Pasta has a way of making any meal feel like comfort in a bowl. I still remember the first time I made this creamy chicken broccoli pasta, and honestly, I was amazed at how quickly it disappeared from the table. This dish belongs to those one pot pasta recipes that save us on weeknights when energy is low but the craving for something homemade is strong. The sauce clings to every strand of pasta, coating it with rich creaminess while the chicken adds heartiness and the broccoli brings that fresh, green bite we all secretly feel better about eating. Among pasta sauce recipes, this one doesn’t ask for fancy tricks, just simple ingredients working together. When I think about One Pot Pasta Meals, this is the recipe that pops into my head first. It checks all the boxes: quick, satisfying, family-friendly, and, yes, minimal cleanup. If you enjoy recipes pasta lovers keep coming back to, this one’s for you. It sits proudly with my other pasta recipes and easy pasta sauce recipes, ready whenever we need it.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Recipe
3) Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta
4) How to Make Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta
5) Tips for Making Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta
6) Making Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta
8) Try these pasta recipes next!
9) Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This creamy chicken broccoli pasta is made in one pot which makes cooking and cleanup easy.
The recipe combines tender chicken, pasta, and broccoli with a creamy sauce.
It works as a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty weekend meal with family.
Simple pantry staples bring this dish together without stress.

2) Easy Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Recipe

I’ve cooked countless pasta dishes, but one pot pasta recipes always win when I’m short on time. This creamy chicken broccoli pasta doesn’t need juggling multiple pans. Everything goes into one pot and out comes a dish that feels like comfort food on the table. I can’t tell you how many times my kids scraped their plates clean when I served this.

The chicken gives the pasta substance while the broccoli adds a green note that feels balanced. The sauce coats every bite, making it creamy without feeling heavy. Recipes pasta lovers adore usually rely on simplicity, and that’s exactly what this dish delivers. No hidden steps, no complicated tricks, just straightforward cooking with a big payoff.

When I think of One Pot Pasta Meals, I think of something hearty yet practical. This recipe checks both boxes. It belongs to the type of pasta recipes that anyone can make and everyone can enjoy. It’s the sort of meal I like to keep on rotation for busy nights.

3) Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Pasta: I usually grab penne or fusilli since their little ridges hold the sauce well. Any short pasta shape will do, but make sure it cooks evenly in the pot.

Chicken Breasts: Diced into bite sized pieces, they cook quickly and stay tender. If you’ve got leftover rotisserie chicken, that works too.

Broccoli Florets: Fresh or frozen, both add color and a touch of crunch. I like to toss them in during the last few minutes so they keep some bite.

Garlic and Onion: These two set the base flavor. Chop them fine and let them soften before adding anything else.

Chicken Broth: A cup of broth keeps the pasta cooking evenly and builds flavor. It’s what ties the sauce together without effort.

Heavy Cream: This is where the creaminess comes from. A splash turns the sauce rich and smooth, coating every strand of pasta.

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated works best here. It melts into the sauce and gives the dish its final savory note.

Olive Oil: A couple of spoonfuls start the cooking. It keeps the chicken from sticking and adds flavor.

Salt and Black Pepper: Season as you go. A pinch here and there helps balance everything.

4) How to Make Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Step 1. Heat a spoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the onion and garlic and cook until soft. The smell at this point already makes me hungry.

Step 2. Add the diced chicken pieces. Stir them around until they’re golden on the edges. Don’t rush this part since browned chicken adds flavor to the sauce.

Step 3. Stir in the pasta, chicken broth, and cream. Let the mixture come up to a gentle boil. Give it a stir now and then so the pasta doesn’t stick.

Step 4. Lower the heat and cover the pot. Let the pasta cook until just al dente. I usually check a piece around the ten minute mark to see if it’s ready.

Step 5. In the last five minutes, add the broccoli florets. They steam right in the pot and turn a bright green that makes the dish look fresh.

Step 6. Once the pasta is done, stir in the Parmesan cheese. The sauce will thicken up beautifully at this point. Taste, add salt and pepper, and serve hot.

5) Tips for Making Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta

I’ve picked up a few tricks after making this dish countless times. One tip is to salt your pasta water before cooking. It might sound small but it sets the base flavor for the whole dish. A couple spoonfuls of salt in boiling water makes a big difference.

Another tip is to cut the chicken into even sized pieces. That way they cook at the same pace and stay juicy. Uneven chunks can leave some dry while others are undercooked. I learned this the hard way early on.

Lastly, keep an eye on the broccoli. Add it too soon and it turns mushy. Add it too late and it’s too crunchy. That sweet spot of a few minutes at the end keeps it just right. That’s what makes recipes pasta lovers swear by stick around.

6) Making Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Ahead of Time

One pot pasta recipes are great for planning ahead. This dish tastes even better the next day when the flavors blend. I sometimes make a big batch at night and heat it up for lunch the following day. The cream sauce thickens a little but loosens again with a splash of broth or milk.

If you’re cooking ahead, stop the pasta just shy of fully cooked. That way it doesn’t get too soft when you reheat it. The chicken and broccoli hold up well overnight, so there’s no worry there. The cheese melts again when you warm it back up.

Store it in a covered dish in the fridge and you’ve got a ready meal waiting. It’s the kind of recipe I like to have handy during busy work weeks when energy is running low but appetite is high.

7) Storing Leftover Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Leftovers rarely last long in my house, but when they do I tuck them into airtight containers. The pasta keeps well for up to three days in the fridge. I usually reheat it on the stove with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce back up.

If you’re reheating in the microwave, cover the dish so it doesn’t dry out. Stir halfway through and add a little cream if it looks tight. That helps bring the pasta back to life without losing flavor. One Pot Pasta Meals like this one are forgiving that way.

I wouldn’t freeze it though. Cream sauces don’t thaw very well and the broccoli turns soggy. Stick to making enough for a few days and enjoy it fresh. Pasta recipes taste best when the sauce still clings to the noodles.

8) Try these pasta recipes next!

9) Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta