Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a flavorful, comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breast, crisp-tender broccoli, and your favorite pasta are tossed together in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce that’s rich and satisfying. This one-pot meal comes together quickly and is packed with protein, fiber, and flavor.
Whether you use penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti, the pasta soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully. It’s a family-friendly favorite that can be customized with extra veggies or cheese. Serve with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete, hearty meal that’s both nourishing and delicious.
Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a delicious, wholesome, and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and pasta in a rich, creamy sauce. It’s a family favorite and a perfect weeknight meal that can be made in under 30 minutes. Packed with protein, fiber, and cheesy goodness, this one-pot pasta dish is satisfying, flavorful, and easy to customize.
CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI PASTA
Description
Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a flavorful, comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breast, crisp-tender broccoli, and your favorite pasta are tossed together in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce that’s rich and satisfying.
This one-pot meal comes together quickly and is packed with protein, fiber, and flavor. Whether you use penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti, the pasta soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.
It’s a family-friendly favorite that can be customized with extra veggies or cheese. Serve with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete, hearty meal that’s both nourishing and delicious.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
For the sauce:
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta and Broccoli
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
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About 2–3 minutes before the pasta is done, add the broccoli florets to the same pot. This will blanch the broccoli until it’s bright green and crisp-tender.
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Drain pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
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Cook the Chicken
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While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
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Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
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Make the Creamy Sauce
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In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
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Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Stir in the flour and whisk continuously to create a roux. Cook for 1 minute.
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Slowly pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
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Simmer the sauce for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently until it begins to thicken.
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Add Parmesan and mozzarella cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
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Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
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Combine Everything
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Add the cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet with the sauce.
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Toss gently to combine, ensuring the sauce coats everything evenly.
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Cook for 1–2 more minutes over low heat to warm everything through.
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Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 550kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 20g31%
- Saturated Fat 8g40%
- Total Carbohydrate 50g17%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 6g
- Protein 35g70%
- Calcium 150 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a wholesome, satisfying, and versatile dish that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and your favorite pasta in a creamy or light sauce.
Whether you're making it for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, the key lies in simple ingredients paired with smart techniques. Below are essential tips, tricks, and serving ideas to help you make the best version of this comforting classic.
Tips for the Best Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
- Choose the Right Pasta:
Short pasta like penne, fusilli, or farfalle holds sauces well and pairs beautifully with bite-sized pieces of chicken and broccoli. You can also use spaghetti or fettuccine for a more elegant presentation. - Use Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs:
Chicken breasts are lean and cook quickly, while thighs offer more flavor and tenderness. Whichever you choose, make sure to slice them thinly or dice them uniformly for even cooking. - Season the Chicken Well:
Before cooking, season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning. You can even marinate it briefly in olive oil and lemon juice for extra flavor. - Blanch or Steam Broccoli Just Right:
Overcooked broccoli can become mushy and dull. Blanch it in boiling salted water for 2–3 minutes, or steam it until bright green and crisp-tender. If you’re cooking pasta and broccoli together, add the broccoli in the last few minutes of the pasta’s boiling time. - Reserve Pasta Water:
Before draining the pasta, save about 1 cup of the starchy water. This liquid is gold—it helps thin out the sauce and binds it to the pasta beautifully without adding cream or butter. - Make it Saucy Your Way:
- Light option: Toss everything with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and grated Parmesan.
- Creamy option: Add a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese to create a rich, comforting sauce.
- Cheesy option: Stir in shredded mozzarella, cheddar, or a mix of Italian cheeses for melty goodness.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente:
Undercook the pasta slightly so it finishes cooking in the sauce. This prevents it from getting soggy and helps the flavors meld better. - Add Flavor Boosters:
Enhance your pasta with extras like:
- Red pepper flakes for heat
- Lemon zest for brightness
- Fresh basil or parsley for a herby kick
- Toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs for crunch
Serving Tricks and Presentation Ideas
- Serve in a Warm Bowl:
Warm plates or bowls help keep the pasta hot longer, especially for creamy versions that cool quickly. - Garnish for Visual Appeal:
Top with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, cracked pepper, or a drizzle of olive oil. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can add color and freshness. - Pair it with a Side:
Serve with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted veggies like carrots or asparagus for a balanced meal. - Make it a One-Pot Meal:
Cook the chicken in a large skillet, then add pasta, broccoli, and sauce. This reduces cleanup and helps the ingredients absorb more flavor from each other. - Customize for Dietary Needs:
- Low-carb: Use zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta.
- Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free pasta and thicken sauces with cornstarch instead of flour.
- Dairy-free: Substitute cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the Chicken and Broccoli Pasta warm, topped with extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of black pepper or red chili flakes for a touch of heat. Pair it with:
- A side salad with lemon vinaigrette or Caesar dressing
- Garlic bread or crusty rolls
- A glass of white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio
Tips and Variations:
- Pasta Type: You can use any pasta you have on hand — penne, fusilli, bow-tie, or spaghetti all work well.
- Lighter Option: Replace the cream sauce with a garlic olive oil base, or use low-fat milk and reduced cheese for a lighter dish.
- Add-Ins: Mushrooms, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or spinach can be added for extra veggies.
- Protein Variations: Substitute chicken with shrimp, turkey, tofu, or even rotisserie chicken for a quick fix.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce.
- Cheese Choices: For a different flavor, try sharp white cheddar, Gruyère, or fontina in place of mozzarella.
Storage and Reheating:
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce, or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as cream-based sauces may separate when thawed.
Conclusion:
This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a satisfying, simple, and comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. With its creamy texture, tender chicken, and vibrant broccoli, it delivers a well-balanced meal in every bi
te. It's also versatile, allowing you to mix and match ingredients based on what’s in your fridge or pantry.
Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is not just easy to prepare—it’s a delicious, nutritious, and endlessly adaptable dish.
With a few expert tips and thoughtful serving touches, you can transform this everyday meal into a family favorite or a crowd-pleasing dinner. Whether you're in the mood for light and lemony or rich and cheesy, this dish can do it all. Happy cooking!
Whether you're feeding your family, meal prepping, or looking for a reliable pasta dish that pleases everyone, this recipe is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.
Pin this recipe to share with your friends and followers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works just as well as fresh in Chicken and Broccoli Pasta. To avoid overcooking, add the frozen broccoli directly to the boiling pasta water during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking. It will thaw and cook just enough to stay tender-crisp.
What kind of pasta works best for this dish?
Short pasta types like penne, rotini, fusilli, or farfalle work great because they hold the sauce well and mix easily with chicken and broccoli. However, you can also use spaghetti or fettuccine if you prefer long noodles. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta options also work fine depending on dietary preferences.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, Chicken and Broccoli Pasta can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store in an airtight container.
To reheat, add a splash of water, milk, or broth before microwaving or reheating on the stovetop to prevent dryness. For the best texture, avoid freezing, as the broccoli may become mushy.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To lighten the dish, use whole wheat pasta and lean chicken breast. Swap heavy cream or full-fat cheese for a lighter sauce made with low-fat milk, Greek yogurt, or a blend of Parmesan and broth.
You can also increase the broccoli or add other veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra nutrients and fiber.
