Easy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta: A Creamy, Comforting Weeknight Dinner
This Easy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave something comforting yet nutritious. The creamy garlic parmesan sauce coats tender chicken and crisp-tender broccoli beautifully, creating a balanced meal that satisfies both kids and adults alike. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for those evenings when time is tight but flavor is non-negotiable.
The magic of this chicken and broccoli pasta recipe lies in its versatility. Whether you’re using leftover rotisserie chicken or fresh chicken breasts, the results are consistently delicious. The broccoli adds a vibrant green color and pleasant crunch, while the garlic-infused sauce brings everything together in perfect harmony. This dish is a fantastic way to incorporate vegetables into a family-friendly meal without compromising on taste or satisfaction.
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: A perfect balance of savory garlic, rich parmesan, and fresh broccoli with tender chicken. The sauce is creamy without being heavy, with just the right amount of seasoning.
- Texture: Al dente pasta, juicy chicken pieces, and crisp-tender broccoli create a delightful contrast in every bite. The sauce clings perfectly to all components.
- Aroma: The scent of sautéed garlic and shallots fills your kitchen, followed by the comforting aroma of simmering cream and parmesan cheese.
- Visual Appeal: Vibrant green broccoli florets peek through the creamy sauce, with golden chicken pieces and perfectly cooked pasta creating an inviting presentation.
- Skill Level Needed: Perfect for beginners – simple techniques like boiling pasta and sautéing chicken are all that’s required.
- Special Equipment: Just basic kitchen tools – a large pot, skillet, and stirring utensils are all you need.
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: This easy chicken pasta recipe is rated as beginner-friendly. The steps are straightforward, and the cooking techniques are basic, making it accessible even for novice cooks.
- Category: This dish falls into multiple categories – quick dinners, family meals, pasta dishes, and chicken recipes. It’s versatile enough for both casual weeknights and informal gatherings.
- Cuisine: While not strictly traditional to any one cuisine, this recipe draws inspiration from Italian-American cooking with its creamy parmesan sauce and pasta base, combined with modern convenience cooking.
- Cost: Budget-friendly at approximately $2.50 per serving. Using pantry staples and affordable proteins keeps costs down while delivering restaurant-quality flavor.
- Season: Perfect year-round, though particularly comforting in cooler months. The fresh broccoli makes it feel appropriate for spring as well.
- Occasion: Ideal for busy weeknights, casual family dinners, or meal prep for lunches. Also works well for potlucks when doubled or tripled.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The taste and texture of this chicken and broccoli pasta are what dreams are made of. Each forkful delivers the perfect combination of creamy, savory, and fresh flavors. The garlic parmesan sauce is rich without being overly heavy, coating every piece of pasta, chicken, and broccoli evenly. The slight crunch of the broccoli provides a pleasant contrast to the tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, creating a symphony of textures in every bite.
From a convenience standpoint, this recipe is a weeknight warrior. With just 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking time, you can have a complete, balanced meal on the table faster than you could get takeout. The ingredients are simple and often already in your pantry or fridge, and the cooking process is straightforward with minimal cleanup required.
Nutritionally, this dish offers a great balance of protein from the chicken, vitamins from the broccoli, and energy from the pasta. By controlling the sauce ingredients at home, you avoid the excessive sodium and preservatives often found in restaurant versions. The broccoli adds fiber and important nutrients like vitamin C and K, making this comfort food with benefits.
For entertaining, this easy pasta dish is surprisingly impressive. The vibrant colors and appealing presentation make it suitable for casual dinner parties, and it’s easy to scale up for larger groups. It’s universally appealing – kids love the creamy pasta, adults appreciate the balanced flavors, and everyone enjoys the comforting satisfaction it provides.
Cost-effectiveness is another major advantage. Using affordable ingredients like chicken breasts, broccoli, and basic pantry staples keeps the price per serving low while delivering restaurant-quality flavor. It’s also a great way to use up leftover chicken or vegetables you might have on hand, reducing food waste.
The Recipe
Easy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Colander
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Grater for parmesan cheese
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or fettuccine work well)
- 2 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 shallot, finely diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta according to package directions, adding broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
- While pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken cubes with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil. Sauté shallot for 2 minutes until softened, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and gradually stir in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained pasta and broccoli. Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and additional parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and add 1 tsp cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to refresh the sauce.
- Vegetarian variation: Omit chicken and use vegetable broth. Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Gluten-free option: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
