Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights or when you crave something extra cozy yet effortless. Imagine tender pieces of chicken mingling with bright green broccoli, all wrapped in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce and tossed with your favorite pasta. This dish is not just satisfying and packed with flavor, but it’s also incredibly easy to pull together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for both family dinners and impressing friends at the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta lies in the simplicity of its ingredients—each one shines and plays a special role. This isn’t the time for complicated pantry raids; everything here truly elevates the flavor, texture, and color of your pasta bowl.

• Pasta of your choice (12 oz): Penne, fettuccine, or any pasta shape that catches sauce is perfect for this dish.
• Broccoli florets (2 cups, fresh or frozen): Brings a pop of color, nutrients, and the ideal texture contrast to the creamy sauce.
• Chicken breasts (2, medium, cut into bite-sized pieces): These make the dish heartier and soak up all those delicious flavors.
• Garlic powder (1 tsp): Adds aromatic depth to the chicken seasoning.
• Onion powder (1 tsp): Boosts savory notes and enhances all the flavors in the dish.
• Paprika (½ tsp): Gives the chicken a gentle warmth and lovely color.
• Salt and pepper (to taste): Absolutely essential for balanced and lively flavor throughout.
• Olive oil or unsalted butter (2 tbsp): For sautéing the chicken to golden, juicy perfection.
• Unsalted butter (3 tbsp): Helps create a rich, creamy base for the sauce.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the cream sauce with irresistible aroma and flavor.
• All-purpose flour (2 tbsp): Thickens the sauce to just the right creamy consistency.
• Whole milk or heavy cream (2 cups): The backbone of the luscious sauce—choose cream for an extra indulgent version.
• Chicken broth (½ cup): Adds depth and keeps the sauce silky rather than overly thick.
• Parmesan cheese (½ cup plus extra for garnish): The robust, salty classic that brings the whole dish together.
• Italian seasoning (1 tsp): Blends herbs for that signature Italian flavor profile.
• Red chili flakes (pinch, optional): For those who like a hint of heat to balance the richness.

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli

Start by bringing a generously salted pot of water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package directions—this is your foundation, so don’t under- or overcook it. In the last three minutes of the pasta’s cooking time, toss in the broccoli florets right into the boiling water. This lets them become perfectly tender yet vibrant green, saving time and dirty dishes. Drain both pasta and broccoli together and set aside—you’re already halfway to deliciousness!

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

While your pasta cooks, season your chicken pieces liberally with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Sauté the chicken for about 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and just cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate—these juicy, flavorful bites are going to be the stars in your Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat, letting it pick up the flavorful chicken bits left behind. Stir in the minced garlic, cooking just until fragrant. Sprinkle the flour in and whisk for about one minute—this ensures you don’t taste raw flour in your final sauce. Gradually pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly to banish any lumps. Stir in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of chili flakes if you like a little kick. Let the sauce simmer for three to four minutes, thickening and becoming irresistibly creamy. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Now for the fun part! Return the chicken to the skillet, then add the drained pasta and broccoli. Toss everything gently to coat in that beautiful, garlicky cream sauce. Let the mixture warm together for a minute or two to allow the flavors to mingle and the sauce to cling perfectly to every bite of pasta, chicken, and broccoli.

Step 5: Serve

Transfer Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta to plates or bowls while still steamy. Top with extra Parmesan and a little freshly cracked black pepper if you’re feeling fancy. That’s it—dinner is served and your kitchen smells absolutely incredible.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese does wonders here, giving each serving an extra punch of savoriness. For a restaurant-worthy touch, finish with a dusting of freshly cracked black pepper or even a few ribbons of basil or parsley for freshness and color. Don’t forget a drizzle of good olive oil if you want to add a glossy sheen and deeper flavor.

Side Dishes

Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a satisfying main course, but you can round out your meal beautifully with a crusty piece of garlic bread to mop up any sauce left on the plate. A crisp green salad with a zippy vinaigrette also pairs perfectly—it balances the creaminess with just the right amount of crunch and acidity.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful by serving Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta in individual ramekins for a dinner party, or pile it high in a rustic family-style bowl at the center of the table. For an elegant twist, twirl the pasta into nests with a fork and spoon, then top each portion with a single broccoli floret and golden piece of chicken.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers a real treat. Keep in mind the sauce will thicken as it cools, but that just means it’s even more comforting the next day!

Freezing

While cream-based pastas can sometimes separate when frozen, you can still freeze this dish in pinch. Place cooled portions into freezer-safe containers, then freeze for up to two months. For best results, let the pasta thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating—this helps preserve its creamy texture.

Reheating

To bring Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta back to life, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. If using a microwave, reheat in short bursts, stirring between intervals to keep the cream sauce smooth. Either way, it returns to creamy perfection in just a few minutes.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta besides penne or fettuccine?

Absolutely! Any pasta shape that holds sauce well, such as rotini, rigatoni, or even spaghetti, will work beautifully in Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta. Just pick your favorite or use whatever you have on hand.

What can I substitute for chicken in this recipe?

This dish is super flexible. Try swapping chicken with cooked shrimp for a seafood twist or use turkey breast for something a bit lighter. If you’re going vegetarian, sautéed mushrooms or a medley of your favorite veggies make wonderful substitutes.

Can I make Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta dairy-free?

Yes, with a few tweaks! Use your favorite non-dairy milk (like oat or almond) and a plant-based butter. Nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan substitute can stand in for the cheese, though the flavor will be a bit different, it’s still delicious.

How do I avoid curdling the sauce when reheating?

Always reheat Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta gently over low heat, and add a splash of milk or broth to help emulsify the sauce. Stir frequently, and avoid letting it boil—this keeps everything creamy and smooth.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely! The creaminess and mild flavors make this a kid-approved dinner. You can easily leave out the chili flakes if you want to keep it extra gentle for little taste buds.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to experience just how quick, easy, and universally loved Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta truly is! Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new weeknight hero—one bite and you’ll see why it’s a staple in my kitchen. Gather your ingredients, give it a try, and get ready to fall in love with creamy, dreamy pasta bliss.

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