Chicken & Broccoli Pasta – Creamy, Comforting, and Easy!

When you need a quick, delicious, and family-friendly dinner, Chicken & Broccoli Pasta is always a winner. Tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in a creamy, flavorful sauce that feels both comforting and fresh. It’s a balanced one-pot meal that’s incredibly satisfying and easy enough for busy weeknights.

This dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor using simple ingredients and minimal prep—an ideal choice for home cooks of any level.

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⭐ Why You’ll Love Chicken & Broccoli Pasta

• ✔ Balanced: protein, veggies, and pasta in one bowl
• ✔ Quick and easy—ready in about 30 minutes
• ✔ Creamy, flavorful, and kid-approved
• ✔ Perfect for meal prep
• ✔ Customizable with different spices, veggies, or cheeses

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🥘 Ingredients

For the Chicken & Pasta

• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes

• Fresh parsley
• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Lemon zest for brightness

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🍳 How to Make Chicken & Broccoli Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta & Broccoli

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
3. Add broccoli to the pot during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
4. Drain pasta and broccoli; set aside.

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Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook chicken for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
4. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

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Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth; stir to combine.
4. Add Parmesan and stir until melted and creamy.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.

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Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Add cooked chicken back into the skillet.
2. Add drained pasta and broccoli.
3. Toss gently until everything is well-coated in the sauce.
4. Let simmer for 1–2 minutes to thicken slightly.

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Step 5: Serve

Plate the creamy chicken and broccoli pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, or lemon zest if you like a bright finish.

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💡 Tips for Success

• Cut broccoli into small, uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
• Don’t overcook broccoli—crisp-tender is best.
• Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce if it thickens.
• Use chicken thighs for extra juicy, tender bites.

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🔄 Easy Variations

Lemon Chicken & Broccoli Pasta

Add the zest and juice of half a lemon to the sauce.

Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli

Increase Parmesan and cream for a richer, Alfredo-style dish.

Spicy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta

Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of Cajun seasoning.

Veggie-Packed

Add mushrooms, spinach, peas, or bell peppers.

Cheesy Twist

Stir in mozzarella or cheddar for gooey creaminess.

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🍽 Serving Ideas

• Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
• A crisp side salad
• Roasted cherry tomatoes
• Lemon wedges on the side

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❄️ Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
• Freezing: Not recommended due to the creamy sauce.

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⭐ Final Thoughts

Chicken & Broccoli Pasta is a simple, creamy, and satisfying dinner that’s easy enough for busy nights but delicious enough for company. With its rich sauce, flavorful chicken, and fresh broccoli, this recipe hits all the marks of a comforting homemade meal.

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