If you’re looking for a creamy, satisfying dish filled with vibrant flavor and wholesome ingredients, look no further than Chicken and Broccoli Pasta. This recipe brings together tender chunks of chicken, crunchy green broccoli, and al dente pasta, all swirled together in a luxuriously cheesy parmesan sauce. Every bite is hearty and comforting, making it the perfect meal for busy weeknights or whenever you need a cozy pick-me-up. Trust me, this recipe is about to become a regular request at your table!

Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s nothing fancy about this ingredient list, but every component matters. Each brings something special to the table—whether it’s a pop of color, creamy richness, or a hint of savory depth. Here’s what you’ll need for the most mouthwatering Chicken and Broccoli Pasta:

8 ounces penne pasta: Holds the sauce perfectly and gives the dish its hearty texture.
2 cups broccoli, cut into small florets: Adds freshness, color, and a gentle crunch to every bite.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps sauté the aromatics and forms the base of your sauce.
1 small onion, diced: Brings mellow sweetness and depth once cooked.
1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning throughout the cooking process.
1 teaspoon pepper: Adds just the right kick and balances the creamy sauce.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the pasta with a mouthwatering aroma and flavor.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce and binds all that cheesy goodness.
2 cups whole milk: Provides a rich, creamy base for the parmesan sauce.
1 cup grated parmesan cheese: The star of the sauce—creamy, salty, and utterly crave-worthy.
2 chicken breasts, cooked and cut into small cubes: Makes the dish filling and adds protein.

How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and let it cook, following the package instructions for the perfect al dente texture. Five minutes before the pasta is done, toss in the broccoli florets. Cooking them together saves you time and leaves the broccoli just crisp-tender—bright green and delicious!

Step 2: Drain and Set Aside

Once the pasta and broccoli are done, drain them well in a colander. Don’t worry if a little pasta water clings to them; that starch will help the sauce coat every piece later on. Set aside while you get on with the sauce.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for two to three minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and slightly sweet. Stir in the minced garlic, salt, and pepper, and cook until fragrant—just about a minute. Your kitchen will smell incredible at this point!

Step 4: Make the Roux

Sprinkle the flour right over the cooked onions and garlic. Stir continuously to combine—it will look a little pasty, but that’s good! Let it cook for one to two minutes to get rid of any raw flour taste, but don’t let it brown.

Step 5: Build the Sauce

Slowly pour in the whole milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps and create a smooth, creamy mixture. Keep whisking and let it simmer for two to three minutes, until it starts to thicken. Now comes the most satisfying part: stir in that finely grated parmesan cheese. Watch it melt into the sauce, turning it rich, silky, and oh-so-savory.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and cubed chicken breast right into the pot with the creamy parmesan sauce. Stir gently until everything is coated and warmed through. Give it a taste—add a little more salt or pepper if you’d like. Your Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is ready to impress!

How to Serve Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little extra parmesan cheese on top for a salty finish, or scatter over some fresh cracked black pepper. If you want something more vibrant, try a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or even a dusting of lemon zest for a zingy touch. These small flourishes bring out even more flavor in every bowl.

Side Dishes

This creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta loves company! Keep things simple with a side salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette to balance the richness, or serve with a hunk of warm, crusty bread to mop up any extra sauce. Roasted garlic green beans or a tomato-cucumber salad add lovely color and freshness to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving for guests or a special family night, try spooning the pasta into individual bowls and topping each with a shower of parmesan and a sprig of fresh parsley. For extra flair, serve Chicken and Broccoli Pasta in a large, shallow platter so everyone can dig in family-style—letting all those vivid green broccoli florets peek through the creamy sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken and Broccoli Pasta keeps beautifully in the fridge. Transfer any extras into an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to three days. The flavors actually meld and get even better as it sits, making lunch the next day something to look forward to!

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze this pasta. Make sure it has cooled completely before freezing in single-serving portions or family-size containers. It will keep well for up to two months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of milk to loosen up the sauce, and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through. This trick brings back the creaminess and ensures every bite is as delicious as when it was freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne is classic for Chicken and Broccoli Pasta, you can swap in any short pasta shape you love—fusilli, rigatoni, or even rotini will work beautifully and hold plenty of sauce.

What’s the best way to cook the chicken?

For speed, use pre-cooked or leftover chicken. If starting from scratch, simply season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, sauté, grill, or bake until just cooked through, then dice. This makes the chicken juicy and flavorful.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Just omit the chicken and add extra broccoli, peas, or even sliced mushrooms. The parmesan sauce is plenty satisfying and turns this into a hearty vegetarian meal everyone will love.

Is it possible to make Chicken and Broccoli Pasta gluten-free?

Certainly. Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce. You’ll still get all the comforting flavors without the gluten.

Can I use a different cheese?

Parmesan gives this pasta its signature flavor, but you can experiment with pecorino, asiago, or even a touch of mozzarella for creaminess. Just be sure to use a cheese that melts smoothly into the sauce.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—my absolute favorite recipe for Chicken and Broccoli Pasta, guaranteed to bring comfort and smiles to your dinner table. I hope you give it a try and make it your own, whether for a quick weeknight meal or a big family gathering. Let this creamy, cozy pasta become one of your household classics!

Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 25 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A creamy and comforting Chicken and Broccoli Pasta recipe that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and al dente penne pasta in a rich parmesan sauce. This easy one-pot meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Instructions

Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta until al dente, adding broccoli in the last 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: Sauté onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add flour, then whisk in milk until thickened. Stir in parmesan cheese.
Combine: Mix pasta, broccoli, and chicken into the sauce. Heat through.
Serve: Transfer to a bowl, garnish with parmesan, season, and serve hot.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Cooking
Cuisine: Italian