Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Save this recipe on:

There’s something about the combination of tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a creamy, cheesy sauce that makes this dish irresistible. It’s one of those meals that feels indulgent yet is packed with protein and vegetables, making it a well-rounded choice for any night of the week. I love how quickly this dish comes together, making it a go-to for busy evenings when I want something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

What makes this chicken and broccoli pasta even better is its versatility. You can easily adjust the ingredients to fit what you have on hand or tweak the flavors to match your preferences. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal for the family or something meal-prep-friendly for the week, this recipe checks all the boxes. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra greens while still enjoying a rich and creamy sauce.

---

Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

• Quick and Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for a busy night.
• Creamy and Comforting – A rich, cheesy sauce that coats every bite.
• Healthy and Balanced – Packed with lean protein and nutritious broccoli.
• Customizable – Swap ingredients to fit your taste or dietary needs.
• Family-Friendly – A meal that both kids and adults will love.

---

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

When making chicken and broccoli pasta, the type of pasta you choose can make a difference in both texture and how well it holds the sauce. I prefer short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini because they trap the creamy sauce and bits of chicken in every bite. However, if you prefer long pasta, fettuccine or spaghetti can work just as well. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta are also great alternatives if you’re looking for a healthier or dietary-friendly option.

---

Options for Substitutions

One of the best things about this dish is its adaptability. If you’re missing an ingredient or want to try something new, here are some easy swaps:

• Pasta – Swap regular pasta for whole wheat, gluten-free, or even chickpea pasta for extra protein.
• Chicken – Use shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a different protein source.
• Broccoli – Try other veggies like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for a fresh twist.
• Cream Sauce – Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt, cashew cream, or a light alfredo sauce for a healthier option.
• Cheese – Parmesan is classic, but mozzarella, cheddar, or even a sprinkle of feta can change up the flavor.

---

Ingredients for This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Each ingredient in this dish plays a key role in creating a creamy, flavorful, and well-balanced meal. Here’s what you’ll need and why it’s important:

• Pasta – Provides the perfect base for absorbing the creamy sauce and complementing the chicken and broccoli.
• Chicken Breast – A lean protein that cooks quickly and stays tender in the sauce.
• Broccoli – Adds a fresh, slightly crisp texture and a boost of nutrients to balance the dish.
• Garlic – Infuses the sauce with a deep, aromatic flavor that enhances every bite.
• Butter – Helps create a rich and velvety sauce.
• Heavy Cream – The base of the sauce, making it smooth and creamy.
• Parmesan Cheese – Adds a salty, nutty depth of flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Chicken Broth – Enhances the sauce with extra savory goodness while keeping it from being too heavy.
• Olive Oil – Used to sear the chicken and give it a golden, flavorful crust.
• Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning and bringing out the best in every ingredient.
• Red Pepper Flakes (Optional) – A little heat can add a nice kick to balance the richness.

---

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. About two minutes before the pasta is done, add the broccoli florets to the pot. This ensures they cook just enough to stay tender-crisp. Drain the pasta and broccoli, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.

---

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan. Cook for about 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it into bite-sized pieces.

---

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for a couple of minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for a few minutes until slightly thickened.

---

Step 4: Combine Everything

Lower the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and sliced chicken to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.

---

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the skillet from the heat and give everything one last toss. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on top and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color. Enjoy your creamy chicken and broccoli pasta while it’s warm and delicious!

---

How Long to Cook the Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

The total cooking time for this dish is about 25–30 minutes:

• Pasta & Broccoli: 8–10 minutes (cooking together in the same pot).
• Chicken: 8–10 minutes (seared and cooked through in a skillet).
• Sauce & Combining Everything: 5–7 minutes to create the creamy sauce and mix in all the ingredients.

Since everything cooks relatively quickly, it’s best to have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start.

---

Tips for Perfect Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

• Don’t Overcook the Broccoli – Adding it to the pasta water in the last two minutes keeps it tender yet slightly crisp. Overcooking can make it mushy.
• Use Freshly Grated Parmesan – Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly. Grating it fresh will give you a creamier sauce.
• Reserve Some Pasta Water – This starchy water helps loosen the sauce and makes it cling better to the pasta.
• Let the Chicken Rest Before Slicing – This keeps it juicy and prevents it from drying out.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning – Before serving, adjust the salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to suit your preference.
• Don’t Skip the Garlic – It adds a depth of flavor that makes the sauce taste rich and well-rounded.

---

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the Pasta – Since the pasta continues to cook slightly in the sauce, make sure to cook it just until al dente to avoid a mushy texture.
• Adding Too Much Liquid – While pasta water helps thin the sauce, too much can make it runny instead of creamy. Add gradually as needed.
• Skipping the Sear on the Chicken – A golden-brown crust adds flavor and texture. Don’t rush this step!
• Not Seasoning Enough – Every layer needs seasoning, from the pasta water to the chicken and sauce. Taste as you go.
• Using Low-Quality Cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and enhances the flavor of the sauce.
• Cooking the Broccoli Too Early – Adding it too soon will make it overly soft. Two minutes in the pasta water is just right.
• Forgetting to Let the Chicken Rest – Cutting it immediately after cooking lets the juices escape, making it dry. Let it sit for a few minutes before slicing.

---

What to Serve With Chicken and Broccoli Pasta?

1. Garlic Bread

A crispy slice of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.

2. Side Salad

A fresh green salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.

3. Roasted Vegetables

Try roasted asparagus, carrots, or Brussels sprouts for extra nutrients and flavor.

4. Bruschetta

A light and fresh tomato bruschetta adds a refreshing contrast.

5. Sautéed Mushrooms

Earthy, buttery mushrooms complement the creamy sauce beautifully.

6. Grilled Shrimp

For a protein boost, add grilled shrimp on the side or mix it into the pasta.

7. White Wine

A glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with the creamy sauce.

8. Fresh Fruit

A bowl of mixed berries or sliced melon makes for a light and refreshing dessert.

---

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers, don’t worry—this dish stores well! Here’s how to keep it fresh:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken, so add a splash of broth or cream when reheating.
• Freezer: While you can freeze it, the creamy sauce may separate when thawed. If freezing, store in an airtight container for up to 2 months and stir well when reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a bit of milk, cream, or broth to restore the sauce’s creaminess. You can also microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

---

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: ~600
• Protein: ~40g
• Carbohydrates: ~55g
• Fats: ~25g
• Fiber: ~5g
• Sugar: ~4g

These numbers will vary depending on ingredient choices, such as using heavy cream versus a lighter alternative.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes! Simply add the frozen broccoli to the pasta water in the last minute of cooking since it softens faster than fresh broccoli.

2. How can I make this dish healthier?

Use whole wheat or chickpea pasta, swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt, and reduce the cheese slightly to lighten it up.

3. Can I make this pasta ahead of time?

Yes, but for the best texture, store the sauce separately and mix everything when ready to serve.

4. What’s the best way to reheat this pasta?

Reheat in a pan over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to keep the sauce creamy.

5. Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Shrimp, turkey, tofu, or even sausage would work well in this dish.

6. Will this recipe work without dairy?

Yes! Use a dairy-free cream alternative and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a similar flavor.

7. Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach would be great additions.

8. What’s the best cheese substitute if I don’t have Parmesan?

Mozzarella, pecorino, or even a sharp cheddar can work as tasty alternatives.

---

Conclusion

This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness and nutritious ingredients, making it a great meal for any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to satisfy.

---

Print