Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is the kind of comforting dinner that brings everything you want to the table in one bowl: tender, seasoned chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, silky Parmesan cream sauce.
It comes together with simple ingredients and makes a satisfying family meal without requiring complicated cooking techniques. You can have dinner ready in about 30–35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 oz (340 g) penne, fettuccine, or rotini pasta
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- Salt, for the pasta water
For the Chicken
- 1½ lb (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Creamy Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- Salt, to taste
Optional Garnish
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- A small squeeze of lemon juice
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
During the final 2–3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the same pot.
Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and broccoli and set them aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for about 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
Transfer the chicken to a plate.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons butter to the same skillet.
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Sprinkle in the flour and whisk or stir continuously for about 1 minute.
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Add the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
4. Add the Parmesan
Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese.
Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Avoid boiling the sauce after adding the Parmesan, as high heat can cause the cheese to separate.
5. Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
Add the drained pasta and broccoli and gently toss everything together until well coated in the sauce.
If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water, 1–2 tablespoons at a time, until you reach your preferred consistency.
Taste and adjust the salt and pepper.
6. Serve
Transfer the creamy chicken and broccoli pasta to serving bowls.
Top with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, and freshly cracked black pepper.
For a little brightness, add a small squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.
Tips for the Best Creamy Pasta
Don’t overcook the broccoli: Cook it just until tender but still slightly firm so it keeps some texture.
Use freshly grated Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than many pre-shredded varieties.
Don’t boil the cream sauce: Keep the heat moderate, especially after adding the cheese.
Save some pasta water: The starchy water is excellent for loosening a thick sauce while helping it cling to the pasta.
Brown the chicken well: A little browning adds extra flavor to the finished dish.
Cut the chicken evenly: Similar-sized pieces cook at roughly the same rate.
Easy Variations
Add Mushrooms
Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic before making the sauce for an extra savory flavor.
Make It Spicy
Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Add Spinach
Stir in a couple of handfuls of fresh spinach during the final few minutes of cooking.
Use Different Pasta
Penne, rigatoni, rotini, bow ties, and fettuccine all work well.
Add More Cheese
For an extra-rich version, add a small amount of shredded mozzarella along with the Parmesan.
What to Serve with Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
This pasta is filling enough to serve on its own, but it also pairs nicely with:
- Garlic bread
- A simple green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Crusty bread
- Tomato and cucumber salad
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
When reheating, add a splash of milk, cream, broth, or water and warm gently over low to medium heat. Stir frequently to help loosen the sauce.
Because creamy sauces can change texture after freezing and thawing, this dish is generally best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated rather than frozen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work very well and tend to remain especially juicy.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely. Add frozen broccoli during the pasta’s final few minutes of cooking, or steam it separately before combining everything.
Why is my sauce too thick?
Add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches the desired consistency.
Can I make this without heavy cream?
You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk, although the sauce will be lighter and may need slightly more Parmesan or flour for body.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes. Skip the chicken-cooking step and add sliced or shredded cooked chicken when combining the pasta with the sauce.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a simple comfort-food dinner that combines tender chicken, colorful broccoli, pasta, and a rich Parmesan sauce. It’s easy to customize with your favorite vegetables, seasonings, or type of pasta, making it a reliable recipe to keep in your weeknight rotation.
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Tags: creamy pasta, chicken pasta, broccoli pasta, easy dinner, chicken recipes, weeknight dinner, Parmesan pasta, comfort food