Few dishes hit that perfect balance of comfort and freshness quite like Chicken and Broccoli Pasta. Tender chicken, crisp broccoli florets, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in a luxuriously creamy sauce that’s rich, cheesy, and full of flavor. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent yet wholesome — perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or when you just want something hearty and satisfying.
The first time I made this, I used rotisserie chicken and added a touch of lemon zest — it brightened up the creamy sauce beautifully. I’ve also swapped the cream for half-and-half to make it lighter, and it still turned out velvety smooth. Whether you serve it straight from the pan or sprinkle it with extra Parmesan before serving, this Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is guaranteed to become a go-to favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Mouthwatering Delicious Chicken and Broccoli Pasta combines everything you love — tender pasta, juicy chicken, and vibrant broccoli — all coated in a rich, cheesy cream sauce. It’s quick to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and tastes like something from your favorite Italian restaurant. The sauce clings perfectly to every bite, making it satisfying without being overly heavy. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder that’s perfect for weeknight ease or weekend comfort.
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Mouthwatering Delicious Chicken and Broccoli Pasta: Creamy, Comforting, and Irresistible
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a mouthwatering, creamy, and comforting dish made with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce — a quick and satisfying dinner the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rotini)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions, adding broccoli florets during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
- Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently.
- Add Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2–3 minutes.
- Return the cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss until everything is evenly coated in the sauce.
- Adjust seasoning to taste with extra salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Notes
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Substitute shrimp or turkey for the chicken for variation.
- To make it extra cheesy, add shredded mozzarella or provolone.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated with a splash of milk or broth.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Pasta (Penne, Fettuccine, or Rotini) – The base of the dish; choose a shape that holds sauce well.
Chicken Breast – Boneless and skinless, cooked until juicy and tender. You can also use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Broccoli Florets – Adds color, texture, and freshness that balances the rich sauce.
Butter – Forms the base of the sauce and adds creamy richness.
Olive Oil – Helps sear the chicken for golden, flavorful edges.
Garlic – Infuses the dish with aromatic depth; fresh garlic is best.
Heavy Cream – Creates a silky, luxurious sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
Parmesan Cheese – Adds sharpness and depth while thickening the sauce naturally.
Chicken Broth – Enhances the sauce’s flavor and keeps it from becoming too heavy.
Salt and Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional) – For a touch of gentle heat.
Lemon Zest (optional) – Adds brightness and freshness to the creamy sauce.
Parsley (for garnish) – Adds a burst of color and freshness to finish the dish.
Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. During the last 2–3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Season chicken breast with salt and pepper, then cook for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and slice into strips.
In the same skillet, add a bit more butter if needed and sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken back into the pan, tossing everything together until coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes.
Finish with a sprinkle of lemon zest and fresh parsley for a bright, flavorful touch. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on top.
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.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation takes about 10 minutes, and cooking takes around 20 minutes — dinner on the table in just 30 minutes!
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long, as the sauce can separate. This dish doesn’t freeze well due to the dairy-based sauce, but it’s perfect for make-ahead lunches.
Variations and Customizations
Lighter Version – Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
Cheesy Alfredo Twist – Add a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan for an ultra-creamy Alfredo-like texture.
Lemon Garlic Pasta – Skip the cream and use olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice for a fresh, lighter dish.
Spicy Kick – Stir in a bit of cayenne or red pepper flakes for heat lovers.
Bacon Broccoli Pasta – Add crumbled crispy bacon for smoky depth.
Pesto Chicken Pasta – Stir in a spoonful of basil pesto for herby, aromatic flavor.
Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free pasta to make it allergy-friendly.
Veggie Boost – Add mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrients.
Cajun-Style Version – Season the chicken with Cajun spices for a Southern-inspired kick.
Four Cheese Cream Sauce – Mix Parmesan, Romano, Asiago, and mozzarella for extra indulgence.
FAQs
What is Chicken and Broccoli Pasta?
It’s a creamy pasta dish made with tender chicken, broccoli, and a rich, cheesy sauce.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, rotisserie or leftover chicken works perfectly.
What type of pasta works best?
Penne, fettuccine, rotini, or any shape that holds sauce well.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, just thaw and drain before adding to the sauce.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use coconut milk or almond milk with vegan cheese alternatives.
How do I keep the sauce from curdling?
Avoid high heat once the cream is added — gentle simmering keeps it smooth.
Can I use other vegetables?
Absolutely! Mushrooms, peas, or asparagus work beautifully.
Is it spicy?
Not by default, but red pepper flakes can add gentle heat if you prefer.
Can I make it ahead?
You can cook the components ahead of time, then toss together before serving.
What can I serve with it?
Garlic bread, side salad, or roasted vegetables pair wonderfully.
Conclusion
Mouthwatering Delicious Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is the perfect comfort meal — creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. With tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a silky sauce that clings to every strand of pasta, it’s both hearty and satisfying. Whether for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this easy pasta recipe delivers everything you love about homemade comfort food in one pan. Quick to make, rich in flavor, and endlessly customizable, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again.
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