This quick and delicious Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe combines tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and al dente pasta in a creamy garlic sauce that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this versatile dish delivers protein, vitamins, and satisfying flavor in every bite. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll have a complete meal that’s both healthy and comforting.
Dinner Made Easy for Busy Families
This creamy chicken and broccoli pasta is a go-to option for moms juggling family life and weeknight chaos. If you’re looking for more time-saving meal ideas, check out our crispy chicken bacon ranch wrap or browse budget meal ideas for large families that stretch your groceries without sacrificing taste. For pantry-stocking tips, don’t miss these Amazon pantry meal ideas for busy families to make weeknight dinners even easier.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses everyday ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. All measurements are provided in both metric and imperial units for your convenience.
For the Pasta
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (penne, fusilli, or spirals work best)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb/450g), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups (180g) broccoli florets, cut small
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Sauce
- 1½ cups (350ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240ml) half-and-half (or heavy cream for richer sauce)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (75g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter
Substitutions
Dietary Alternatives
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and replace all-purpose flour with cornstarch (1 tablespoon)
- Dairy-Free: Substitute half-and-half with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan
- Lower Calorie: Use milk instead of half-and-half and reduce cheese to ½ cup
Ingredient Swaps
- Protein: Substitute chicken with turkey, shrimp, or white beans for vegetarian option
- Vegetables: Replace broccoli with cauliflower, asparagus, or peas
- Cheese: Try Asiago, Romano, or a combination instead of Parmesan
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious chicken and broccoli pasta that’s perfectly cooked every time.
- Prepare the chicken: Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 2 minutes less than package instructions (it will finish cooking in the sauce). During the last 4 minutes, add the broccoli florets to the same pot. Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet used for chicken, add butter and garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle flour over the garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
- Add liquids: Gradually whisk in chicken broth, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Add half-and-half and remaining Italian seasoning. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine everything: Reduce heat to low and gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Add cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency. Stir in lemon juice if using.
- Finish and serve: Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.
Pro Tip: For perfectly cooked broccoli that’s tender-crisp, add it to the pasta water during the last 4 minutes of cooking. This saves time and an extra pot!
One Pot Method (Even Easier!)
If you’re looking to save even more time and dishes, try this simplified one-pot approach:
- Sauté chicken: In a large Dutch oven or deep skillet, cook seasoned chicken pieces in olive oil for 3-4 minutes until nearly done. Remove and set aside.
- Create base: In the same pot, sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, chicken broth, half-and-half, and uncooked pasta.
- Cook pasta: Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add broccoli and chicken: Stir in broccoli florets and return chicken to the pot. Cover and cook for 4-5 more minutes until pasta is al dente and broccoli is tender.
- Finish: Remove from heat, stir in Parmesan cheese and lemon juice if using. Let stand for 2-3 minutes to thicken before serving.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Pasta
Flavor Enhancers
- Garlic variations: Try roasted garlic for sweetness or garlic powder (1 tsp) for convenience
- Cheese choices: Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded (which contains anti-caking agents)
- Herb boost: Add fresh basil or parsley at the end for brightness
- Umami kick: A teaspoon of Dijon mustard or half teaspoon of mustard powder adds depth without tasting “mustardy”
Cooking Techniques
- Prevent dry chicken: Don’t overcook it initially—it will continue cooking in the sauce
- Perfect pasta: Cook it 2 minutes less than package directions for al dente texture
- Sauce consistency: If too thick, add pasta water; if too thin, simmer uncovered for a few minutes
- Even cooking: Cut broccoli florets and chicken into similar-sized pieces
Meal Prep and Storage
Make Ahead
- Prep ingredients up to 2 days ahead: cut chicken and broccoli, store separately in refrigerator
- Make sauce ahead and refrigerate for up to 3 days; reheat gently before combining with pasta
- For meal prep, slightly undercook pasta and broccoli so they don’t become mushy when reheated
Storage Guidelines
- Refrigerate leftovers in airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheat gently on stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to revive the sauce
- Not recommended for freezing as cream sauce may separate and pasta texture will change
Serving Suggestions
Complete your meal with these perfect pairings that complement the flavors of your chicken and broccoli pasta.
Side Dishes
- Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread
- Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted cherry tomatoes
Beverage Pairings
- Crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
- Light-bodied Chardonnay
- Sparkling water with lemon
Dessert Options
- Lemon sorbet
- Fresh berries with whipped cream
- Light tiramisu
Recipe Variations
Customize this versatile dish to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand.
Mediterranean Style
- Add sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and feta cheese
- Use oregano instead of Italian seasoning
- Finish with fresh lemon zest
Lighter Version
- Use milk instead of half-and-half
- Add extra vegetables like spinach or peas
- Use whole wheat or protein pasta
Pesto Twist
- Replace cream sauce with ½ cup pesto
- Add cherry tomatoes and pine nuts
- Use mozzarella pearls instead of Parmesan
Nutrition Information
This chicken and broccoli pasta recipe offers a balanced meal with protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables all in one dish.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving | % Daily Value* |
| Calories | 450 | 23% |
| Total Fat | 18g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Cholesterol | 85mg | 28% |
| Sodium | 650mg | 28% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 42g | 15% |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g | 14% |
| Sugars | 3g | – |
| Protein | 32g | 64% |
| Vitamin A | 750IU | 15% |
| Vitamin C | 65mg | 72% |
| Calcium | 280mg | 28% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Chicken and Broccoli Pasta ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish up to 2 days ahead. For best results, slightly undercook the pasta and broccoli, as they will continue to soften when reheated. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to revive the sauce.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make a lighter version, use whole wheat pasta for more fiber, substitute milk for half-and-half, reduce the amount of cheese, and add extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. You can also use less pasta and more broccoli to increase the vegetable-to-carb ratio.
What’s the best way to prevent the sauce from breaking or becoming grainy?
To prevent a broken sauce, make sure to reduce the heat to low before adding the cheese and stir it in gradually. Also, use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded, as packaged shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture. When reheating, do so gently over low heat.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well in this recipe. Since it’s already blanched, it requires less cooking time. Add it during the last 3 minutes of cooking the pasta instead of 4 minutes. There’s no need to thaw it first—just add it frozen directly to the boiling pasta water.
Ready in 30 Minutes: Perfect for Busy Weeknights
This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe combines convenience, nutrition, and delicious flavor in one satisfying dish. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something homemade but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The combination of tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and creamy garlic sauce creates a meal that both adults and children will enjoy. Try it tonight and add it to your regular rotation of family favorites!
