Description
Get ready to fall in love with this creamy, comforting, and flavor-packed Chicken and Broccoli Pasta—a perfect blend of juicy chicken, tender broccoli, and penne pasta all tossed in a luscious garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. Whether you’re searching for quick dinner ideas, easy pasta recipes, or a hearty meal-prep favorite, this dish checks all the boxes. It’s family-friendly, ready in under 30 minutes, and versatile enough for weekday dinners or casual get-togethers. The rich yet balanced sauce clings to every bite, creating a meal that’s both soul-warming and seriously satisfying. If you love healthy pasta meals or easy chicken dinners, this one’s a keeper!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cubed
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water
- Optional: parsley, lemon zest, extra Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water. Add pasta and cook until al dente. In the last 2–3 minutes, add broccoli. Drain, reserving ¼ cup pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, and half the Italian seasoning. Cook 5–6 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Lower heat to medium. Melt butter in the same skillet. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Stir in cream and remaining seasoning. Simmer for 4–5 minutes to thicken.
- Add Parmesan and stir until melted and smooth.
- Return chicken, pasta, and broccoli to skillet. Toss to coat in sauce. Add pasta water as needed to loosen.
- Simmer 1 minute more. Serve warm with parsley, lemon zest, and extra cheese if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes