Savory Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta — The Ultimate Comfort Food Classic

There’s something magical about the union of creamy pasta, tender chicken, and vibrant green broccoli. This Savory Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta isn’t just a weeknight dinner—it’s a bowl of pure comfort. Whether you’re serving a family, cooking for guests, or meal-prepping for yourself, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and nourishment.

In this detailed guide, you’ll learn not only how to make this dish step-by-step, but also discover helpful tips to customize it to your taste or dietary needs. You’ll also get nutrition information, variations, and cooking tricks from a home chef’s perspective.

 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy and satisfying without being overly heavy

• Family-friendly: a hit with kids and adults alike

• A one-pan sauce with simple ingredients

• Ready in 30 minutes—perfect for busy nights

• Easy to modify: vegetarian, low-carb, or low-fat options available

This dish can be your weeknight hero or an elegant pasta for a cozy dinner with friends. The best part? It’s made with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

 Ingredients (Serves 4–5)

Let’s break down the core components for this rich, comforting meal:

Protein & Veggies

• 2 chicken breasts, diced (or ~3 cups cooked chicken such as rotisserie)

• 2 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or unsalted butter)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Pasta & Creamy Sauce

• 300 g (10 oz) penne, fettuccine, or your favorite pasta

• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter texture)

• ½ cup chicken broth (or reserved pasta water for added starch)

• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese, freshly grated for best meltability

• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (dried oregano, basil, thyme)

• Pinch of chili flakes (optional, for subtle heat)

Optional Additions

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice, for a fresh zing at the end

• Extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper, for garnish

 Time & Yield

 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these clear steps to make your creamy chicken and broccoli pasta foolproof:

1. Boil Pasta and Blanch Broccoli

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.

• Add your pasta of choice (penne, fettuccine, or rotini work well).

• Cook pasta until al dente, following package instructions (usually 9–12 minutes).

• During the last 2–3 minutes of boiling, toss in the broccoli florets to blanch them.

• Drain everything together, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water if you’re not using chicken broth.

Pro tip: Blanching the broccoli with the pasta saves time and dishes.

2. Cook the Chicken

• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Season diced chicken with salt and pepper.

• Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through.

• Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Optional: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or garlic powder for extra flavor while sautéing the chicken.

3. Prepare the Creamy Sauce

• In the same skillet, add a touch more oil or butter if needed.

• Sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds, just until fragrant (do not brown).

• Add the chicken broth and heavy cream to the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

• Stir in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and chili flakes (if using).

• Simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce slightly thickens.

Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-packaged shredded cheese.

4. Combine and Toss

• Return the cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet.

• Toss everything together to coat well in the sauce.

• Simmer for another 1–2 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.

• Add a splash of reserved pasta water or extra cream if needed for a looser sauce.

• Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and lemon juice if desired.

5. Serve and Garnish

• Plate immediately and sprinkle with extra Parmesan and freshly ground black pepper.

• Optional: Top with fresh parsley, lemon zest, or even a drizzle of truffle oil for a gourmet finish.

• Serve with crusty garlic bread or a green salad for a complete meal.

 Expert Tips & Variations

 Lighten It Up:

• Substitute half-and-half or milk for the cream.

• Mix 1 cup milk with 1 teaspoon cornstarch to thicken without the fat.

 More Cheese Please:

• Add mozzarella for stretchiness or cream cheese for extra richness.

 More Veggies:

• Sauté spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini with the garlic before adding liquids.

 Make It Saucy:

• Use reserved pasta water instead of broth to adjust sauce consistency while adding natural starch.

 Brighten It:

• Finish with lemon zest and juice to cut through the richness.

 Protein Variations:

• Use grilled shrimp, bacon bits, or rotisserie chicken to save time.

 Gluten-Free?

• Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your chicken broth is GF-friendly.

 Make-Ahead & Storage

• Let leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.

• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.

Freezing is possible, but the texture of the cream sauce may change.

 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

Nutrition will vary based on portion sizes, specific brands, and ingredients.

 FAQs About Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes! No need to thaw—just add it to the boiling pasta during the last few minutes.

What pasta works best?

Penne, rotini, farfalle, or fettuccine all pair beautifully with creamy sauces.

Is this meal kid-friendly?

Absolutely. The creamy texture and mild flavors are usually a big hit with kids. Leave out chili flakes for a gentler taste.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes. Rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken is perfect. Just cut it into pieces and warm it in the sauce.

 Final Thoughts

This Savory Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta recipe is the ultimate definition of comfort food—warm, hearty, and nourishing. With only one pot for the sauce and one for the pasta, it’s also manageable on busy evenings. Whether you’re cooking for the family, hosting a dinner, or simply treating yourself, this dish brings elegance and ease to the table.

Looking for a dish that satisfies your craving for something creamy, cheesy, and wholesome all at once? You just found it.