Save this Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta for dinner! 🥦🍗 Tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and pasta are tossed in a rich garlic Parmesan cream sauce. This easy 30-minute recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.
Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Recipe
If you’re looking for an easy dinner that combines protein, vegetables, and pasta in one comforting dish, this Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a great recipe to keep on hand.
Tender pieces of seasoned chicken are combined with broccoli and pasta before everything is coated in a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but satisfying enough to serve when you want something a little more special.
The entire meal can be on the table in around 30 minutes.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 300 g (10 oz) penne or your favorite pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, about 400 g, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or cooking cream
- ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Cook the pasta and broccoli
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the pasta.
Cook according to the package directions until al dente. During the final 2–3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets directly to the pasta water.
Drain everything together, reserving about half a cup of pasta water.
Cook the chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for approximately 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden on the outside and fully cooked through.
Transfer the chicken to a plate.
Sauté the onion and garlic
Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet.
Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant.
Prepare the creamy Parmesan sauce
Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream.
Bring it to a gentle simmer, then gradually stir in the Parmesan.
Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small amount of the reserved pasta water until you reach your preferred consistency.
Combine everything
Return the chicken to the skillet.
Add the cooked pasta and broccoli and gently toss everything together until evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
Allow it to cook for another minute or two so the flavors come together.
Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
Serve
Serve immediately with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan on top.
For a little brightness, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. A pinch of red pepper flakes also works well if you prefer some heat.
Tips for the Best Chicken Broccoli Pasta
Cut the chicken into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
Don’t overcook the broccoli. Adding it during the final few minutes of the pasta cooking time keeps it bright and slightly crisp.
Freshly grated Parmesan is preferable to pre-shredded cheese because it melts more easily and produces a smoother sauce.
Keep the heat relatively low once the cream and Parmesan are added to prevent the sauce from separating.
What to Serve With It
This pasta is filling enough to serve as a complete meal, but you can pair it with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple tomato salad.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Cream sauces naturally thicken after refrigeration. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream and warm the pasta gently over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Final Note
With juicy chicken, broccoli, Parmesan, garlic, and creamy pasta in every bite, this Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta is an easy recipe that can quickly become part of your regular dinner rotation. It uses familiar ingredients, takes about half an hour, and gives you a complete family-friendly meal in one dish.