Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a comforting, wholesome dinner that brings simple ingredients together in the most satisfying way. Tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta are coated in a rich, velvety cream sauce that feels indulgent yet balanced. This is the kind of meal that slows the evening down and gathers everyone around the table.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy and beginner-friendly
- Ready in under 40 minutes
- Creamy without being too heavy
- Perfect for family dinners or meal prep
- Customizable with simple ingredient swaps
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 300 g (10 oz) pasta (Penne, Fettuccine, or Fusilli)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins
- A pinch of nutmeg
- Red chili flakes
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Broccoli
Add the broccoli florets to boiling water or steam them for 2–3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
3. Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and black pepper, and cook until golden and fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. Make the Cream Sauce
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring gently. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 3–4 minutes.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using.
5. Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the pasta and broccoli. Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce.
If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
6. Serve
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve warm and enjoy.
Tips for the Best Creamy Pasta
- Don’t overcook the broccoli — it should stay bright and slightly crisp
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture
- Keep the heat low when adding cream to prevent curdling
Variations and Substitutions
- Lighter Version: Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with mushrooms or spinach
- Seafood Version: Swap chicken for shrimp or salmon
- Extra Flavor: Add sun-dried tomatoes or caramelized onions
Storage and Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Reheat gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce