Introduction
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is one of those dependable recipes that never fails to satisfy. It brings together tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta in a rich, velvety sauce that feels indulgent yet balanced. I often turn to this dish when I want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. The cream sauce coats every bite, while the broccoli adds freshness and a welcome contrast in texture. When I first tested this recipe, I tried using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and the result was surprisingly light while still being wonderfully creamy. This pasta is ideal for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or even meal prep, as it reheats beautifully. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish proves that homemade comfort food can be both elegant and approachable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is quick to prepare, uses pantry-friendly ingredients, and delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home. It is filling without being heavy and appeals to both adults and children. The combination of protein, vegetables, and pasta makes it a complete meal in one bowl.
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Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta – A Comforting Family-Style Dinner Favorite
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a comforting and hearty dish made with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and pasta tossed in a rich, creamy sauce. It is perfect for a quick family dinner and pairs well with a simple green salad.
Ingredients
- 400 g pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Add broccoli during the last 2 minutes of cooking, then drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced chicken, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 5–6 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if using, mixing until the sauce becomes smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken back into the skillet. Toss until everything is evenly coated with sauce.
- Cook for an additional 2 minutes, then remove from heat and serve warm.
Notes
- You can use milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Add mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling and Sauteing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Pasta
Short pasta such as penne or fusilli works best because it holds the creamy sauce well and provides a satisfying bite.
Chicken breast
Lean, boneless chicken breast cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors of the sauce beautifully when cut into bite-sized pieces.
Broccoli florets
Fresh broccoli adds color, texture, and nutritional value. It balances the richness of the cream sauce with a mild, earthy flavor.
Olive oil
Used for sautéing the chicken, olive oil adds subtle richness and prevents sticking during cooking.
Garlic
Fresh garlic forms the aromatic base of the sauce and enhances the overall savory profile.
Heavy cream
This is the heart of the sauce, providing a smooth, luxurious texture that coats the pasta evenly.
Chicken broth
Broth lightens the sauce slightly while adding depth and savory flavor.
Parmesan cheese
Finely grated Parmesan thickens the sauce naturally and adds a nutty, salty finish.
Butter
Butter enriches the sauce and helps create a silky consistency.
Salt
Essential for seasoning every layer of the dish and bringing out the flavors.
Black pepper
Adds gentle warmth and balances the creaminess of the sauce.
Italian seasoning
A blend of herbs that enhances the dish with subtle aromatic notes.
Directions
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. During the last two minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and black pepper, and cook until golden and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the garlic. Cook briefly until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the chicken broth and allow it to simmer for a minute before adding the heavy cream. Stir gently and let the sauce cook until slightly thickened.
Add the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth. Return the cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated and heated through. Adjust seasoning as needed and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves four people. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, with a cooking time of about 25 minutes.
Equipment Needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Variations and Customizations
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is easy to adapt to different tastes and dietary needs. For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk. You can also reduce the amount of cheese slightly without sacrificing flavor.
For added depth, sauté mushrooms or onions with the garlic before adding the liquids. Sun-dried tomatoes provide a pleasant tang that cuts through the creaminess. If you enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes works well.
Protein substitutions are simple. Rotisserie chicken is a convenient alternative, while shrimp can be used for a seafood twist. For a vegetarian option, omit the chicken and add extra broccoli or spinach. These customizations make the recipe versatile enough to enjoy year-round.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 540 |
| Protein (g) | 38 |
| Carbs (g) | 45 |
| Fat (g) | 24 |
| Saturated Fat (g) | 12 |
| Fiber (g) | 4 |
| Sugar (g) | 5 |
| Sodium (mg) | 760 |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Do Not Overcook the Pasta
Cooking pasta to al dente prevents it from becoming mushy once combined with the sauce.
Steam Broccoli Lightly
Adding broccoli to the pasta water ensures it stays bright and tender-crisp.
Grate Cheese Finely
Finely grated Parmesan melts more smoothly into the sauce.
Adjust Sauce Consistency
If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of pasta water or broth to loosen it.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it can be prepared in advance and reheated gently with a little added liquid.
What pasta shape works best?
Penne, fusilli, or farfalle are ideal for holding the sauce.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, but thaw and drain it well before adding to avoid excess water.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
It can be frozen, though the sauce may slightly change texture when reheated.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely, spinach, peas, or zucchini work very well.
How do I keep the sauce from separating?
Use moderate heat and avoid boiling the cream sauce.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or milk.
Conclusion
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a reliable, comforting recipe that delivers rich flavor with minimal effort. Its versatility and crowd-pleasing nature make it a staple worth returning to time and again. Whether served fresh or enjoyed as leftovers, it remains satisfying and delicious every time.
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