Get ready to discover the ultimate comfort food fusion with this cozy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe. Imagine fork-twirled noodles swaddled in silky, Parmesan-laced cream sauce, studded with tender bites of chicken and emerald broccoli. Every ingredient brings not only flavor but a bit of weeknight magic to your table, making this recipe a must-have for both quick family dinners and leisurely gatherings. Let’s dive in and whip up something delicious you’ll crave all year round!

Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of familiar ingredients come together to create something so deliciously memorable. Each element in this Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe plays a key role, contributing to the luscious sauce, hearty bites, and eye-catching color you’ll love.

Pasta (12 ounces penne or fettuccine): The sturdy noodles soak up the sauce and make every mouthful satisfying.
Broccoli florets (2 cups): Adds crunch, vibrant color, and a nutritious green touch.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 pound, diced): The star protein that brings filling flavor and juicy texture.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): For sautéing the chicken and building a rich base for your sauce.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Brings aromatic warmth and depth to every bite.
Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Infuses the dish with classic herbaceous notes.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for rounding out all the flavors.
Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds gentle heat and complexity.
Crushed red pepper flakes (½ teaspoon, optional): Gives a subtle kick if you’re feeling bold.
Heavy cream (1 cup): The key to the luscious, velvety sauce.
Chicken broth (½ cup): Deepens the saucy flavor and keeps everything moist.
Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Melts in for a rich, savoriness that ties everything together.
Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the sauce and keeps it from feeling too heavy.
Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional): Makes the final dish colorfully irresistible.

How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli

Bring a big pot of salted water to a hearty boil. Add your favorite pasta shape and cook according to the package instructions. Two minutes before the pasta is done, toss in the broccoli florets so they cook to crisp-tender perfection. Once both are finished, drain together and set aside—you’re already halfway to something special!

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

While the pasta simmers away, heat up olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your diced chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then add to the hot pan. Let the chicken sizzle and brown for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring so every piece gets those golden edges. Once fully cooked, transfer chicken to a plate and keep it handy.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

In that same glorious skillet, toss in your minced garlic and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a gentle warmth. Stir for just 30 seconds—garlic cooks fast! Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring everything together as the base bubbles. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat and stir in grated Parmesan and lemon juice. Simmer a few more minutes; the sauce will thicken and fill your kitchen with the most irresistible aroma.

Step 4: Mix It All Together

Time to gather the whole team! Return the cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli into the skillet. Gently toss until every morsel is coated and glossy from the creamy sauce. Let it heat through for another minute or two so all the flavors meld. If you’re anything like me, you won’t be able to resist sneaking a bite!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Spoon your Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe into bowls, and scatter fresh parsley and extra Parmesan on top if you love a pretty finish (and who doesn’t?). Serve immediately while it’s piping hot and extra creamy.

How to Serve Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and a generous shower of grated Parmesan always elevates your Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe. If you want a little zing, a dash of extra crushed red pepper flakes makes both the look and flavor shine. Even a bit of freshly cracked black pepper adds a nice finishing touch.

Side Dishes

Pair this creamy pasta with warm, crusty bread or a simple green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette. The crispness of a salad or roasted veggies neatly balances the richness, making your meal feel complete without overshadowing the main event.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe into an eye-catching centerpiece by serving in a big, colorful bowl. Try twirling individual servings for a restaurant-style look or bake a sprinkle of breadcrumbs on top for a delicious crunch. You can even spoon leftovers into lunch containers for the best next-day treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually meld and intensify overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch or dinner something to look forward to.

Freezing

Want to make life even easier? You can freeze this pasta! Pack cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or zipper bags. When you reheat, the sauce may seem a little less creamy, but a splash of broth or cream stirred in while warming will work wonders.

Reheating

Reheat your Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave. Add a small splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce and keep things as luxuriously creamy as the day you made it.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! Penne and fettuccine work beautifully, but you can swap for rotini, spaghetti, or even gluten-free pasta with equally tasty results. The creamy sauce pairs well with nearly any noodle shape.

Is there a lighter version of this Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe?

Yes! Try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream or swap in Greek yogurt for an extra tangy twist. You can also increase the broccoli or add spinach for more veggies and less pasta.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a party?

Definitely. Prepare the Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, gently reheat with a splash of cream or broth to bring the sauce back to silky life.

What’s the best way to add more flavor?

Consider sautéing some chopped onions or mushrooms along with the garlic for deeper flavors. A pinch of extra Italian seasoning or a squeeze more lemon juice will liven everything up, too.

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?

Yes! Using already-cooked rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver. Simply shred and toss it in during the final step when you mix in the pasta and broccoli.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe at home. It’s creamy, satisfying, and so simple to make, you might just find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new favorite comfort food—happy cooking!

Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 20 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta recipe that is perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner. Tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and al dente pasta coated in a rich Parmesan cream sauce with a hint of lemon, this dish is a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 ounces pasta (penne or fettuccine)

Broccoli:

2 cups broccoli florets

Chicken:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)

Other:

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Boil salted water, cook pasta, and add broccoli in the last 2 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Cook Chicken: Season and cook chicken until golden. Remove from pan.
Make Sauce: Sauté garlic, add broth, cream, Parmesan, and lemon juice. Simmer until thickened.
Combine: Return chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the pan. Toss in sauce and heat through.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve warm.