reheating:
Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess. Freezing:
Best to freeze without the pasta. Store the sauce, chicken, and broccoli in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Add freshly cooked pasta when serving. ❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Thaw and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture. 2. What pasta works best?
Short pasta like penne or rotini is ideal, but fettuccine and spaghetti also work well. 3. Can I make it without cream?
You can use milk and a roux (butter + flour) to thicken it. 4. What can I use instead of parmesan?
Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano are great substitutes. 5. Is it spicy with red pepper flakes?
No — just a mild warmth. Skip if you prefer it mild. 6. How do I avoid dry chicken?
Don’t overcook it — keep heat moderate and remove as soon as it’s done. 7. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, just store it in the fridge and reheat with a splash of cream. 8. Will the sauce thicken more as it cools?
Yes, especially with parmesan. Stir gently if reheating. 9. Can I add mushrooms?
Absolutely! Sauté with the broccoli or garlic. 10. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Just shred and stir it in during the final step. 💡 Pro Tips
Cook pasta al dente so it doesn’t get mushy after combining Save some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed Use freshly grated parmesan for the best melt and flavor Let the dish rest for 2 minutes before serving to let flavors settle Add lemon zest for a fresh, citrusy lift 🏁 Conclusion
This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is creamy, comforting, and incredibly satisfying. It’s one of those meals that’s easy enough for weeknights, yet impressive enough for guests. 🥦🍝🍗 Whether you're feeding picky eaters or craving something wholesome and cozy, this recipe delivers on all fronts. Quick, customizable, and bursting with flavor — it’s a guaranteed kitchen win!
Serve with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad Add a glass of chilled white wine or lemon water for balance 🍋 Sprinkle extra parmesan and a twist of black pepper on top Pair with roasted cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness 🔄 Variations
Lighter Version: Use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream Add Crunch: Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs or chopped walnuts on top Gluten-Free: Swap with your favorite gluten-free pasta Protein Boost: Add grilled shrimp or cooked chickpeas Extra Greens: Stir in spinach or kale with the broccoli for more nutrients 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days Reheating:
Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess. Freezing:
Best to freeze without the pasta. Store the sauce, chicken, and broccoli in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Add freshly cooked pasta when serving. ❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Thaw and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture. 2. What pasta works best?
Short pasta like penne or rotini is ideal, but fettuccine and spaghetti also work well. 3. Can I make it without cream?
You can use milk and a roux (butter + flour) to thicken it. 4. What can I use instead of parmesan?
Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano are great substitutes. 5. Is it spicy with red pepper flakes?
No — just a mild warmth. Skip if you prefer it mild. 6. How do I avoid dry chicken?
Don’t overcook it — keep heat moderate and remove as soon as it’s done. 7. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, just store it in the fridge and reheat with a splash of cream. 8. Will the sauce thicken more as it cools?
Yes, especially with parmesan. Stir gently if reheating. 9. Can I add mushrooms?
Absolutely! Sauté with the broccoli or garlic. 10. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Just shred and stir it in during the final step. 💡 Pro Tips
Cook pasta al dente so it doesn’t get mushy after combining Save some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed Use freshly grated parmesan for the best melt and flavor Let the dish rest for 2 minutes before serving to let flavors settle Add lemon zest for a fresh, citrusy lift 🏁 Conclusion
This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is creamy, comforting, and incredibly satisfying. It’s one of those meals that’s easy enough for weeknights, yet impressive enough for guests. 🥦🍝🍗 Whether you're feeding picky eaters or craving something wholesome and cozy, this recipe delivers on all fronts. Quick, customizable, and bursting with flavor — it’s a guaranteed kitchen win!