Chicken and Broccoli Pasta: Creamy Comfort Food

This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe creates tender chicken and broccoli florets tossed in a creamy Parmesan sauce, cooked to perfection on the stovetop. Perfect for a quick dinner or family meal, this dish brings hearty, satisfying flavors to your table. I made this for a busy weeknight, and the creamy, veggie-packed pasta was a hit with everyone! Ready in about 30 minutes, this recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal with easy steps.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe

This pasta is simple to make with a rich, creamy sauce that’s full of flavor. The chicken and broccoli pair perfectly for a balanced, nutritious meal. It’s versatile, letting you adjust the sauce thickness or add different veggies to your taste. I love how it’s a quick, comforting dish for any night. Find more pasta recipes at Fast Zest Recipes.

Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Sophia

Tender chicken and broccoli in a creamy Parmesan sauce.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 460 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt

For the Chicken and Broccoli:

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

For Garnish (Optional):

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

 

• Boil penne in salted water until al dente (8-10 minutes); drain and toss with 1 tbsp olive oil.
• Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder; cook 5-6 minutes until 165°F; remove. Steam broccoli with 2 tbsp water for 3-4 minutes; remove.
• Melt butter in skillet; sauté garlic 1-2 minutes. Whisk in broth, cream, Parmesan, salt, and pepper; simmer 3-4 minutes until thick. Stir in lemon juice.
• Add pasta, chicken, and broccoli; toss to coat. Garnish with parsley and Parmesan. Serve hot.

Notes

Nutrition (per serving):

• Calories: 460 kcal
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 4g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g Source: USDA Food Database (2025). Values are approximate.

Health Benefits of Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Chicken provides lean protein for muscle health and energy. Broccoli offers vitamin C and fiber for immune and digestive support. Using low-sodium broth keeps the dish heart-friendly in moderation. Adding extra veggies like spinach boosts nutrition for a balanced meal. Learn more about pasta recipes at Taste of Home.

Ingredients for Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt

For the Chicken and Broccoli:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

For Garnish (Optional):

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

Substitutions: Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber. Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce. Replace chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist. Use gluten-free pasta and broth for a gluten-free option.

Notes: Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushiness. Dice chicken evenly for consistent cooking. Steam broccoli lightly to retain crunch.

How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Cook Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook according to package instructions (about 8-10 minutes) until al dente. Drain, toss with 1 tbsp olive oil, and set aside. This ensures tender, non-sticky pasta.

Cook Chicken and Broccoli

Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder; cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked to 165°F. Remove and set aside. Add broccoli to the skillet and steam with 2 tbsp water for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender; remove and set aside. This creates a flavorful, balanced base.

Prepare Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Whisk in broth, cream, Parmesan, salt, and pepper; simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened. Stir in lemon juice. This forms a creamy, savory sauce.

Combine and Serve

Add pasta, chicken, and broccoli to the sauce; toss to coat evenly. Divide into bowls and garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot for the best flavor. This adds a fresh, vibrant touch.

Preparation Tips

• Cook pasta al dente: Boil just until tender to keep texture firm. This prevents mushy pasta. I cooked mine al dente, and it was perfect.
• Dice chicken evenly: Cut into uniform pieces for consistent cooking. This ensures juicy bites. I diced mine evenly, and it was great.
• Steam broccoli lightly: Cook broccoli just until crisp-tender to retain crunch. This keeps it vibrant. I steamed mine lightly, and it was ideal.
• Whisk sauce smoothly: Stir constantly when adding broth to avoid lumps. This creates a creamy texture. I whisked mine, and it was perfect.
• Check chicken doneness: Ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safety. This keeps it tender. I checked mine, and it was spot-on.
• Toss gently: Mix pasta and ingredients carefully to avoid breaking broccoli. This ensures even coating. I tossed mine gently, and it was great.
• Serve hot: Plate immediately for the best warmth and creaminess. This maximizes enjoyment. I served mine hot, and it was delicious.

Variations and Substitutions

• Use rotini: Swap penne for rotini for a different shape. This holds sauce well. I tried rotini, and it was tasty.
• Add mushrooms: Include 1 cup sliced mushrooms for an earthy flavor. This boosts texture. I tried mushrooms, and it was great.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and broth for the dish. This suits gluten-free diets. I tried gluten-free, and it was delicious.
• Use half-and-half: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce. This reduces richness. I tried half-and-half, and it was fine.
• Add spinach: Stir in 1 cup chopped spinach for a green boost. This adds nutrition. I tried spinach, and it was vibrant.
• Use shrimp: Replace chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist. This changes the flavor. I tried shrimp, and it was exciting.
• Add red pepper flakes: Sprinkle 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. This adds heat. I tried flakes, and it was great.

Storage and Meal Prep

Store cooked pasta, chicken, and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth to loosen. Freeze sauce (without pasta or broccoli) for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating with fresh pasta and broccoli. Prep chicken and chop broccoli a day ahead; store separately in the fridge. Cook pasta and assemble fresh for the best texture. Add garnishes just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Here are answers to common questions about this dish.

1. Why is my chicken dry?
   Avoid overcooking; check for 165°F to keep it juicy. I cooked mine to temperature, and it was perfect.
2. Can I make it ahead?
   Prep chicken and broccoli a day ahead; cook pasta fresh for best results. I prepped early, and it was great.
3. Why is my sauce lumpy?
   Whisk broth and cream slowly to blend smoothly. I whisked mine, and it was smooth.
4. Can I use frozen broccoli?
   Thaw and pat dry for the best texture. I used fresh, and it was tasty.
5. Can I make it vegetarian?
   Omit chicken and use mushrooms or tofu instead. I tried vegetarian, and it was delicious.
6. Why is my sauce too thin?
   Simmer longer or add more Parmesan to thicken. I adjusted mine, and it was perfect.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side of garlic bread to soak up the sauce. Pair with a Caesar salad for a balanced meal. Enjoy with a glass of white wine for a comforting touch. I served mine with salad, and it was a perfect match. This dish is great for weeknight dinners, family meals, or casual gatherings.

Nutrition Info for Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Per serving (1/4 of recipe, 4 servings):

• Calories: 460 kcal
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 4g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
  Source: USDA Food Database (2025). Values are approximate.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe is a creamy, comforting delight that’s perfect for any quick meal. Its savory sauce and hearty ingredients make it a go-to favorite. How do you like to customize your pasta dishes? Let us know in the comments!