Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Looking for a comforting dinner that feels fancy but comes together quickly? This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is the answer. It blends tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta all coated in a luscious, rich cream sauce that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re after a satisfying weeknight meal or something that will impress guests without the fuss, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser packed with wholesome ingredients and easy steps.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Speedy Prep: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Balanced Nutrition: Protein-packed chicken and nutrient-rich broccoli make it hearty and healthy.
  • Rich and Comforting: The creamy sauce delivers indulgence without overwhelming heaviness.
  • Family Friendly: Mild yet flavorful, ideal for kids and adults alike.
  • One-Pot Option: Minimal cleanup if you cook the pasta and sauce in the same pan.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things delightfully simple with ingredients that build layers of flavor and texture—each one essential for that perfect creamy texture and hearty bite.

  • Chicken breast: Boneless and skinless for tender, easy-to-slice pieces.
  • Broccoli florets: Fresh or frozen, these add crunch and vibrant green color.
  • Pasta: Penne or fusilli hold the creamy sauce beautifully.
  • Heavy cream: The star ingredient for that luscious, velvety sauce.
  • Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty punch that complements the cream perfectly.
  • Garlic: Fresh cloves provide aromatic depth and a subtle kick.
  • Butter: For a silky-smooth base and richness in every bite.
  • Olive oil: Helps sear the chicken and liven up the veggies.
  • Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing flavors.
  • Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings warmth and complexity.

Variations for Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Feel free to tailor this dish to your tastes or dietary needs. Its flexible nature allows for easy swaps and additions without compromising the creamy goodness.

  • Vegetarian twist: Replace chicken with mushrooms or tofu for a plant-based option.
  • Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to bring some heat.
  • Cheesy overload: Mix in mozzarella or cheddar for extra cheesy indulgence.
  • Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta varieties to suit dietary restrictions.
  • Healthier sauce: Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt or a mixture of milk and cream cheese.
Easy Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces and separating broccoli into small florets. Mince the garlic cloves so they release their full flavor during cooking. Have your pasta ready to boil according to package instructions.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Broccoli and Garlic

In the same pan, add a bit of butter then toss in garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the broccoli florets and sauté until they are bright green and just tender, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce

Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the broccoli and garlic. Let it simmer gently for a few minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Chicken

Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together to coat in the creamy sauce. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce turns silky and smooth.

Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serve

Give it a taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot with optional garnishes like fresh parsley or extra Parmesan.

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

  • Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Slightly undercook the pasta since it will continue to cook with the sauce.
  • Chicken Doneness: Avoid overcooking chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Broccoli Texture: Quickly blanch frozen broccoli before sautéing to keep it crisp-tender.
  • Sauce Thickness: Simmer sauce gently and avoid high heat to prevent curdling.
  • Cheese Quality: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting quality.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness. A dash of crushed red pepper flakes adds a subtle heat contrast. Extra grated Parmesan on top is always welcomed for that savory finish.

Side Dishes

A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the rich pasta nicely. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls provide the perfect vehicle for soaking up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the pasta in individual bowls topped with microgreens or edible flowers for a restaurant-style touch. You can also stuff the creamy mixture into hollowed-out bell peppers or serve over a bed of baby spinach for added greens.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

This dish freezes well without losing texture—freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. To avoid watery sauce, slightly undercook pasta before freezing.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Microwave works too, but stir every 30 seconds to heat evenly.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add more flavor and stay juicy longer but require slightly longer cooking time to ensure doneness.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, swap out heavy cream for coconut cream or a dairy-free milk alternative and use dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast to keep it creamy.

What pasta shape works best for this recipe?

Penne, fusilli, or rigatoni are ideal as they hold the creamy sauce well, but feel free to use your favorite pasta shape.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes make delicious additions and add color and extra nutrients.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Simmer the sauce a bit longer to reduce it or add a small slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken quickly without changing the flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a recipe you’ll keep coming back to for its ease, flavor, and comforting vibes. It’s a true weeknight winner that brings a little joy and a lot of yum to the dinner table. Give it a try tonight and enjoy every luscious bite!

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Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

A comforting and quick Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta in a rich, luscious cream sauce. Ideal for busy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal effort, this recipe is family-friendly, nutritionally balanced, and packed with wholesome ingredients.

  • Author: Nora
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free pasta is used)

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Vegetables

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta

  • 12 ounces penne or fusilli pasta

Sauce

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and separate the broccoli into small florets. Mince the garlic cloves to release their full flavor. Have the pasta ready to boil according to the package instructions.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  3. Sauté Broccoli and Garlic: In the same pan, add butter and toss in the minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the broccoli florets and cook until bright green and just tender, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Make the Cream Sauce: Reduce the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine with the broccoli and garlic, letting it simmer gently for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together to coat in the creamy sauce. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce turns silky and smooth.
  6. Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • Slightly undercook pasta as it will continue to cook in the sauce.
  • Do not overcook chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
  • If using frozen broccoli, blanch briefly before sautéing to keep it crisp-tender.
  • Simmer the sauce gently to avoid curdling; avoid high heat.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for optimal flavor and melting quality.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 490 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 16 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg

Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, broccoli pasta, weeknight dinner, easy dinner, creamy sauce, chicken and broccoli, quick pasta recipe

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