Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

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I love a dish that feels like comfort food but still packs in wholesome ingredients—and this Chicken and Broccoli Pasta hits all the right notes. Creamy, hearty, and bursting with flavor, it’s one of those go-to meals I make when I want something both satisfying and simple. Whether I’m feeding my family or just cooking for myself, this pasta never disappoints. The creamy sauce wraps around each spiral of pasta, clinging to the roasted broccoli and juicy grilled chicken in the best possible way.

What I especially enjoy about this recipe is how approachable it is. You don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients or advanced cooking skills. In fact, it’s one of those meals that comes together with pantry staples and a handful of fresh produce. It also has that magical combination of protein, veggies, and carbs all in one bowl—what more could you ask for?

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Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

This pasta is weeknight-friendly but tastes like it took hours to make. The grilled chicken brings a smoky richness that plays beautifully against the creamy, garlicky sauce. The broccoli soaks up that luscious flavor while still offering a bit of crunch. It’s well-balanced, deeply satisfying, and endlessly customizable. Perfect for meal prep, casual dinners, or impressing guests with minimal effort.

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What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Chicken and Broccoli Pasta?

I’ve made this dish with just about every type of pasta, but there’s something special about using short, spiral-shaped noodles like rotini or fusilli. Their twisted shape catches the creamy sauce beautifully and holds bits of chicken and broccoli in every bite. Penne or farfalle also work great if you’re out of rotini. And if you’re feeling indulgent, fresh pasta takes it up a notch with extra silkiness and chew.

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Options for Substitutions

This recipe is super forgiving and easy to adapt. If you don’t have cream, you can substitute half-and-half or even milk with a bit of flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Not a fan of chicken? Try it with shrimp, turkey, or a vegetarian protein like chickpeas or tofu. Broccoli can be swapped out for other green veggies—think spinach, kale, or even asparagus. And for a dairy-free version, use a plant-based cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

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Ingredients for this Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Rotini Pasta
The spiral shape traps all the creamy sauce, chicken, and broccoli, giving you flavor in every forkful.

Chicken Breast
Lean, juicy, and protein-packed, grilled or pan-seared chicken adds heartiness and flavor depth to the dish.

Broccoli Florets
Bright, slightly crunchy, and packed with nutrients, broccoli complements the richness of the sauce perfectly.

Heavy Cream
This is the base of the luxurious, velvety sauce that brings everything together.

Garlic
A few cloves of minced garlic give the sauce a rich, aromatic foundation.

Parmesan Cheese
Salty and nutty, Parmesan melts into the cream for added depth and cheesy goodness.

Olive Oil
Used for cooking the chicken and garlic, it adds a smooth, slightly fruity flavor.

Salt and Pepper
Essential seasonings that bring out all the natural flavors of the dish.

Optional: Red Pepper Flakes or Lemon Zest
For a subtle kick or a burst of brightness, depending on your flavor mood.

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Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

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Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and slice into bite-sized pieces.

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Step 3: Steam or Blanch the Broccoli

In the same pot you used for the pasta, drop the broccoli florets into boiling water and cook for 2–3 minutes until bright green and just tender. Drain and set aside.

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Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet used for the chicken, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin the sauce slightly.

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Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and sliced chicken to the sauce. Toss everything together over low heat until well coated and warmed through. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes.

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How Long to Cook the Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

This dish comes together quickly. The pasta takes about 8–10 minutes to cook, depending on the type. Chicken breasts need roughly 10–12 minutes total in the skillet, and broccoli takes just 2–3 minutes to blanch or steam. The creamy sauce takes another 5 minutes. Altogether, you’re looking at about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

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Tips for Perfect Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

• Salt your pasta water well. It’s your first chance to season the dish, and bland pasta will affect the overall flavor.
• Cook the chicken until golden. A good sear adds a ton of flavor—don’t rush this step.
• Don’t overcook the broccoli. You want it bright green with a bit of bite; mushy broccoli can dull the texture.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan. It melts better and tastes fresher than the pre-packaged kind.
• Reserve pasta water. It helps loosen the sauce if it gets too thick and adds extra starch for creaminess.
• Finish in the pan. Tossing everything together over low heat helps the sauce cling and blend beautifully.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the pasta: Soft, mushy pasta won’t hold up well under the creamy sauce—go for al dente every time.
• Crowding the skillet: When cooking chicken, too many pieces at once will steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if needed.
• Using cold cream or cheese: Let them come to room temperature first; this helps them blend into the sauce smoothly.
• Not tasting as you go: Every ingredient adds a layer—season the chicken, taste the sauce, and adjust before serving.
• Forgetting to save pasta water: That starchy water is key to a silky, cohesive sauce. Don’t drain it all!

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What to Serve With Chicken and Broccoli Pasta?

Garlic Bread

Crispy, buttery garlic bread is the perfect companion to soak up any extra sauce.

Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine, tangy dressing, and crunchy croutons offer a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.

Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

Sweet and slightly acidic, they add a pop of color and balance to the rich flavors.

Lemon Herb Asparagus

A light side dish that brings in a citrusy brightness and pairs well with the chicken.

Sparkling Water with Lemon

Simple and refreshing, it helps cleanse the palate between creamy bites.

Parmesan Roasted Mushrooms

Earthy and umami-rich, mushrooms enhance the depth of the overall meal.

Olive Tapenade Crostini

A briny, savory bite that serves as a flavorful starter or side.

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Storage Instructions

Leftover Chicken and Broccoli Pasta stores beautifully. Let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce and warm it over medium heat on the stove or in the microwave. For best results, reheat only what you plan to eat—repeated reheating can dry out the chicken.

If you’d like to freeze it, portion it into freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently with a touch of added cream or broth.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 4 servings total):

• Calories: 580
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Cholesterol: 120mg
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 460mg
• Sugar: 3g

These values can vary slightly based on specific ingredient brands and quantities used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of chicken should I use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal, but thighs work great too if you prefer a juicier cut with more flavor.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! It reheats well. Just keep the sauce a bit loose, as it thickens in the fridge. Add a splash of cream or milk when reheating.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Not by default, but you can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and checking that your Parmesan and cream are certified gluten-free.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Absolutely. Use a plant-based cream and dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a creamy result without the dairy.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, just thaw it first and pat dry to avoid excess water thinning out the sauce.

How do I make it spicier?

Add red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic, or stir in a spoonful of chili paste for a more intense kick.

What other veggies can I use?

Spinach, kale, peas, or zucchini all work well. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the vegetable.

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?

Definitely! It’s a great shortcut. Just add it at the end to warm through with the pasta and sauce.

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Conclusion

Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is one of those meals that brings everyone to the table. It’s creamy, filling, and loaded with comforting flavors, yet easy enough for any home cook to pull off. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a cozy meal to share, this dish delivers every time. Customize it to your liking, pair it with your favorite sides, and enjoy a classic pasta night that never gets old.

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