If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and delicious dinner idea, this Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is the perfect recipe! Made in just one pan, it’s a creamy, cheesy, and comforting meal that’s packed with protein and veggies. This dish is great for a busy weeknight dinner, as it comes together in 30 minutes or less with simple ingredients.
Tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta are tossed together in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce—it’s a meal the whole family will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ One-Pan Meal – Everything cooks in one pan for easy cleanup!
✔ Ready in 30 Minutes – A quick, satisfying meal for busy nights.
✔ Creamy & Cheesy – Loaded with Parmesan cheese and a rich, velvety sauce.
✔ Nutritious – Balanced with lean protein and fresh broccoli.
✔ Customizable – Easily adjust the ingredients to fit your taste and dietary needs.
Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
For the Pasta
- Pasta – 12 oz (340g) penne, fettuccine, or bowtie pasta
- Chicken breast – 2 large, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Broccoli florets – 3 cups, cut into small pieces
- Olive oil – 2 tbsp
- Garlic – 4 cloves, minced
- Chicken broth – 2 cups
- Heavy cream – 1 ½ cups (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- Parmesan cheese – 1 cup, grated
- Salt – 1 tsp (or to taste)
- Black pepper – ½ tsp
- Red pepper flakes – ¼ tsp (optional, for spice)
- Butter – 2 tbsp
Optional Add-Ins
- Mushrooms – Sautéed for extra flavor
- Sun-dried tomatoes – Adds a tangy sweetness
- Bacon bits – For a smoky, crispy crunch
How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic & Cook the Pasta
- In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp butter.
- Sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the uncooked pasta and stir to coat. Let it cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Add Broccoli & Chicken
- When the pasta is almost done, add the broccoli florets and cooked chicken back into the pan.
- Stir everything together and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still bright green.
Step 4: Add the Cheese & Finish the Sauce
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or more broth to loosen it.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if needed.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
- Serve hot with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Tips for the Best Chicken & Broccoli Pasta
???? Blanch the Broccoli – If you prefer extra-tender broccoli, blanch it in boiling water for 2 minutes before adding it to the pasta.
???? Choose the Right Pasta – Short pastas like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle work best to hold the creamy sauce.
???? Use Fresh Parmesan – Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and adds richer flavor than pre-shredded cheese.
???? Adjust the Sauce Consistency – If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up.
???? Make it Spicy – Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
(Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient choices.)
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Make Ahead: Cook the pasta and sauce up to 1 day in advance and store separately. Combine and reheat when ready to serve.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a pan with a splash of milk or broth to keep the sauce creamy.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Just thaw and drain the broccoli before adding it to the pasta.
Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and check that your broth and seasonings are gluten-free.
Q: Can I substitute the heavy cream?
Yes! Try half-and-half for a lighter version or coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
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