A rich, comforting, and family-favorite pasta dish that comes together in just 30 minutes
This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is one of those dependable recipes you’ll come back to again and again. Tender seasoned chicken, vibrant green broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta are coated in a silky Parmesan cream sauce that feels indulgent yet balanced. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights but satisfying enough to serve to guests.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish delivers cozy comfort in every bite.
🕒 Servings & Timing
Servings: 3–4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: ~30 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
- 250 g pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder (or 3 cloves garlic, minced)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp dried Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Season chicken with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
Add chicken to the pan and cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and fully cooked.
Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Cook the Broccoli
In the same skillet, add broccoli florets with a small splash of water.
Cover and cook for 2–3 minutes until tender but still bright green.
Remove lid and let excess moisture evaporate.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce
Lower heat to medium-low.
Add heavy cream, milk, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and chili flakes (if using).
Stir gently until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
5. Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet.
Toss gently to coat everything in the sauce.
Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to loosen the sauce and make it extra silky.
6. Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Serve hot with extra Parmesan cheese on top.
🔥 Tips for Best Results
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness
- Don’t overcook broccoli — it should stay vibrant and slightly crisp
- Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for deeper flavor
- Fresh garlic gives a stronger aroma than garlic powder
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream
🥗 Serving Ideas
- With garlic bread or breadsticks
- Alongside a crisp green salad
- Finish with fresh lemon zest for brightness
- Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil for freshness
🧊 Storage
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days
- Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream
- Not ideal for freezing due to the cream sauce
🍝 Conclusion
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is the perfect balance of comfort and simplicity. Rich without being heavy, flavorful without being complicated, and ready in just half an hour — it’s the kind of recipe that earns a permanent place in your weekly rotation.
