When I first made this chicken and broccoli pasta, I didn’t expect it to become such a go-to comfort food. But here we are. Picture this: tender chunks of chicken, broccoli that somehow feels both healthy and indulgent, and pasta holding everything together like the reliable friend it is. You get flavor, you get texture, and yes, you get that little sigh of relief that only a good plate of pasta can deliver. I know what you’re thinking. Broccoli? Really? But trust me, in the right company—like a garlicky sauce and just enough Parmesan to keep you honest—it transforms into something you actually want seconds of. I used to think of broccoli as a sidekick. Turns out, it’s been waiting for its hero role all along. This recipe is the kind of meal that doesn’t ask for much but gives you plenty back. It’s simple to throw together after a long day, yet it looks and tastes like you put in way more effort than you actually did. That’s the best kind of cooking win in my book.

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

1) Key Takeaways

Chicken and broccoli pasta combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and pasta in a creamy sauce.
This dish is flexible enough for weeknight dinners but feels like comfort food recipes made for weekends too.
Simple steps and everyday ingredients make it easy for anyone to prepare.
It’s family friendly, filling, and pairs well with garlic bread or a green salad.

2) Easy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe

I’ve always thought that pasta has this magical ability to turn even the most chaotic day into something manageable. This chicken and broccoli pasta does that for me every single time. The way the chicken soaks up the garlic cream sauce, and the broccoli adds that pop of color and crunch, makes it feel balanced yet indulgent. It’s the kind of meal that feels homey without being boring.

What makes this dish special is how quickly it comes together. You boil pasta, cook the chicken, stir in cream and Parmesan, then let broccoli join the party at the right moment. It’s straightforward, but the flavor makes it taste like you secretly put in extra effort. Comfort food recipes often work like this, giving you all the satisfaction without the stress.

Sometimes I even double the recipe so I can stash a portion in the fridge for the next day. Nothing beats opening the fridge and seeing dinner already done. If you’ve ever craved a dish that feels warm, reliable, and tasty enough to earn a spot on repeat, this is it.

3) Ingredients for Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Chicken breast: I use boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite sized pieces. They cook fast and stay tender in the creamy sauce.

Pasta: Penne pasta works well here because it holds the sauce beautifully, but you can use spaghetti, fusilli, or whatever you have on hand.

Olive oil: A little oil keeps the chicken from sticking and adds a nice depth to the sauce base.

Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are minced and sautéed until they release their aroma. It’s the backbone of this dish.

Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets give a nice crunch and balance out the creaminess. I toss them in during the last minutes of cooking so they don’t go mushy.

Chicken broth: This adds flavor and lightens the richness of the cream. It’s what ties the sauce together.

Heavy cream: For that silky, comforting texture. It coats the pasta and chicken beautifully.

Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the sauce, adding nuttiness and extra flavor.

Lemon juice and zest: These add brightness that keeps the dish from feeling too heavy. A little citrus works wonders here.

Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat. Nothing complicated, just enough to wake up the flavors.

4) How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Step 1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente. Toss in the broccoli florets during the last two minutes of cooking, then drain and set aside.

Step 2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, then remove to a plate.

Step 3. In the same skillet, add garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir for half a minute until the garlic softens. Add chicken broth and cream, scraping the bottom of the pan for flavor.

Step 4. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce. Return the chicken to the skillet, then add the pasta and broccoli. Toss everything until coated.

Step 5. Finish with lemon juice and zest. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper. Serve warm with extra Parmesan if you like.

5) Tips for Making Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Use freshly grated Parmesan if possible. The pre shredded kind doesn’t melt the same way and can leave your sauce grainy. A block of Parmesan and a simple grater make all the difference.

Don’t overcook the broccoli. Let it keep some bite so it contrasts nicely with the creamy pasta. Overcooked broccoli gets soggy fast, and it dulls the fresh flavor.

Keep the pasta water. Before draining the pasta, scoop out a cup of the cooking water. If your sauce feels too thick, a splash of this water will loosen it without watering down the taste.

6) Making Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Ahead of Time

Chicken and broccoli pasta holds up surprisingly well if you plan ahead. Cook the pasta slightly under al dente so it doesn’t soften too much when reheated. Toss everything together, then store in the fridge once it cools.

I like to save a little sauce separately so when I reheat, I can stir it in and bring back that creamy consistency. This way, the pasta feels freshly cooked instead of reheated.

For busy weekdays, making this dish ahead of time feels like a lifesaver. You walk into the kitchen already halfway to dinner, and the hardest part is deciding if you want to pair it with garlic bread or just eat it straight from the skillet.

7) Storing Leftover Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to three days. Store in an airtight container to keep the pasta from drying out. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to revive the sauce.

If you’d like to freeze it, cool the pasta completely first. Place in freezer safe containers and freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and warm gently on the stove.

Though it reheats well, nothing quite beats the fresh version. Still, it’s always a treat to have a container of comfort food recipes waiting for you after a long day.

8) Try these Main Course next!

9) Chicken and Broccoli Pasta