Creamy Broccoli Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights and cozy family dinners. Tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta are tossed in a rich garlic Parmesan cream sauce that comes together in just 40 minutes. It’s an easy, satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor and made with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Creamy Broccoli Chicken Pasta is a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. The creamy Parmesan sauce coats every bite of pasta while juicy chicken and tender broccoli create a balanced, hearty meal. It’s easy enough for weeknight cooking yet delicious enough to serve to guests. Plus, it’s made in one skillet after cooking the pasta, making cleanup simple.
Ingredients
- 500 g (1 lb) boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 to 3 cups broccoli florets
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 500 g (1 lb) pasta of your choice
- 1 cup reserved pasta cooking water
- Olive oil
Instructions
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.
Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drizzle the chicken with a little olive oil and season with salt and black pepper. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken is golden on the outside and fully cooked. Remove it from the skillet and set aside.
Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and dried thyme, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and lemon juice, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Return the chicken to the skillet and add the broccoli florets. Cover loosely and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender while still slightly crisp.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until everything is evenly coated in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a little reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Serve the Creamy Broccoli Chicken Pasta immediately with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Tips & Tricks
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- Avoid overcooking the broccoli to keep its bright color and slight crunch.
- Reserve extra pasta water to adjust the consistency of the sauce.
- Penne, rigatoni, fusilli, and fettuccine all work beautifully in this recipe.
- Add spinach, mushrooms, or peas for extra vegetables.
- For a hint of spice, sprinkle in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American / Italian-Inspired
Difficulty: Easy
Dietary Notes: Halal-Friendly
Notes
This recipe is incredibly versatile and easy to customize. Swap chicken thighs for chicken breast if you prefer a leaner option. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can also be used without changing the cooking method. Serve alongside garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 670
- Protein: 38 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?
Yes. Chicken breast is an excellent substitute and cooks a little faster while still producing a delicious result.
Which pasta is best for this recipe?
Short pasta such as penne, rotini, or rigatoni works well because it holds onto the creamy sauce, but long pasta like fettuccine is equally delicious.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. Store it in the refrigerator for up to four days and reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce.
Can I freeze Creamy Broccoli Chicken Pasta?
Yes. Freeze in an airtight container for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The sauce may separate slightly but will become creamy again with gentle stirring.
How can I make the sauce even creamier?
Use full-fat heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Avoid boiling the sauce after adding the cheese to maintain a silky texture.
Storage
Allow the pasta to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container.
Refrigerator: Store for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk, cream, or reserved pasta water until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy again.
Similar Recipes
Creamy Broccoli Chicken Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 500 g 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 to 3 cups broccoli florets
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 500 g 1 lb pasta of your choice
- 1 cup reserved pasta cooking water
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.
- Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drizzle the chicken with a little olive oil and season with salt and black pepper. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken is golden on the outside and fully cooked. Remove it from the skillet and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and dried thyme, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and lemon juice, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Return the chicken to the skillet and add the broccoli florets. Cover loosely and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender while still slightly crisp.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until everything is evenly coated in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a little reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Serve the Creamy Broccoli Chicken Pasta immediately with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
Conclusion
This Creamy Broccoli Chicken Pasta is everything you could want in a comforting homemade dinner. Juicy chicken, vibrant broccoli, tender pasta, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce come together in a meal that’s simple to prepare and full of irresistible flavor. Whether you’re feeding your family or preparing meals for the week, this easy chicken pasta recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite