Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta 🍝🥦🍗
Description
This creamy chicken and broccoli pasta is a rich, comforting, and restaurant-style dish made with tender chicken breast, fresh broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a silky garlic parmesan cream sauce. It’s a balanced meal that combines protein, vegetables, and carbs in one satisfying bowl—perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.
Servings
- Serves: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Optional: chili flakes, parsley
Instructions
Step 1
Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. In the last 2–3 minutes, add broccoli. Drain and set aside.
Step 2
Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Step 3
Heat olive oil in a pan and cook chicken until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Step 4
In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
Step 5
Add heavy cream, parmesan, pepper, and chilli flakes. Simmer until creamy.
Step 6
Return chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the pan. Toss well to coat.
Step 7
Serve hot, garnished with parsley.
Notes
- Fresh parmesan gives a smoother sauce texture.
- Don’t overcook broccoli—it should stay slightly crisp.
- Adjust sauce thickness with pasta water if needed.
Tips
Add mushrooms for extra flavour.
Use grilled chicken for smoky taste
Replace cream with light cream for a lighter version
Serve immediately for best texture
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 610
- Protein: 42g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 3g
Benefits
- High protein supports muscle growth
- Broccoli adds fiber and vitamins
- Balanced meal for energy and fullness
- Comfort food with nutritional value
Q&A
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, just steam it slightly before adding.
Q: Can I make it ahead?
Yes, but sauce thickens when stored—add a splash of milk when reheating it.
Q: Can I freeze it?
Not recommended because cream sauce may separate.
Q: What pasta works best?
Penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni all work well.
Final Thoughts
This creamy chicken and broccoli pasta is rich, hearty, and incredibly satisfying—perfect restaurant-style comfort food you can easily make at home.