Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here from Chef Maniac! When you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that’s packed with flavor but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, there’s one dish that always comes to mind: Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta. This recipe is a true weeknight hero, bringing together tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a luscious, cheesy cream sauce in one satisfying bowl. It’s an instant family favorite that feels indulgent but comes together with surprising ease!

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely adore this Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta because it hits all the right notes. It’s incredibly flavorful, thanks to the garlic, Italian seasoning, and rich Parmesan cheese. It’s also remarkably quick to prepare, making it perfect for those evenings when time is tight. The combination of savory chicken, tender-crisp broccoli, and that velvety cream sauce is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some wholesome vegetables while still enjoying a hearty pasta dish. It’s comfort food at its finest, made simple!

List of Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this fantastic Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta:

• 12 oz rigatoni or pasta of your choice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 chicken breasts, cubed (about 1 lb)
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Swaps and Notes

• Pasta: Rigatoni is great for catching the sauce, but any medium pasta shape like penne, rotini, or even fettuccine will work beautifully.
• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are used here. Chicken thighs can be swapped in for a juicier result, just ensure they are cut into uniform cubes for even cooking.
• Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are ideal, but you can use frozen broccoli (add directly to the pasta water during the last 2 minutes as instructed).
• Cream: Heavy cream provides the richest sauce. Half-and-half can be used for a slightly lighter version, but the sauce won’t be as decadent.
• Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts smoothly and provides the best flavor. Pecorino Romano can be used for a sharper, saltier kick.
• Seasoning: Adjust the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to your taste. A pinch of red pepper flakes can be added with the garlic for a subtle warmth.

List of Steps for the Recipe

1. Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rigatoni (or your chosen pasta) and cook according to package directions until al dente. During the last 2 minutes of the pasta’s cooking time, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water with the pasta. This ensures they are tender-crisp. Drain the pasta and broccoli and set aside.
2. Cook Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken breasts and season them with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C). Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and set it aside.
3. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet (no need to clean it!), reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has slightly thickened.
5. Add Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and the cheese has fully melted.
6. Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together using tongs until the sauce is well-distributed and coats all the ingredients evenly. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
7. Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot and creamy!

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook your pasta al dente as it will continue to absorb sauce and soften slightly when combined.
• Perfect Broccoli: Adding broccoli during the last 2 minutes of pasta cooking ensures it’s tender but still has a nice bite.
• Don’t Overcrowd Chicken: Cook chicken in batches if your skillet isn’t large enough to hold it in a single layer. This ensures it browns nicely instead of steaming.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan: Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese is crucial for a smooth, creamy sauce that won’t clump.
• Serve Immediately: Creamy pasta dishes are best enjoyed fresh, when the sauce is at its most luxurious and the pasta is perfectly coated.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta is a complete and satisfying meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:

• Garlic Bread: A side of warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette would provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
• Wine Pairing: A crisp, unoaked white wine like a Pinot Grigio or a light-bodied Chardonnay would complement the creamy sauce beautifully.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Leftovers of Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The sauce will thicken upon cooling, and the pasta will absorb more liquid. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce and re-moisten the pasta. Stir frequently until heated through. You can also microwave it, stirring occasionally, but the texture might be slightly different.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you loved the ease and incredible flavor of this Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta, and you’re a fan of satisfying, hearty meals, you’ll definitely want to explore some of my other popular recipes:

• For a truly classic and comforting meal, my Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce is a must-try.
• If you’re a fan of convenient one-pan dinners packed with flavor, my Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is a lifesaver.
• And if you’re looking for ultimate comfort food made fast, don’t miss my Instant Pot Lasagna.
• For a true taste of the South and another hearty, flavorful dish, dive into a bowl of my incredibly comforting Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo.
• Finally, for another go-to chicken meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd, these Chicken Enchiladas are simply irresistible!

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Final Thoughts

Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create an incredibly satisfying and comforting meal. It’s flavorful, easy to make, and perfect for warming you up on any evening. Give it a try, and let this delicious pasta dish become a new favorite in your home!

What are your favorite combinations of pasta and vegetables? Share your ideas in the comments below! And for more delicious, easy recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to follow Chef Maniac.