Description

Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish, combining tender pieces of chicken, vibrant broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta in a deliciously creamy sauce. This recipe is easy enough for a weeknight dinner but tastes like a gourmet meal you’d order at a restaurant. With just one pot and simple ingredients, you can make a wholesome, satisfying dish that pleases the whole family. It’s a delightful blend of flavors and textures, balancing the savory, juicy chicken with the mild, creamy sauce and the fresh bite of broccoli. Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced chef, this Chicken and Broccoli Pasta recipe will become a staple in your meal rotation.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
2 tbsp olive oil, divided
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
3 cups broccoli florets
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Chicken: In the same pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
Steam the Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the same pot and sauté for about 2 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
Cook the Garlic: Reduce heat to medium, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, and cook the minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Let the mixture simmer for about 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and broccoli back into the pot. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until everything is well coated. Season with additional salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm, with extra Parmesan cheese on top.

Prep Time: 10mins
Cook Time: 20mins