A rich, comforting pasta dish made with tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a silky garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for an easy yet satisfying weeknight dinner.
Recipe Card
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Dietary Notes: Contains gluten and dairy
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) rigatoni pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp butter
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add broccoli and chicken broth. Cover and steam for 3–4 minutes until broccoli is tender-crisp.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Add cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley and extra Parmesan.
Additional Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
- Do not overcook broccoli; it should stay bright green and slightly crisp.
- Sauce thickens as it cools.
Brief Introduction
This creamy chicken broccoli pasta is the kind of recipe you make when you want something cozy, filling, and reliable. It comes together in under an hour, uses simple ingredients, and feels indulgent without being complicated. It’s a great option for busy weeknights or when you want a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Cooking the Pasta
Cook the rigatoni in well-salted water so it’s flavorful from the inside out. Al dente pasta holds up better in creamy sauces.
Tip: Reserve pasta water before draining. It helps adjust sauce consistency later.
Cooking the Chicken
Sear the chicken until golden on the outside and fully cooked inside. Browning adds flavor that carries through the entire dish.
Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper browning.
Making the Cream Sauce
The garlic, cream, and Parmesan combine into a smooth, rich sauce. Gentle heat prevents curdling.
Tip: Keep heat low when adding cheese to avoid a grainy texture.
Bringing It All Together
Add pasta and chicken back to the sauce and toss until fully coated. Adjust thickness with pasta water as needed.
Ingredient Details and Substitution Tips
Key Ingredients Explained
- Heavy Cream: Creates a rich, stable sauce that won’t split.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds saltiness and depth. Use freshly grated for best results.
- Broccoli: Balances the richness with freshness and texture.
Substitutions
- Chicken breast → chicken thighs (same amount)
- Heavy cream → half-and-half (sauce will be thinner)
- Parmesan → Pecorino Romano
- Rigatoni → penne or fettuccine
Equipment Alternatives
- No large skillet? Use a wide pot or Dutch oven.
- No cheese grater? Finely chop cheese, though melting may be slower.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
Flavor Variations
- Add ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes for sweetness
- Stir in 1 tsp lemon zest for brightness
- Add mushrooms sautéed with the chicken
Dietary Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta
- Lower Carb: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles
- Vegetarian: Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or tofu
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with garlic bread or a simple green salad
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper
Storage and Make-Ahead Information
Storage
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Reheating
- Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream
- Microwave in short intervals, stirring between each
Make-Ahead Tips
- Chicken can be cooked up to 1 day in advance
- Sauce is best made fresh for optimal texture
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Protein: 38 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fat: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
Allergens: Gluten, dairy
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes. Thaw and pat dry before adding to avoid excess water.
Q: Why is my sauce too thick?
Add reserved pasta water or milk, 1–2 tablespoons at a time.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
Cream sauces do not freeze well. Texture may change after thawing.
Optional Personal Notes
This is one of those recipes that always disappears quickly. It’s reliable, adaptable, and forgiving, which makes it a staple when time is short but expectations are high.
Call-to-Action
Try this creamy chicken broccoli pasta and let me know how it turned out. Share your variations, rate the recipe, or tell me what you paired it with in the comments.
