Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe Everyone Will Love

Weeknight dinners just got a delightful chicken and broccoli pasta twist that’ll make you smile.

Crisp florets and tender chicken chunks create a perfect harmony on your plate.

Creamy sauce hugs each pasta strand, delivering comfort in every bite.

Kitchen magic happens when simple ingredients blend seamlessly into something extraordinary.

Nutritious greens and protein combine for a balanced meal anyone can master.

Quick to prepare and satisfying, this dish proves home cooking doesn’t need complicated steps.

Hungry?

This recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero.

Chicken Broccoli Pasta You’ll Crave Again

• Quick Family Feast: Packed with protein and veggies, this chicken and broccoli pasta delivers a nutritious meal that keeps everyone satisfied and happy.
• Minimal Cooking Skills Required: Perfect for home cooks of all levels, the recipe follows simple step-by-step instructions that guarantee delicious results without complicated techniques.
• One-Pot Wonder: Streamline your cooking process by preparing the entire meal in a single pot, reducing cleanup time and making weeknight dinners stress-free and convenient.
• Customizable Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping chicken with other proteins or adding different vegetables to match your family's taste preferences and dietary needs.

What’s in Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

• Penne Pasta: A classic pasta shape that holds sauce well and provides a hearty base for the dish.
• Chicken: Protein-rich meat that adds substance and flavor to the pasta.
• Broccoli Florets: Nutritious green vegetable that brings color, texture, and health benefits to the recipe.

• Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic: Aromatic base that creates a flavorful foundation for the creamy sauce.
• Whole Milk: Provides a rich and smooth texture to the sauce.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a creamy consistency.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor and helps to further thicken and enrich the sauce.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

Cooking Chicken Broccoli Pasta the Easy Way

Step 1: Boil Pasta and Broccoli

Get a large pot and fill it with water. Sprinkle in some salt and bring the water to a rolling boil.

Toss in the penne pasta and cook it until it’s perfectly tender. During the last few minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets right into the same pot.

Once everything is cooked, drain the pasta and broccoli and set them aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Base

Grab a large pot and warm up some olive oil over medium heat.

Drop in the diced onions and let them dance around until they become soft and translucent. Introduce minced garlic, a pinch of salt, and a dash of black pepper.

Let these ingredients mingle and release their wonderful fragrance for about a minute.

Step 3: Create Silky Sauce

Sprinkle flour over the onion and garlic mixture.

Stir continuously to prevent any lumps from forming. Slowly pour in whole milk, whisking gently to create a smooth, creamy base.

Let the sauce simmer and thicken for a few minutes.

Step 4: Melt in Parmesan

Add grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce.

Stir until the cheese melts completely, creating a rich and velvety texture that will make your taste buds sing.

Step 5: Combine All Components

Bring together the cooked pasta, broccoli, and diced chicken into the pot with the creamy sauce.

Gently stir everything to ensure each piece is beautifully coated. Heat the mixture for a couple of minutes to warm everything through.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the pasta to a beautiful serving bowl. For an extra touch of deliciousness, sprinkle some additional Parmesan cheese on top.

Serve piping hot and get ready to enjoy a comforting, flavor-packed meal!

Smart Moves for Chicken Broccoli Pasta

• Ensure pasta reaches al dente texture by testing a piece before draining for ideal chewiness.
• Whisk milk slowly and steadily to prevent lumps, creating a silky, creamy sauce every time.
• Pre-cook chicken separately and season with herbs for extra flavor before adding to the final dish.
• Blanch broccoli briefly to maintain vibrant green color and crisp-tender texture without overcooking.
• Grate Parmesan fresh and add off the heat to preserve its rich, nutty flavor and prevent separation.

Chicken Pasta Options Worth Trying

• Vegetarian Pasta Delight: Replace chicken with roasted tofu or tempeh, adding a protein-packed plant-based alternative that complements the creamy sauce and broccoli.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Pasta: Swap regular pasta with whole wheat penne, add oregano and basil, use Greek yogurt instead of milk for a tangy Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Gluten-Free Creamy Comfort: Use gluten-free pasta, replace wheat flour with cornstarch for thickening, and choose gluten-free Parmesan cheese to create a celiac-friendly meal that doesn't compromise on flavor.
• Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta: Incorporate Cajun seasoning, add red pepper flakes, use andouille sausage alongside chicken for a zesty, bold Southern-style pasta that brings heat and excitement to the classic recipe.

Chicken Broccoli Pasta Partners Well With…

Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy pasta sauce and cut through its richness, enhancing the chicken and broccoli flavors.

Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy pasta, adding brightness and providing a refreshing contrast to the creamy dish.

Serve warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce, adding an extra layer of garlicky goodness that perfectly matches the pasta’s flavor profile.

Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top to introduce a vibrant, aromatic element that lifts the entire dish and adds a pop of color and freshness.

Make-Ahead Tips for Chicken Broccoli Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the pasta completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to ensure even warming.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk or water to restore moisture and prevent dryness. Stir gently until heated thoroughly.
• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.

FAQs

• Is this pasta dish healthy?

Yes, it’s nutritious. The recipe combines lean protein from chicken, fiber-rich broccoli, and whole grain pasta for a balanced meal.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne works great, but you can substitute with other short pasta shapes like fusilli, rotini, or shells that hold sauce well.

• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply replace regular flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

• Do I need any special cooking skills to make this?

Not at all. This recipe is beginner-friendly with straightforward steps and basic cooking techniques like sautéing, boiling, and stirring.

Chicken And Broccoli Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken and broccoli pasta blends hearty protein with crisp green vegetables in a comforting Italian-inspired dish. Garlic, parmesan, and a silky sauce elevate this simple weeknight meal into a restaurant-quality experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta
• 2 cups (300 grams) broccoli

Sauce Components:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) whole milk
• 1 cup (100 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (16 grams) all-purpose flour

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 small onion
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Water for boiling
• Salt for pasta water

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot of salted water and bring to a rolling boil at high heat. Add penne pasta and cook according to package timing until reaching al dente texture.
2. During the final 5 minutes of pasta cooking, introduce broccoli florets directly into the boiling water, allowing them to cook simultaneously.
3. Drain pasta and broccoli in a colander, then set aside while maintaining warmth.
4. Heat olive oil in a separate large pot over medium temperature, creating a gentle sizzling environment.
5. Sauté diced onions for 2-3 minutes until translucent and softened, releasing their aromatic qualities.
6. Introduce minced garlic, salt, and black pepper, stirring for approximately one minute to activate their robust flavors.
7. Dust flour evenly across the onion-garlic mixture, continuously stirring to prevent clumping and create a smooth roux.
8. Gradually incorporate whole milk, whisking consistently to develop a velvety, lump-free sauce.
9. Simmer sauce for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken and develop a rich, creamy consistency.
10. Integrate grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until completely melted and creating a silky sauce.
11. Fold cooked pasta, broccoli, and diced chicken into the sauce, ensuring thorough coating and uniform heating for 2-3 minutes.
12. Transfer the completed dish to a serving bowl, optionally garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese.
13. Serve immediately while maintaining optimal temperature and enjoying the harmonious blend of flavors.

Notes

• Perfectly cook pasta by ensuring it’s al dente, with a slight bite, to prevent mushiness when mixed with sauce.
• Chop broccoli into uniform florets for even cooking and better sauce absorption throughout the dish.
• Save some pasta water before draining, which can help adjust sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
• Customize protein by substituting chicken with tofu, shrimp, or plant-based alternatives for dietary flexibility.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 465 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 740 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg