Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Tucking into a hearty chicken and broccoli pasta brings comfort straight to your dinner table.

Weeknight meals can feel mundane, but this simple combination transforms an ordinary plate into something extraordinary.

Fresh ingredients make all the difference when creating delicious meals that satisfy.

Crisp broccoli florets and tender chicken chunks intermingle with perfectly cooked pasta, creating a balanced bite.

Mediterranean herbs and a light creamy sauce enhance each forkful with robust flavors.

Nutritious and quick, this recipe proves that home cooking doesn’t require complicated techniques.

You’ll love how effortlessly these ingredients come together in less than thirty minutes.

Dive into this delightful dish that promises both nutrition and incredible taste.

Why Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Always Satisfies

• A hearty one-pot meal that brings everyone together with minimal kitchen stress and maximum flavor satisfaction.
• Prepare this delicious dish in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy families needing a nutritious meal without complicated cooking techniques.
• Combines lean chicken and nutrient-rich broccoli, delivering a balanced meal that supports healthy eating goals without sacrificing taste.
• Easy to adapt for different preferences by adding extra spices, swapping protein, or adjusting cheese levels to suit individual tastes.

What You Need for Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Main Ingredients:

Pasta and Broccoli:- Pasta, Broccoli: Provides the base of the dish with hearty texture and nutritional value. Choose pasta with ridges to hold sauce better. Fresh broccoli works best with crisp green florets.

Chicken:- Chicken: Protein-rich centerpiece of the meal. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts recommended for even cooking and lean protein.

Sauce Ingredients:

Dairy Components:- Butter, Milk, Parmesan Cheese: Creates creamy, rich sauce with depth of flavor. Use fresh Parmesan for best taste. Whole milk provides better consistency.

Thickening Agents:- Flour: Helps create smooth sauce base. All-purpose flour works perfectly.

Seasoning Ingredients:

Herbs and Spices:- Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper, Nutmeg: Adds layers of flavor and warmth. Fresh ground pepper recommended. Optional nutmeg provides subtle background note.

Aromatics:- Garlic: Brings intense flavor base. Fresh minced garlic preferred over pre-chopped.

Garnish Ingredients:

Optional Toppings:- Red Pepper Flakes, Parsley: Adds color and extra flavor punch. Fresh parsley provides bright finish. Red pepper flakes offer optional heat.

How to Cook This Chicken Pasta in No Time

Step 1: Boil Pasta and Broccoli

• Use a large pot
• Fill with water
• Add salt
• Bring to boil
• Drop pasta
• Cook following package directions
• Add broccoli during final 2-3 minutes
• Drain together
• Set aside

Step 2: Season and Cook Chicken

• Chicken pieces
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Pepper
• Olive oil

Heat skillet with olive oil

Sprinkle chicken with seasonings

Cook chicken until golden and fully done

Transfer chicken to separate plate

Step 3: Create Luxurious Sauce

• Butter
• Minced garlic
• Flour
• Milk
• Parmesan cheese
• Nutmeg
• Salt
• Pepper

Melt butter in same skillet

Saute garlic until fragrant

Incorporate flour

Slowly whisk milk

Simmer until sauce thickens

Add cheese and seasonings

Adjust taste as needed

Step 4: Combine Delicious Components

Mix pasta, broccoli, and chicken into sauce

Ensure everything gets evenly coated

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer to serving bowls

• Red pepper flakes
• Fresh parsley
• Extra Parmesan cheese

Tips for Creamier Chicken and Broccoli Dishes

• Perfectly Cook Pasta: Add pasta to boiling salted water and ensure it reaches al dente texture by following package instructions precisely.
• Broccoli Brightness Trick: Blanch broccoli directly with pasta during the last 2-3 minutes to maintain vibrant green color and crisp-tender texture without overcooking.
• Chicken Seasoning Hack: Pat chicken dry before adding spices to help create a golden-brown crust and maximize flavor absorption during cooking.
• Sauce Smoothness Secret: Whisk milk slowly into the roux to prevent lumps and create a silky, creamy sauce that coats pasta evenly without separation.
• Customize with Confidence: Swap chicken for tofu, use gluten-free pasta, or add extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to suit dietary preferences and add nutritional variety.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh with Smart Storage Ideas

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the pasta fresh for 35 days in the refrigerator.
• Sprinkle a little extra milk or water when reheating to restore moisture and maintain the sauce's creamy texture.
• Reheat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and prevent overcooking.
• Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk to revive the sauce and help the pasta regain its original creamy consistency.

Sides That Go Great with Chicken Broccoli Pasta

• Enhance the creamy chicken pasta with a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, whose light and acidic notes perfectly balance the richness of the parmesan sauce.
• Toss a simple mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to add a bright, tangy contrast that cuts through the pasta's creaminess and provides a fresh palate cleanser.
• Serve warm, crusty garlic bread alongside the pasta to soak up the delicious sauce and add a delightful crunch that complements the tender chicken and soft pasta.
• Prepare a quick herb-roasted vegetable medley with zucchini, bell peppers, and herbs like thyme or rosemary to add extra nutrition and a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.

Different Ways to Serve Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Replace traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter, gluten-free alternative that cuts down on carbohydrates while maintaining the dish's delicious flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Creamy Coconut Sauce: Swap milk and butter with coconut milk and olive oil, using nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to create a creamy, lactose-free sauce that's packed with rich, satisfying taste.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives, seasoned similarly and pan-fried until golden brown for a protein-packed meatless version that doesn't compromise on texture or flavor.
• Spicy Mediterranean Herb Modification: Enhance the dish by adding dried oregano, red pepper flakes, and a splash of lemon juice to create a zesty, Mediterranean-inspired variation that brings fresh, bold flavors to the classic recipe.

Chicken And Broccoli Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets elegance in this classic chicken and broccoli pasta, where tender chicken and crisp broccoli dance together in a creamy parmesan sauce. Rich flavors and simple ingredients combine to create a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein Base:

• 1 lb (453 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 12 oz (340 grams) penne, fettuccine, or your favorite pasta
• 2 cups broccoli florets

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for creaminess)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Crushed red pepper flakes
• Chopped parsley
• Additional Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Fill a spacious pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil, preparing for pasta and broccoli cooking.
2. Immerse pasta in boiling water, following package timing guidelines, and introduce broccoli florets during the final 2-3 minutes of cooking.
3. Drain pasta and broccoli simultaneously, transferring to a separate container for later assembly.
4. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, creating a golden cooking surface.
5. Generously coat chicken pieces with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, ensuring comprehensive seasoning coverage.
6. Carefully place seasoned chicken into the heated skillet, allowing each piece to transform into a golden-brown, thoroughly cooked protein.
7. Remove perfectly cooked chicken from skillet and reserve for subsequent recipe stages.
8. Without cleaning the skillet, melt butter and introduce minced garlic, allowing aromatics to release their fragrant essence for approximately one minute.
9. Sprinkle flour into the buttery garlic mixture, creating a smooth roux by stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes.
10. Gradually incorporate milk, whisking consistently to prevent lumps and encourage sauce thickening.
11. Simmer sauce until it reaches a luxurious, velvety consistency, approximately 3-4 minutes.
12. Integrate Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper, adjusting seasonings to personal preference.
13. Reunite cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken within the creamy sauce, gently tossing to ensure complete coating.
14. Transfer the harmonious mixture into serving bowls, optionally garnishing with crushed red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, or additional Parmesan cheese.

Notes

• Prep Ahead: Chop broccoli and slice chicken before starting to save time during cooking.
• Pasta Perfection: Choose short pasta like penne or rotini for better sauce coating and easier eating.
• Broccoli Brilliance: Slightly undercook broccoli to maintain a crisp texture and vibrant green color during the final mixing.
• Creamy Sauce Secrets: Whisk milk slowly to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, silky sauce consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg