Creamy Broccoli Chicken Pasta is the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights and cozy family dinners. Tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta are coated in a rich Parmesan cream sauce that is both satisfying and easy to make. This creamy pasta dish comes together with simple ingredients and delivers restaurant-quality flavor right at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and creamy sauce with plenty of Parmesan flavor
- Easy to prepare in under 40 minutes
- Family-friendly and kid-approved
- A complete meal with protein, vegetables, and pasta
- Perfect for weeknight dinners and meal prep
- Uses simple pantry and refrigerator staples
Ingredients
- 500 g (1 lb) boneless chicken thighs, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed or minced
- 1 cup heavy cream or whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2–3 cups broccoli, cut into small florets
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 500 g (1 lb) pasta
- 1 cup reserved pasta cooking water
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Drizzle the chicken pieces with a little olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.
- Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook for several minutes until lightly golden and mostly cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter.
- Add the 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.
- Partially cover and cook for 5–7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the broccoli is tender.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Season with additional salt and black pepper as needed.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together.
- Add a little reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Continue tossing until the Creamy Broccoli Chicken Pasta is evenly coated in the silky sauce.
- Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips & Tricks
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
- Avoid overcooking the broccoli to maintain its bright color and texture.
- Reserve extra pasta water for adjusting the consistency of the sauce.
- Chicken breast can be substituted for chicken thighs if preferred.
- Add red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
- For extra flavor, add sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
- Cook pasta just until al dente since it will continue cooking slightly in the sauce.
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Italian
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Halal-friendly, family-friendly
Notes
- Penne, fettuccine, rigatoni, or fusilli all work well in this recipe.
- A squeeze of fresh lemon before serving brightens the creamy sauce.
- Serve with garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables.
- Extra Parmesan cheese can be sprinkled on top for additional richness.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 620
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fat: 31g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 3g
FAQ
Can I make Creamy Broccoli Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the recipe and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream.
What is the best pasta for this recipe?
Penne, rigatoni, fusilli, and fettuccine are excellent choices because they hold the creamy sauce well.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely. Frozen broccoli works well and can be added directly to the sauce without thawing.
How do I prevent the cream sauce from becoming too thick?
Add reserved pasta water gradually until the desired consistency is reached.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce will be less rich and creamy.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes. It stores well and makes an excellent lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Storage
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer:
Freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that cream-based sauces may slightly change texture after thawing.
Reheating:
Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk, cream, or water to refresh the sauce.
Similar Recipes
Creamy Broccoli Chicken Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 500 g 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 garlic cloves crushed or minced
- 1 cup heavy cream or whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 –3 cups broccoli cut into small florets
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 500 g 1 lb pasta
- 1 cup reserved pasta cooking water
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Drizzle the chicken pieces with a little olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.
- Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook for several minutes until lightly golden and mostly cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter.
- Add the 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.
- Partially cover and cook for 5–7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the broccoli is tender.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Season with additional salt and black pepper as needed.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together.
- Add a little reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Continue tossing until the Creamy Broccoli Chicken Pasta is evenly coated in the silky sauce.
- Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Penne, fettuccine, rigatoni, or fusilli all work well in this recipe.
- A squeeze of fresh lemon before serving brightens the creamy sauce.
- Serve with garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables.
- Extra Parmesan cheese can be sprinkled on top for additional richness.
Conclusion
This Creamy Broccoli Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce into one comforting meal. It’s easy enough for a busy weeknight yet delicious enough to serve guests. Whether you’re looking for a quick family dinner or a satisfying pasta recipe, this creamy dish is sure to become a regular favorite.