Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta 🍗🥦🧄🍝 Rich, Garlicky, and Packed With Juicy Chicken and Bright Green Broccoli in a Silky Cream Sauce

This is a back-pocket favorite that blends indulgence and feel-good freshness. Juicy pan-seared chicken, perfectly blanched broccoli, and pasta get tossed in a garlicky cream sauce that’s fast enough for weeknights but always satisfying.

Everything cooks in under 30 minutes — it’s high-reward, low-effort.

Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

For the pasta

• 8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or fettuccine)
• Salted water for boiling
• 2 cups broccoli florets

For the chicken

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the creamy sauce

• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¾ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan (plus more for serving)
• ¼ cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
• Optional: squeeze of lemon, pinch of chili flakes

To finish

• Extra Parmesan and cracked pepper
• Optional: chopped parsley or basil

Instructions

Step 1: Boil pasta and broccoli
Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. In the last 2 minutes, add broccoli to the pot. Drain and reserve ¼ cup pasta water.

Step 2: Cook the chicken
Pound chicken to even thickness. Season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sear in olive oil over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Rest, then slice or cube.

Step 3: Build the sauce
In the same pan, melt butter over medium. Add garlic and sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in cream, bring to a gentle simmer, and stir in Parmesan. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 4: Combine
Add cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the sauce. Toss until everything is coated and hot. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, lemon, or chili flakes.

Step 5: Serve
Plate with extra cheese and herbs. Serve hot.

Flavor Variations

• Swap broccoli for peas, spinach, or asparagus
• Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut
• Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for depth
• Use a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella for stretch
• Stir in a spoon of pesto or Dijon for an herby or tangy twist

Pro Tips

• Cut broccoli florets small so they cook quickly and evenly
• Sear chicken until golden for maximum flavor contrast
• Let sauce stay loose — it thickens as it cools
• Stir in cheese off-heat to avoid clumping

Final Thoughts

Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta is creamy comfort with a fresh green twist. It’s weeknight-friendly, kid-approved, and endlessly riffable — whether you go classic or dress it up with extras.

Sear it. Swirl it. Let the cream and garlic carry the show. 🍗🥦🧄🍝

🍝 Pasta Recipes Collection

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🧀 Sauce Styles

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• 🌿 Pesto Pasta Recipes – Herbaceous and vibrant, these green-sauced dishes are perfect for warm-weather meals.

🍗 Protein-Packed Pastas

• 🐓 Chicken Pasta Recipes – Tender chicken meets creamy or tangy sauces — the perfect protein-pasta pairings.
• 🍤 Shrimp Pasta Recipes – Juicy shrimp with garlic butter, wine, or creamy sauces — quick and elegant.
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• 🌭 Sausage Pasta Recipes – Hearty and spiced — from Italian to spicy andouille, sausage elevates every bite.

🥗 Pasta Salads & Light Fare

• 🥗 Pasta Salad Recipes – Great for potlucks, picnics, or meal prep — versatile and crowd-pleasing.
• ❄️ Cold Pasta Salad Recipes – Crisp veggies and chilled noodles tossed with light vinaigrettes or creamy dressings.
• ⏱️ Easy Pasta Salad Recipes – Quick assembly, great texture — ideal for lunches and BBQs.
• 🥬 Healthy Pasta Recipes – Nourishing options made with whole grains, lean proteins, and fresh produce.