Chicken And Broccoli Pasta

Alright, let’s talk about this chicken and broccoli pasta—it’s creamy, cozy, and packed with flavor. Tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and pasta all tossed in one dreamy sauce. It’s the kind of dinner that makes you want seconds before you finish your first bite.

I made it one night when I needed something quick and filling. Threw some pasta in a pot, cooked up the chicken, and added broccoli right at the end. A quick cream sauce pulled it all together—and wow, it came out so good.

You’ve got protein, veggies, and carbs all in one bowl. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for busy nights. If you’re craving something warm and easy, this recipe’s a keeper.

Let’s make it—you’ll be glad you did.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Reliable and Kid-Friendly: The creamy, cheesy sauce appeals to young eaters, and adults appreciate its simplicity.
• All-in-One Meal: Chicken provides protein, broccoli offers vitamins and color, and pasta fills you up. It’s a complete meal, so you don’t need extra sides unless you want them.
• Quick for Busy Days: The recipe uses mostly basic ingredients and straightforward steps. You can have dinner on the table in about 35 minutes, with most of that being hands-off cooking time.
• Easy to Customize: If you have cooked chicken on hand—leftovers or rotisserie chicken—the process is even faster. You can adjust the cheese or swap in different vegetables if you wish.
• Minimal Cleanup: Because the pasta and broccoli cook together in one pot, and the sauce is built in the same pan, there’s less washing up.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time:

• Washing and cutting broccoli takes about 5 minutes.
• Shredding or dicing the chicken is quick if already cooked (rotisserie or leftovers are perfect).
• Grating Parmesan cheese (if not pre-shredded) and mincing garlic take just a few minutes.

Cook Time:

• The pasta and broccoli cook in boiling water together for about 8-10 minutes.
• The sauce comes together quickly in the same pot.
• Everything is ready in about 35 minutes, start to finish.

Total Time: 35 minutes (from gathering ingredients to serving the finished dish).

Servings:

• This recipe makes enough for 4 hearty servings. It can be doubled for a larger group or for leftovers.

Difficulty:

• This is a true beginner-friendly meal. If you can boil water, sauté garlic, and stir, you can make this dish. It’s a confidence-builder for anyone learning to cook.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large Pot or Deep Skillet: Big enough to cook pasta and sauce together.
• Colander or Strainer: For draining pasta and broccoli.
• Cutting Board and Knife: To chop broccoli and chicken.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For liquids, cheese, and seasonings.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: For stirring sauce and combining ingredients.
• Grater: For fresh Parmesan and optional lemon zest.
• Tongs or Large Fork: To help mix and serve the finished pasta.

Optional but helpful: a citrus zester for lemon zest and a garlic press for mincing garlic.

Ingredients for Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Below are the exact ingredients you’ll need for this dish. Each has a role, so use the freshest you can find for best results.

• 1 lb cooked chicken (shredded or diced): You can use chicken breasts, thighs, or even leftover rotisserie chicken. The chicken should be cooked before starting the pasta.
• 12 oz penne or rotini pasta: Both shapes hold the sauce well and combine nicely with the chicken and broccoli. Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if you prefer.
• 4 cups broccoli florets: Cut fresh broccoli into small pieces so it cooks quickly and mixes easily into the pasta.
• 2 cups chicken broth: This provides flavor and helps make the sauce.
• 1 cup heavy cream: For a rich, smooth sauce. Half-and-half can be used for a lighter dish.
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds saltiness and depth to the sauce. Grate fresh for best flavor, but pre-grated works too.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to sauté garlic and prevent sticking.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a gentle, savory flavor that works well with the other ingredients.
• Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning all parts of the dish.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who want a bit of gentle heat.
• Lemon zest (optional): Grate a little fresh lemon zest over the finished pasta for a bright, fresh note.

Tip: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Variations for Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

• Swap the Protein: Use leftover turkey or cooked sausage instead of chicken for a different taste.
• Go Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free pasta without changing other steps.
• Add More Vegetables: Frozen peas, chopped mushrooms, or baby spinach work well. Stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Make It Lighter: Substitute whole milk for heavy cream, or use part-skim cheese for less richness.
• Boost the Flavor: Add fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil before serving, or squeeze a little lemon juice over the top.

How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Pasta: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients and kitchen tools. Wash the broccoli under cool water. Pat dry with a towel. Use a sharp knife to cut the broccoli into small florets, making sure the pieces are similar in size so they cook evenly.

If using leftover or rotisserie chicken, shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces. If your chicken is not cooked, you can poach, grill, or sauté it in advance, then let it cool and chop it up.

Grate the Parmesan cheese and zest the lemon (if using). Mince the garlic cloves.

2. Cook the Pasta and Broccoli

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Place the pot over high heat and bring the water to a rolling boil.

Once boiling, add the pasta. Stir to keep the noodles from sticking. Cook according to the package directions, but set a timer for 2 minutes less than the recommended cooking time.

About 2 minutes before the pasta is done, add the broccoli florets to the pot. This will allow the broccoli to become bright green and tender-crisp without overcooking.

Test the pasta and broccoli by tasting a piece. The pasta should be just barely al dente and the broccoli tender but not mushy.

Using a colander, drain both the pasta and broccoli together. Shake gently to remove excess water. Set aside.

3. Start the Sauce

Return the empty pot (or use a large deep skillet) to the stove over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.

Add the minced garlic to the warm oil. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Browning can make garlic taste bitter, so keep an eye on it.

Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth. Let it come to a gentle simmer.

4. Make It Creamy

Reduce the heat to low. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring gently as you add it to the broth. This combination will form the base of the sauce.

Allow the mixture to heat through until small bubbles appear around the edges, but do not let it boil. Boiling cream can separate and lose its smooth texture.

Sprinkle in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, a handful at a time, stirring to melt it into the sauce. Continue to stir until the sauce thickens slightly and is smooth.

Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If you like gentle heat, add a small pinch of red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.

5. Bring It All Together

Add the cooked pasta and broccoli back into the pot with the creamy sauce. Gently stir to coat everything evenly.

Add the shredded or diced chicken and stir again. Let the mixture cook over low heat for 2–3 minutes so the chicken warms through and the flavors blend. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash more chicken broth or a spoonful of reserved pasta water.

If you like, finish the dish by sprinkling a little lemon zest over the top for brightness and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

6. Serve

Use tongs or a large spoon to transfer the Chicken and Broccoli Pasta to plates or shallow bowls. Make sure each serving has plenty of chicken, broccoli, pasta, and sauce.

Serve warm, and enjoy this creamy, comforting meal right away.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

• This dish is best enjoyed hot, straight from the stove.
• For extra flavor, sprinkle each portion with a little extra grated Parmesan or a light dusting of lemon zest.
• You can add a pinch of freshly ground black pepper or a small sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley if you want more color.
• Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce, or a small green salad for contrast.
• If you’re making this for kids, serve the pasta in shallow bowls with plenty of sauce.

Storing Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

• Refrigerator: Place leftovers in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Stir well to keep the sauce smooth.
• Freezing: This dish is best fresh, but you can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. The texture of the sauce may change after freezing, so stir well when reheating and add extra cream if needed.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t Overcook Broccoli: Add broccoli to the pasta pot only for the last 2 minutes of boiling, so it stays bright and doesn’t become mushy.
• Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and tastes richer than the pre-grated kind.
• Reserve Pasta Water: If the sauce gets too thick, add a spoonful of the pasta cooking water to loosen it.
• Taste as You Go: Adjust salt, pepper, and other seasonings to suit your family’s preferences.
• Prep Ahead: You can chop broccoli and grate cheese ahead of time to make cooking even faster.

Nutrition

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Carbohydrates	Fat	Fiber	Sodium
1/4 recipe	580	37g	54g	23g	5g	830mg

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on brands and exact measurements.

Chicken and Broccoli Pasta FAQs

Can I use raw chicken?
Yes, but you must cook it fully first. Cut it into small pieces and sauté in olive oil before starting the recipe.

What other vegetables can I use?
Peas, spinach, or mushrooms work well. Add them with the broccoli or stir in at the end.

Can I use a different pasta shape?
Any short pasta—fusilli, farfalle, or shells—will work.

Is it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.

How do I make it dairy-free?
Use a plant-based cream and cheese alternative, and check the chicken broth ingredients.1 lb cooked chicken, shredded or diced

Conclusion

Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a simple, satisfying dish that brings comfort to the dinner table. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and crisp-tender broccoli make it a favorite for busy nights or whenever you need a cozy meal. With easy steps and helpful tips, even new cooks can succeed with this recipe.