Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a quick, healthy, and satisfying meal that combines tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and pasta in a savory, creamy sauce. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep. Best of all, it’s made in one pot for easy cleanup!
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How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

ByLily Carter
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Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a quick, healthy, and satisfying one-pot meal. Tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and pasta come together in a savory sauce that’s creamy, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights. The best part? It’s all ready in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s a no-fuss dinner packed with protein, veggies, and hearty pasta
Comes together fast — perfect for weeknights
Easily customizable with your favorite sauce or pasta
One pot means less cleanup after dinner

Ingredients (Full amounts in the recipe card below)

Chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces for a tender, juicy protein base
Broccoli florets — fresh or frozen — add color and crunch
Pasta like penne, rotini, or spaghetti — choose your favorite
Olive oil for cooking the chicken and garlic
Garlic, minced for that savory, aromatic flavor
Chicken broth or cream to create a rich, flavorful sauce
Parmesan cheese for extra creaminess, if desired
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Cook Pasta and Broccoli

Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook pasta according to the package. In the last 3-4 minutes, toss in the broccoli florets. Drain and set aside.

Cook the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and cooked through — about 6-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté garlic for a minute until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth (or cream) and stir, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Combine Everything

Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything until well coated in the sauce. Stir in Parmesan if you like it extra creamy.

Taste and Serve

Adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Want it creamier? Swap chicken broth for half-and-half or heavy cream
Save time with rotisserie chicken — just shred and toss it in
For extra flavor, sprinkle red pepper flakes for a little heat

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

Add veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini
Switch up the protein — turkey, shrimp, or tofu all work
Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit your preferences
Make it cheesy — mozzarella or cheddar adds a nice twist

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve this pasta with garlic bread or a simple green salad on the side. A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water pairs perfectly.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to keep it creamy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely! Just thaw and drain it first.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes! Make it ahead and store it for easy lunches or dinners during the week.

What’s the best pasta for this recipe?
Penne, rotini, or farfalle work great — but spaghetti is just as good if that’s what you have.

How do I make it creamy without heavy cream?
Add a splash of milk or stir in some cream cheese for a lighter creamy texture.

Conclusion

This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is everything you want in a quick weeknight meal — comforting, flavorful, and loaded with protein and veggies. Whether you’re cooking for the family or prepping meals for the week, it’s a recipe that always hits the spot. Enjoy every bite!

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Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a quick, healthy, and satisfying meal that combines tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and pasta in a savory, creamy sauce. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep. Best of all, it’s made in one pot for easy cleanup!

How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

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  • Author: Jake
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American/Italian
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Description

Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a hearty and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and pasta, all tossed in a savory garlic and Parmesan sauce. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and can be customized with your favorite pasta shape and seasonings.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
  • 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed or blanched)
  • 3 cups cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or spaghetti work well)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta and Broccoli:
    1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
    2. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
    3. While the pasta cooks, steam or blanch the broccoli until tender but still vibrant, about 3-4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Cook the Chicken:
    1. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
    2. Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper, then cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Make the Sauce:
    1. In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
    2. Add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, and stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce thickens slightly. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
  4. Combine the Dish:
    1. Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and broccoli to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until well coated and heated through.
    2. If desired, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of spice and garnish with fresh parsley.
  5. Serve:
    1. Serve the Chicken and Broccoli Pasta warm with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

  • You can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for a faster option.
  • Try adding other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
  • For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for low-fat milk or a dairy-free alternative.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
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Life at home is full of love, laughter, and good food. I’m Lily Carter, a mom to two lively girls who keep me on my toes. When I’m not with them, I’m in the kitchen cooking meals that bring us comfort. And it’s not just me—my husband’s the quiet force behind the scenes, making sure everything looks just as good as it tastes.

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