Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish that combines tender chicken breast pieces with nutrient-packed broccoli florets and perfectly cooked pasta. Coated in a rich garlic Parmesan cream sauce, it’s a quick and satisfying meal that’s ideal for weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed or blanched)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta
- 3 cups cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or spaghetti)
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breasts and cook until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper during cooking for flavor.
- Sauté the garlic: Push the cooked chicken to one side of the skillet and add the minced garlic to the empty space. Sauté it for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not burnt, stirring frequently.
- Create the sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in 1 cup of heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option). Stir to combine the chicken and garlic with the cream. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, allowing the cream to thicken slightly.
- Add Parmesan cheese and seasoning: Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well incorporated into the sauce. Add the 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes if you desire a little heat. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine broccoli and pasta: Add the steamed or blanched broccoli florets and 3 cups of cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together thoroughly to coat the pasta and broccoli evenly with the sauce and chicken.
- Finish and serve: Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the dish is heated through. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, then serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use cooked pasta that’s al dente for best texture; refrigerate leftovers promptly.
- To make it lighter, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Steaming or blanching broccoli before adding prevents it from becoming soggy.
- Using fresh Parmesan cheese improves the flavor compared to pre-grated versions.
- Add red pepper flakes carefully if sensitive to heat; optional to omit.
- Leftover pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: chicken broccoli pasta, creamy chicken pasta, garlic Parmesan pasta, easy weeknight dinner, one-pan pasta dish
