Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
Some dinners just have a way of making everyone happy.
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is one of those recipes for me.
Tender pieces of golden chicken, fresh broccoli, and pasta are tossed together in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce that coats every bite. It’s rich and comforting, but the broccoli adds just enough freshness to keep the dish from feeling too heavy.
I made this one on a weekend when I wanted something comforting that my whole family could enjoy.
I had chicken in the refrigerator, some broccoli that needed to be used, and a box of pasta in the pantry.
It seemed like the perfect excuse to make a creamy pasta dinner.
As the chicken started browning in the skillet, the smell of garlic and butter filled the kitchen. Then I added the broccoli, made the creamy Parmesan sauce, and tossed everything together with the pasta.
My family started hovering around the kitchen before dinner was even ready.
And once the pasta hit the table, there wasn’t much conversation for a few minutes—just forks moving and everyone enjoying that first bite.
That’s always how I know a recipe is a keeper.
I’ve made this for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, and those evenings when I’m craving something warm and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.
It’s simple, creamy, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: About 40 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
Creamy garlic Parmesan sauce
Tender golden chicken
Fresh broccoli
Easy pantry ingredients
Family-friendly
Ready in about 40 minutes
Great for weeknight dinners
Easy to customize
Delicious leftover
Ingredients
For the Pasta
340 g pasta, such as penne, fettuccine, or rotini
3 cups fresh broccoli florets
Salt, for the pasta water
For the Chicken
700 g boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Creamy Sauce
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1½ cups heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Garnishing
Fresh parsley
Extra Parmesan
Freshly cracked black pepper
Lemon wedges, optional
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water.
Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Don’t rinse it.
The starch left on the pasta helps the creamy sauce cling to it.
Step 2: Cook the Broccoli
During the final 2–3 minutes of pasta cooking, add the broccoli florets to the same pot.
Let them cook until they’re bright green and just tender.
Drain the pasta and broccoli together.
If you prefer very crisp broccoli, you can cook it separately instead.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry.
Cut it into bite-sized pieces.
Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Toss well.
Step 4: Brown the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the olive oil and butter.
Once hot, add the seasoned chicken.
Cook for approximately 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Transfer the chicken to a plate.
Step 5: Make the Garlic Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium.
Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet.
Add the minced garlic.
Cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Be careful not to burn it.
Step 6: Add the Cream and Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream.
Use a wooden spoon to scrape up the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Add the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if using.
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Step 7: Add the Parmesan
Reduce the heat to medium-low.
Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan, stirring continuously.
Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
Step 8: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
Add the pasta and broccoli.
Gently toss everything together until the pasta is completely coated in the sauce.
If needed, add more pasta water a little at a time until you reach the consistency you like.
Step 9: Finish and Serve
Taste and adjust the salt and pepper.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
A small squeeze of lemon juice is optional but adds a lovely brightness.
Serve immediately.
My Best Tips for Creamy Pasta
Don’t Overcook the Pasta
Cook it just until al dente.
It will continue cooking slightly when tossed with the hot sauce.
Reserve Pasta Water
This little step makes a big difference.
The starchy water can loosen the sauce while helping it cling beautifully to the pasta.
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan
Fresh Parmesan melts much more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
Don’t Boil the Cream Sauce Too Hard
A gentle simmer is enough.
High heat can cause the sauce to separate.
Brown the Chicken
Don’t simply steam the chicken in the sauce.
A golden crust adds much more flavor to the finished dish.
What Kind of Pasta Works Best?
Almost any pasta works.
Try:
Penne
Fettuccine
Linguine
Rigatoni
Rotini
Bow ties
Shells
Spaghetti
Short pasta shapes are especially good because they hold onto the creamy sauce.
Can I Use Chicken Thighs?
Absolutely.
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are delicious in this recipe and tend to stay especially juicy.
Adjust the cooking time depending on the size of the pieces.
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli?
Yes.
Frozen broccoli is a convenient option.
Add it during the final few minutes of cooking so it doesn’t become too soft.
Can I Make It Without Heavy Cream?
Yes.
You can use half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
The finished sauce will be less rich and slightly thinner.
You can also use whole milk, although you may need a little extra Parmesan or another thickening method.
Delicious Variations
Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta
Add sliced mushrooms after cooking the chicken.
Sauté until golden before making the sauce.
Lemon Chicken Broccoli Pasta
Add lemon zest and fresh lemon juice to the finished sauce.
Spinach Chicken Pasta
Add a few handfuls of fresh spinach during the final couple of minutes.
Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for a sweet, tangy Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
Spicy Chicken Pasta
Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
Bacon Chicken Broccoli Pasta
Add crispy chopped bacon just before serving.
Pesto Chicken Pasta
Stir a few tablespoons of basil pesto into the finished cream sauce.
Can I Add Mozzarella?
Yes.
For an extra-cheesy version, add a small amount of shredded mozzarella along with the Parmesan.
Don’t add too much, or the sauce can become overly thick.
What to Serve With Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
Because this is already a complete meal, you don’t need much on the side.
Try:
Simple green salad
Garlic bread
Roasted vegetables
Tomato cucumber salad
Steamed green beans
Crusty bread
A fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette is one of my favorite pairings because the acidity balances the creamy pasta.
Can I Make This Ahead?
Yes, although creamy pasta is best when freshly made.
If preparing ahead, slightly undercook the pasta.
Store the pasta and sauce in the refrigerator and gently reheat with a splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
How to Reheat
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat.
Add a splash of cream, milk, or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
Stir frequently.
You can also microwave individual portions in short intervals, stirring between each.
Can I Freeze It?
You can, but creamy pasta sauces may change texture slightly after freezing and thawing.
For best results, freeze the chicken and sauce separately from the pasta if possible.
Nutritional Information
Approximate per serving:
Calories: 625
Protein: 43g
Fat: 32g
Total Carbohydrates: 48g
Fibre: 5g
Net Carbohydrates: 43g
Nutrition values are estimates and will vary depending on the pasta, cream, cheese, and serving size.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep the sauce creamy?
Use low to medium heat, freshly grated Parmesan, and a little reserved pasta water.
Avoid aggressively boiling the sauce.
Why did my sauce become too thick?
Add reserved pasta water, chicken broth, milk, or cream a little at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes.
Add cooked chicken toward the end, just long enough to warm it through.
Can I use another vegetable?
Definitely.
Try spinach, peas, asparagus, zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes. Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and verify that the other packaged ingredients are gluten-free if necessary.
Can I make it lighter?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, increase the broccoli, and use a little less Parmesan.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is exactly the kind of dinner I love having in my recipe rotation.
It doesn’t require fancy ingredients or complicated techniques.
Just golden chicken, tender broccoli, perfectly cooked pasta, garlic, cream, and Parmesan.
And somehow, when all of those simple ingredients come together, the result tastes like something much more special.
I especially love making this when I’m tired and want comfort food.
There’s something about a big bowl of creamy pasta at the end of a long day that just makes everything feel a little better.
And if you have kids or picky eaters at home, this is one of those recipes that’s usually an easy win.
The chicken is tender, the broccoli adds color and freshness, and that creamy Parmesan sauce brings everything together.
Serve it straight from the skillet with extra Parmesan on the table.
And if someone asks for seconds, don’t be surprised.
In my house, that’s usually the first sign that dinner was a success. 🍝🥦🧄🧀