Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
A Creamy, Comforting One-Pot Meal Packed with Protein, Veggies & Flavor
Looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing pasta dish that combines everything you love in one creamy, comforting bowl? This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is exactly that. It’s rich, flavorful, and satisfying — yet packed with veggies and protein to keep it balanced. The best part? It comes together in under 30 minutes and uses simple, everyday ingredients.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or even meal prep. With tender cooked chicken, al dente pasta, and vibrant green broccoli, all tossed in a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce, it’s the kind of dish that’s guaranteed to become a repeat favorite at your dinner table.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Storage: Fridge- and freezer-friendly
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this chicken and broccoli pasta:
- 1 lb cooked chicken, shredded or diced (grilled, rotisserie, or leftover chicken all work well)
- 12 oz pasta, such as penne or rotini
- 4 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, optional (for a little heat)
- Lemon zest, optional (for a bright finishing touch)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta and Broccoli
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
In the last 3–4 minutes of pasta cooking, add the broccoli florets directly to the pot. This allows the broccoli to cook just until tender while saving you from dirtying another dish.
Drain everything together and set aside.
Tip: If you’re using frozen broccoli, no need to thaw it first — just toss it in as directed.
2. Sauté Garlic and Chicken
In a large deep skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant — careful not to burn it.
Add the shredded or diced cooked chicken to the skillet and season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of spice.
Sauté for 2–3 minutes, letting the flavors combine.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 4–5 minutes, allowing it to slightly thicken.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and you’re left with a smooth, silky sauce.
Want it cheesier? Feel free to add an extra ½ cup of shredded mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses.
4. Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta and broccoli into the skillet with the sauce and chicken.
Toss everything together gently until all the ingredients are evenly coated in the creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce.
Let the pasta heat through for another 1–2 minutes, and taste to adjust seasoning. Add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if needed.
5. Serve and Garnish
Serve the pasta warm, garnished with freshly grated lemon zest for a burst of brightness.
You can also top with a bit more Parmesan, a drizzle of olive oil, or chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color.
What to Serve with Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
This creamy pasta dish is hearty enough to serve on its own, but here are a few tasty ideas if you want to round out the meal:
- Garlic bread or breadsticks
- A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
- Roasted cherry tomatoes
- Steamed green beans or asparagus
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Leftovers? Great! This dish stores and reheats like a dream:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Microwave or reheat on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
Freezing Tip: If planning to freeze, slightly undercook the pasta to prevent it from getting mushy when reheated.
Variations & Customizations
This recipe is super flexible. Here’s how you can make it your own:
- Add mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or spinach for more flavor and veggies.
- Make it lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or swap in milk and a little extra Parmesan.
- Use different pasta: Fusilli, farfalle, rigatoni, or gluten-free pasta all work.
- Go dairy-free: Use coconut cream or a plant-based alternative, and skip the cheese or use a vegan version.
- Add crunch: Top with toasted breadcrumbs or crispy onions before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Uses pantry and fridge staples
- One pot = less cleanup
- Creamy, cheesy, and comforting
- Kid-approved and perfect for picky eaters
- Easy to make ahead and reheat for busy nights
Final Thoughts
This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is the ultimate weeknight hero: comforting, quick, and loaded with flavor — all with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding your family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something cozy and delicious, this recipe checks all the boxes.
Make it once, and you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again.
