Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta: A Comforting Weeknight Favorite

There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of creamy pasta, especially when it’s packed with tender chicken and fresh broccoli. Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a dish that combines protein, greens, and carbs in the most satisfying way possible. The creamy sauce binds everything together beautifully, turning a simple meal into a wholesome indulgence. It’s quick to make, family-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty but not heavy. I once tried making this recipe with almond milk instead of cream, and it turned out surprisingly light yet still rich and delicious. Whether served on its own or with a slice of garlic bread, this pasta always delivers that comforting homemade taste we all crave.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is the definition of cozy, easy cooking. It’s creamy without being overly heavy, balanced with the freshness of broccoli and the savory flavor of seasoned chicken. You’ll love that it takes minimal effort yet feels restaurant-quality. Perfect for feeding the whole family or prepping ahead for a satisfying lunch, this pasta proves that simple ingredients can create something truly special.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken breast – Lean and tender, chicken breast absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully. You can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor.

Broccoli florets – These add freshness, crunch, and a pop of color, balancing the richness of the sauce.

Pasta – Penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni work best for this dish as they hold the sauce well.

Heavy cream – Creates that luxurious, velvety texture. You can substitute with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version.

Parmesan cheese – Adds nutty depth and helps thicken the sauce. Freshly grated cheese works best for flavor and texture.

Garlic – A staple for adding aroma and savory warmth to the dish.

Butter and olive oil – Used together to sauté the chicken and garlic, adding flavor while preventing burning.

Salt and pepper – Simple seasonings that enhance every component.

Chicken broth – Deepens the flavor of the sauce and ties the ingredients together.

Lemon juice – Adds a bright, zesty note that cuts through the richness.

Directions

1. Cook the pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large pan, heat butter and olive oil, then add the chicken seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook until golden and fully cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, sauté garlic until fragrant, then pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well and let it simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2–3 minutes until tender-crisp.
6. Toss the cooked pasta and chicken back into the pan, mixing well to coat everything evenly with sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed for consistency.
7. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice, then serve warm with extra Parmesan on top.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people generously.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and warm over low heat. Avoid high heat to prevent the sauce from separating. This dish doesn’t freeze well due to the cream, but it tastes just as good the next day.

Variations and Customizations

Light and Healthy Version

Use milk instead of cream and whole-wheat pasta for a lighter, fiber-rich meal.

Cheesy Garlic Chicken Pasta

Add mozzarella or cheddar for an extra-cheesy and indulgent twist.

Lemon Butter Chicken Pasta

Skip the cream and create a light lemon-butter sauce with garlic and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

Spicy Kick

Add chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for a bold, spicy flavor.

Vegetarian Option

Omit the chicken and use mushrooms or tofu as a substitute for a satisfying meat-free dish.

Creamy Alfredo-Style

Use more Parmesan and a thicker cream base for a full Alfredo effect.

Pesto Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Mix in a spoonful of basil pesto for a fresh, herby variation.

Gluten-Free Version

Use gluten-free pasta and ensure the broth is gluten-free as well.

Bacon and Chicken Pasta

Add crispy bacon bits for smoky flavor and crunch.

Mediterranean Twist

Include sun-dried tomatoes and olives for a tangy, vibrant flavor combination.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, frozen broccoli works perfectly — just thaw and drain before adding.

2. What kind of pasta works best?

Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine hold the sauce well, but you can use any pasta you prefer.

3. How do I keep the sauce from curdling?

Avoid boiling the cream sauce; let it simmer gently and stir frequently.

4. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use coconut milk or almond milk with nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

5. Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini make great additions.

6. What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Half-and-half, milk with a little butter, or evaporated milk all work well.

7. How can I make it more flavorful?

Add Italian seasoning, a splash of white wine, or extra garlic for more depth.

8. Can I meal prep this?

Yes, it reheats well for up to three days — perfect for work lunches.

9. Can I bake this pasta?

You can! Top with cheese and bake until bubbly for a baked pasta version.

10. What side dish goes well with this?

Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables complement it beautifully.

Conclusion

Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a wholesome, satisfying dish that brings together comfort and nutrition in one bowl. It’s creamy, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable to your taste. Whether you’re making it for a quick dinner or a special family meal, its simple elegance always wins hearts. The balance of tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and velvety sauce makes it a timeless favorite — one you’ll turn to again and again whenever you crave an easy, delicious pasta night.

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