Soothing Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Recipe for Cozy Nights

My latest culinary adventure blends creamy chicken & broccoli pasta into a soul-warming masterpiece that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this recipe delivers pure comfort without complicated techniques.

Tender chicken pieces mingle with crisp broccoli florets, creating a harmonious dance of textures and flavors.

pasta catches the rich, velvety sauce in every delightful bite, promising satisfaction from first forkful to last.

Weeknight stress melts away when you experience this delectable combination of protein and vegetables.

Nutritious ingredients come together effortlessly, ensuring a meal that delights both palate and appetite.

Dig in and savor every creamy, comforting spoonful – dinner just got dramatically more delicious.

Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Prep Notes

• Swap regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free options for dietary preferences.
• Pat chicken dry before cooking to achieve a beautiful golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming.
• Blanch broccoli briefly to maintain vibrant green color and crisp-tender texture.
• Whisk chicken broth slowly and consistently to prevent lumpy sauce and ensure silky consistency.
• Add a splash of white wine or lemon juice to the sauce for an extra depth of flavor complexity.

Chicken & Broccoli Pasta That’s Great Next Day

• Transfer leftover pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore creamy texture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop when the dish is steaming hot.
• This creamy pasta doesn't freeze well due to potential sauce separation and texture changes. Best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of cooking.

Cozy Bites to Serve With Chicken & Broccoli Pasta

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or pinot grigio that complements the creamy sauce, cutting through its richness while enhancing the chicken's delicate flavor.
• Match with Garlic Bread: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread alongside the pasta to soak up the extra sauce and provide a delightful crunchy texture contrast.
• Complement with Fresh Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the pasta's creamy profile and add a refreshing element to the meal.
• Enhance with Sparkling Water: Choose a lemon-infused sparkling water to cleanse the palate between bites and provide a zesty, refreshing counterpoint to the rich dish.

Creamy Chicken Pasta – Ways to Try It

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a creamy, vegan-friendly version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta and use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the sauce.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carbohydrate meal.
• Spicy Mediterranean Spin: Add sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and swap red pepper flakes for oregano to create a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.

FAQs

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Store the components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator and combine when ready to eat. The sauce and pasta will keep well for 3-4 days.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While this recipe works great with fettuccine or penne, you can substitute with any pasta shape you prefer. Just ensure the pasta can hold the creamy sauce well.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half, use whole wheat pasta, and add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini. You can also use grilled chicken instead of pan-fried for less oil.

• What if I don't have Parmesan cheese?

No problem. You can substitute with other hard cheeses like Romano or Asiago. If you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast can provide a similar savory flavor profile.

What’s Comforting About Chicken & Broccoli Pasta

• Quickly Satisfy Cravings: A one-pot meal that combines protein, veggies, and creamy goodness in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
• Customize with Ease: Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu, adjust spice levels, or add extra vegetables to make this recipe uniquely yours without complicated modifications.
• Family-Friendly Comfort: Kid-approved dish with familiar flavors that encourages vegetable consumption through a delicious, creamy sauce that masks broccoli's typical taste.
• Minimal Cleanup Hero: Uses a single skillet for cooking, reducing dishwashing time and making this recipe a stress-free meal preparation option for home cooks.

Chicken Broccoli Pasta Pantry List

• Pasta, Broccoli: Classic comfort meal base with hearty texture and nutritional punch. Whole wheat or regular pasta work well; broccoli adds green freshness and vitamins.
• Chicken: Lean protein source that adds substance to the dish. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are best for even cooking and clean flavor.

• Heavy Cream, Chicken Broth, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy base that creates rich, smooth sauce. Use low-sodium broth for better salt control; freshly grated Parmesan gives superior melting quality.

• Garlic, Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Flavor enhancers that build depth. Fresh garlic provides more intense taste; adjust spice level with red pepper flakes.

• Olive Oil: Provides cooking medium and subtle background flavor. Extra virgin olive oil offers best taste and health benefits.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds bright color and fresh herb note. Finely chopped for best presentation and flavor distribution.

Chicken Broccoli Pasta Creamy Steps

Step 1: Boil Pasta and Broccoli

Fill a large pot with water and sprinkle in salt.

Bring the water to a rolling boil.

Drop the pasta into the bubbling water and cook following the package guidelines.

When there are 3 minutes left in cooking time, toss in the broccoli florets.

Once everything is tender, drain the pasta and broccoli in a colander, then set aside.

Step 2: Sear Succulent Chicken

Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat.

Carefully add diced chicken pieces and cook until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are completely cooked through.

Transfer the chicken to a separate plate and keep warm.

Step 3: Create Velvety Sauce Base

In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, sprinkle in minced garlic.

Let it sizzle and become aromatic for about a minute.

Sprinkle flour over the garlic and stir for another minute.

Slowly pour in chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent any lumps from forming.

Step 4: Enrich with Cream and Cheese

Lower the heat and pour in heavy cream.

Gradually fold in Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and luxuriously creamy.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Step 5: Combine All Ingredients

Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken into the silky sauce.

Gently toss everything together, ensuring each ingredient is generously coated and heated thoroughly.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Serve the pasta piping hot.

Sprinkle fresh parsley on top and add an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese if desired.

Comforting Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Heartwarming “comforting creamy chicken & broccoli pasta” brings Italian comfort straight to dinner tables with rich, velvety sauce embracing tender chicken and crisp broccoli. Irresistible flavors meld perfectly, promising a satisfying meal that warms your soul and delights your palate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• 2 cups (300g) broccoli florets
• 8 ounces (225g) pasta (penne or fettuccine)
• 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese

Sauce and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Seasoning and Aromatics:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare a generously salted water bath in a large pot, bringing it to a rolling boil. Submerge the pasta and allow it to cook according to package guidance. During the final three minutes of pasta preparation, introduce broccoli florets directly into the bubbling water.
2. While pasta simmers, warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature. Carefully introduce diced chicken pieces, allowing them to transform into a golden-brown exterior while ensuring complete internal cooking, verifying doneness through temperature or visual inspection.
3. Utilize the same skillet for sauce creation. Gently sauté minced garlic until its aromatic essence permeates the kitchen. Sprinkle flour and quickly stir, creating a light roux. Slowly incorporate chicken broth, whisking consistently to prevent luminal formations.
4. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Blend heavy cream and Parmesan cheese into the developing sauce, creating a luxuriously smooth texture. Season with strategic pinches of salt, cracked black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
5. Consolidate all elements by introducing cooked pasta, tender broccoli, and perfectly prepared chicken into the creamy sauce. Rotate and fold ingredients carefully, ensuring comprehensive coating and uniform temperature throughout.
6. Transfer to serving dishes, embellishing with freshly chopped parsley and an additional dusting of Parmesan cheese for visual and flavor enhancement. Present immediately while maintaining optimal warmth.

Notes

• Perfectly Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Time the pasta and broccoli cooking carefully to avoid overcooking, ensuring both remain tender-crisp and vibrant green.
• Achieve Creamy Sauce Consistency: Whisk the flour slowly into the broth to prevent lumps, creating a silky smooth sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap chicken with tofu, shrimp, or plant-based protein alternatives for diverse dietary needs and preferences.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free pasta to make the dish celiac-friendly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 56g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 100mg