Juicy chicken, tender broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce all tossed with pasta—this is the ultimate cozy dinner that’s both hearty and comforting!
🥄 Recipe Card
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Dietary Tags: Family-Friendly, Comfort Food
✅ Ingredients
- Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Garlic (minced)
- Onion (chopped)
- Broccoli florets
- Pasta (penne, fusilli, or your favorite)
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Italian seasoning
- Salt & black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
🔪 Instructions
- Cook pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook chicken: Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté in butter + olive oil until golden and cooked through. Slice into strips.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same pan, add onion and garlic; cook until fragrant.
- Add broccoli: Toss in broccoli florets and cook until bright green and slightly tender.
- Make sauce: Stir in chicken broth, then heavy cream. Simmer until slightly thickened. Add Parmesan (and mozzarella, if using) and stir until creamy.
- Combine: Add chicken and pasta into the sauce, tossing well.
- Finish: Adjust seasoning, sprinkle with red pepper flakes (optional), and serve hot.
💡 Quick Notes
- For a lighter option, use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream.
- Reserve a little pasta water to thin the sauce if it gets too thick.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded.
✨ Introduction
This Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta is one of those weeknight meals that feels like comfort food but is still loaded with protein and veggies. The sauce is rich and velvety, the chicken is juicy, and the broccoli adds just the right amount of freshness. Plus, it all comes together in about 30 minutes!
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta until al dente. Don’t forget to salt the water—it adds flavor!
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Cook chicken in butter and oil until golden brown, then slice into strips.
Tip: Let it rest for a couple of minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Sauté onion and garlic, add broccoli, then pour in chicken broth and cream. Stir in cheese until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Toss Everything Together
Add chicken and pasta back into the skillet, coat in the sauce, and serve hot.
🧀 Ingredient Details & Substitutions
- Chicken: Swap with shrimp for a seafood twist, or omit for vegetarian.
- Broccoli: Substitute with spinach, zucchini, or peas.
- Pasta: Use gluten-free or whole-wheat pasta as needed.
- Cheese: Mozzarella = extra creamy, Parmesan = nutty and sharp.
- Cream: Greek yogurt or light cream cheese can lighten things up.
🍴 Variations & Serving Ideas
- Lemon Garlic Version: Add zest of 1 lemon and extra garlic for brightness.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in chili flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Baked Pasta: Transfer to a casserole dish, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with a side salad and garlic bread.
- Serve with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead
- Fridge: Store leftovers up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth.
- Freeze: Freeze pasta + sauce separately up to 2 months.
📊 Nutrition Facts (per serving, approx.)
Calories: 520 | Protein: 35g | Carbs: 42g | Fat: 23g
Allergens: Dairy, gluten (use GF pasta for gluten-free).
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
A: Absolutely! It’s a great shortcut. Just add it in at the sauce stage.
Q: Can I make this without cream?
A: Yes—use milk thickened with a little cornstarch for a lighter sauce.
Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: Yes! Just use a larger pot or skillet. Great for meal prep.
💭 Personal Note
This recipe was born on one of those busy weeknights when I had chicken, broccoli, and pasta in the fridge and not much else. Now, it’s a staple in my house. It’s creamy, filling, and versatile—perfect for when you want comfort in a bowl.
👉 Next time you need a cozy dinner, give this a try and let me know your favorite add-ins!
