Name: Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American/Italian
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking the chicken); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen); 8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti); 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version); 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated (plus more for serving); 1/2 tsp dried basil (or fresh if available); 1/2 tsp dried oregano; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional for brightness); 1 tbsp butter (optional for extra creaminess)

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This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish that combines tender chicken pieces, vibrant broccoli florets, and perfectly cooked pasta all tossed in a rich parmesan cream sauce. It’s a straightforward recipe I love making on busy weeknights when I want something satisfying but easy to prepare.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking the chicken)

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti work great)

1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)

1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated (plus more for serving)

1/2 tsp dried basil (or fresh if you have it)

1/2 tsp dried oregano

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 tbsp lemon juice (optional for brightness)

1 tbsp butter (optional for extra creaminess)

Directions

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Add the broccoli florets into the water during the last 2-3 minutes of pasta cooking. Drain everything together, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water. Set aside.

Cook the Chicken:

While the pasta and broccoli cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 6–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and golden brown. Season with salt, pepper, basil, and oregano. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

Make the Sauce:

In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil or butter if needed. Sauté the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Lower the heat to medium and stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken slightly. Stir in parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to thin it out.

Combine Everything:

Add the cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until well coated. Add more pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Serve:

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or lemon juice for brightness. Serve immediately with extra parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves about 3 to 4 people. Total cooking time is roughly 25–30 minutes, making it a quick weeknight meal.

Variations

Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add extra veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.

Add Spice: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or drizzle with hot sauce for a kick.

Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of parmesan. Swap butter for a dairy-free alternative.

Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheese slightly.

Extra Creamy: Add an extra tablespoon of butter or cream cheese to the sauce.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I add a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce and heat gently on the stove or microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce creamy and smooth.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli in this recipe?

Yes, frozen broccoli works perfectly. Just add it to the pasta water during the last few minutes of cooking as directed.

What pasta shape works best?

I usually use penne, fusilli, or spaghetti. Any pasta that holds sauce well will work fine.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead, but I recommend cooking the pasta and broccoli fresh for the best texture.

How can I make this dish lighter?

Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or use a lighter cream alternative. You can also reduce the amount of cheese.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

It’s best eaten fresh, but you can freeze leftovers. When reheating, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently to avoid breaking the sauce.

Conclusion

This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is one of my go-to meals when I want something delicious, creamy, and balanced with protein and veggies. It’s simple to make, easily customizable, and always hits the spot. Whether I’m cooking for myself or feeding family, this recipe delivers comfort and flavor every time.

Recipe:

Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 3-4 servings
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish combining tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta in a rich parmesan cream sauce. It's quick, easy, and perfect for weeknight meals.

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Add broccoli florets during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Drain pasta and broccoli together, reserving ½ cup pasta water. Set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook 6-7 minutes until cooked through and golden brown. Season with salt, pepper, basil, and oregano. Remove chicken and set aside.
In the same skillet, add more olive oil or butter if needed. Sauté minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Lower heat to medium and stir in heavy cream. Simmer for a few minutes to thicken.
Stir in parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
Add cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly. Add more pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or lemon juice. Serve immediately with extra parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired.