This Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a creamy, comforting dinner made with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich garlic Parmesan sauce. It’s an easy meal that comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something homemade and satisfying.

The combination of juicy chicken and crisp-tender broccoli gives this pasta plenty of texture, while the creamy Parmesan sauce brings everything together. Fresh garlic adds savory flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.

It’s also easy to customize. Add extra broccoli for more vegetables, swap the chicken for shrimp, or use your favorite pasta shape. You can even add a little red pepper flakes for heat.

If you love easy pasta dinners, also try Chicken Alfredo Pasta , Marry Me Shrimp Pasta,  Pasta Primavera Recipes,  Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, and Feta Tomato Pasta.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in about 30 minutes
• Creamy and comforting
• Packed with tender chicken and broccoli
• Easy family dinner
• Uses simple ingredients
• Great for busy weeknights
• Easy to customize
• Perfect for leftovers
• Restaurant-style flavor at home

Ingredients

Pasta

• 12 ounces penne pasta
• Salt, for boiling water

Chicken

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Broccoli

• 3 cups fresh broccoli florets

Creamy Parmesan Sauce

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup reserved pasta water
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste

Garnish

• Fresh parsley
• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Red pepper flakes, optional

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Chicken

Chicken breasts work well, but boneless chicken thighs can be used for a juicier result.

Broccoli

Fresh broccoli gives the best texture, but frozen broccoli can also be used. Thaw and drain it first.

Pasta

Penne is ideal for this creamy sauce, but rotini, bow ties, fettuccine, spaghetti, or rigatoni are also good choices.

Heavy Cream

Heavy cream creates a rich sauce. Half-and-half can be substituted for a lighter version.

Parmesan

Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese and gives the sauce better flavor.

Pasta Water

Reserve some pasta water before draining. The starch helps loosen the sauce and helps it cling to the pasta.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large pot
• Large skillet
• Colander
• Tongs
• Wooden spoon
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Cheese grater
• Measuring cups and spoons

How to Make Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Cook the penne according to the package directions until al dente.

During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the same pot.

Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water.

Drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.

Season with:

• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Toss until the chicken is evenly coated.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer.

Cook for about 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.

Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Garlic

Reduce the heat to medium-low.

Add the butter to the same skillet.

Once melted, add the minced garlic.

Cook for about 30–60 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.

Don’t let the garlic burn.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour the heavy cream into the skillet.

Add Italian seasoning and black pepper.

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes.

Step 6: Add the Parmesan

Reduce the heat to low.

Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and smooth.

Add a little reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.

Step 7: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.

Add the pasta and broccoli.

Gently toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the creamy Parmesan sauce.

Taste and adjust the seasoning.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the heat.

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

Add red pepper flakes if you want a little heat.

Serve immediately while the sauce is warm and creamy.

Expert Tips

Don’t overcook the broccoli. Cooking it only during the last couple of minutes keeps it tender but slightly crisp.

Cut the chicken evenly. Similar-sized pieces cook at the same rate.

Brown the chicken well. A golden crust adds extra flavor to the finished pasta.

Use freshly grated Parmesan. It melts more smoothly and creates a better sauce.

Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer. High heat can cause the cream sauce to separate.

Save the pasta water. The starchy water helps create a silky sauce and prevents it from becoming too thick.

Serve immediately. Creamy pasta is at its best while it’s hot.

Recipe Variations

Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta

Add extra Parmesan and a little more heavy cream for an Alfredo-style sauce.

Chicken Broccoli Garlic Pasta

Increase the fresh garlic to 5–6 cloves for a stronger garlic flavor.

Spicy Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

Chicken Broccoli Mushroom Pasta

Sauté sliced mushrooms with the chicken for an earthy flavor.

Chicken Broccoli Spinach Pasta

Stir in fresh baby spinach during the final few minutes until wilted.

Lemon Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Add fresh lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.

Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

Transfer the finished pasta to a baking dish, top with mozzarella and Parmesan, then bake until golden and bubbly.

What to Serve With Chicken Broccoli Pasta

This creamy pasta pairs perfectly with:

• Garlic bread
• Caesar salad
• Green salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Garlic breadsticks
• Steamed asparagus
• Dinner rolls
• Lemon wedges

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover chicken broccoli pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

The sauce will thicken as it cools.

To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over low heat and add a splash of milk, cream, or water.

Stir gently until warmed through and creamy again.

Individual portions can also be reheated in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval.

For the best texture, freezing is not recommended because the cream sauce may separate after thawing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the broccoli.
• Cutting chicken pieces unevenly.
• Burning the garlic.
• Boiling the cream sauce too aggressively.
• Adding Parmesan over high heat.
• Forgetting to reserve pasta water.
• Overcooking the pasta.
• Adding too much salt before tasting the sauce.
• Leaving the finished pasta on the heat too long.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

This Chicken Broccoli Pasta is an easy, creamy, and satisfying dinner that brings together tender chicken, fresh broccoli, pasta, garlic, and Parmesan in one comforting meal. With just 30 minutes of cooking time, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.

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