The Best Chicken Broccoli Pasta Recipe for Family Dinners

Chicken broccoli pasta combines wholesome ingredients that dance together in a delightful culinary symphony.

Nutritious green florets bring vibrant color and crunch to this comforting dish.

Protein-packed chicken revolutionizes an ordinary meal into a satisfying experience that nourishes both body and soul.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together with minimal preparation.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with herbs and seasonings that elevate each forkful beyond basic expectations.

The harmonious combination of lean protein, tender vegetables, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a balanced meal everyone loves.

Complex flavors emerge from simple ingredients, making this recipe a reliable go-to for busy weeknight dinners.

How to Cook Chicken Broccoli Pasta to Perfection

Step 1: Prepare Pasta And Broccoli

Grab a large pot and fill with water. Add a generous pinch of salt. Bring water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until perfectly al dente. In the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, toss in broccoli florets to steam. Before draining, carefully scoop out 1-2 cups of pasta water. Set aside.

• Pasta
• Broccoli florets
• Salt

Step 2: Sear Succulent Chicken

Heat a large skillet with olive oil and butter. Season chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Cook chicken until golden brown and fully cooked through. Transfer chicken to a separate plate and keep warm.

• Chicken pieces
• Olive oil
• Butter
• Salt
• Pepper

Step 3: Build Flavor Foundation

In the same skillet, sauté chopped onions until they turn translucent and soft. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, releasing their aromatic essence.

• Onions
• Garlic

Step 4: Create Luxurious Sauce

Pour dry white wine into the skillet, scraping up all the delicious browned bits from the bottom. Sprinkle in fresh thyme and chili flakes. Pour half and half, allowing the mixture to simmer and slightly thicken.

• White wine
• Thyme
• Chili flakes
• Half and half

Step 5: Combine And Finish

Add cooked pasta and broccoli to the creamy sauce. Gently toss to ensure every morsel is coated. If sauce seems too thick, splash in reserved pasta water. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

• Cooked pasta
• Steamed broccoli
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt
• Pepper

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Transfer to serving plates. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh thyme. Serve immediately while warm and wonderfully creamy.

Tips for a Creamy, Balanced Pasta Dish

• Master Pasta Cooking: Reserve pasta water before draining to help create a silky, perfectly balanced sauce that clings beautifully to every ingredient.
• Prevent Overcooking Broccoli: Add broccoli florets in the last 2-3 minutes of pasta cooking to maintain vibrant green color and crisp-tender texture.
• Build Flavor Layers: Use the same skillet for cooking chicken, sautéing aromatics, and creating sauce to maximize depth and capture delicious browned bits.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Gradually add reserved pasta water if sauce becomes too thick, ensuring a creamy, smooth coating for pasta and chicken.
• Enhance Final Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end of cooking to guarantee a perfectly balanced and delicious final dish.

Best Way to Reheat Chicken Broccoli Pasta

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Reheat Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, splashing a bit of reserved pasta water to revive the sauce's creamy texture and prevent drying out.
• Microwave Option: Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and maintain pasta's moisture.

Why Chicken Broccoli Pasta Is the Ultimate Comfort Meal

• Craft Quick Comfort Meal: This pasta dish delivers a perfect weeknight dinner solution that's both delicious and simple to prepare, requiring minimal cooking skills and less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Boost Flavor Layers: The recipe builds incredible taste depth by deglazing the pan with white wine, sautéing aromatics, and using Parmesan cheese, which creates a complex and rich flavor profile that keeps every bite interesting.
• Enjoy Balanced Nutrition: Combining lean protein from chicken, nutrient-packed broccoli, and satisfying pasta makes this a well-rounded meal that provides essential proteins, vitamins, and carbohydrates in one delightful dish.
• Master One-Pan Convenience: Using the same skillet for multiple cooking steps reduces cleanup time and allows flavors to develop naturally, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks seeking efficient meal preparation.

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta

• Rigatoni, Short Pasta: Classic pasta shape with ridges perfect for holding creamy sauce, choose pasta with good texture and thickness.

• Broccoli Florets: Fresh green vegetable adding nutritional value and crisp texture, select bright green and firm florets.

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that absorbs flavors well, choose fresh and trimmed meat for best results.

• Olive Oil, Unsalted Butter: Combination provides rich flavor base and helps prevent sticking, use high-quality olive oil.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational flavor builders that create depth in the dish, select firm and fragrant vegetables.

• Dry White Wine: Adds complexity and acidity to the sauce, choose a crisp wine you would also enjoy drinking.
• Half and Half: Creates smooth and creamy sauce texture, use fresh dairy for best results.

• Fresh Thyme, Red Chili Flakes: Provides herbal notes and subtle heat, use fresh thyme for maximum flavor.

• Parmesan: Adds sharp, salty finish to the dish, select freshly grated for best melting quality.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall flavor, use freshly ground black pepper.

What to Serve with Chicken Broccoli Pasta

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Choose a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy sauce and cut through the richness of the chicken and Parmesan.
• Fresh Green Salad Sidekick: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the pasta's creaminess and add a refreshing contrast to the dish.
• Rustic Garlic Bread Companion: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a crunchy texture that enhances the overall dining experience.
• Chilled Citrus Spritzer: Prepare a light lemon-infused sparkling water or a simple citrus mocktail to cleanse the palate between bites and refresh the meal.

Chicken Broccoli Pasta Twists You’ll Love

• Mediterranean Chicken Broccoli Pasta: Swap white wine for lemon juice and add kalamata olives. Sprinkle feta cheese instead of Parmesan and include fresh oregano for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Cajun Chicken Broccoli Pasta: Replace thyme with Cajun seasoning and add bell peppers. Incorporate andouille sausage for extra heat and complexity. Use smoked paprika to enhance the robust flavor profile.
• Creamy Pesto Chicken Broccoli Pasta: Substitute half and half with prepared basil pesto sauce. Add sun-dried tomatoes for brightness and pine nuts for crunch. Finish with fresh basil leaves to elevate the herbal notes.
• Asian-Inspired Chicken Broccoli Pasta: Use soy sauce and sesame oil instead of white wine. Add ginger and green onions for a zesty kick. Drizzle with sriracha sauce and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for an authentic Asian touch.

Chicken Broccoli Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken broccoli pasta brings comfort and flavor to your dinner table. Parmesan-kissed sauce, tender chicken, and crisp broccoli create a perfect harmony that will satisfy your weeknight craving.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 lb (450 g) broccoli florets
• 8 oz (250 g) rigatoni or your choice of short pasta

Dairy and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 cup (250 ml) half and half (single cream)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• ⅓ cup (40 g) grated Parmesan
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Aromatic and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ⅓ cup (75 ml) dry white wine
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
• ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes

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Instructions

1. Prepare a generously salted water bath in a large pot, bringing it to a rolling boil. Immerse the pasta and cook according to package guidelines until it reaches a perfectly tender al dente texture. During the final moments of pasta cooking, introduce broccoli florets to gently steam. Carefully extract and set aside a portion of the starchy cooking liquid before draining.
2. Meanwhile, warm a blend of olive oil and butter in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. Sear the chicken until thoroughly cooked, developing a golden exterior and ensuring complete internal doneness. Transfer the chicken to a holding plate.
3. In the same skillet, now infused with residual flavors, sauté the finely chopped onions until they become translucent and soft. Introduce minced garlic, allowing it to release its aromatic essence without scorching.
4. Deglaze the skillet with a splash of dry white wine, using a wooden spoon to lift the caramelized bits from the pan’s surface. This process intensifies the dish’s flavor profile. Incorporate fragrant thyme and a hint of chili flakes for subtle heat. Pour in the creamy half and half, allowing the mixture to gently simmer and reduce, creating a luxurious sauce.
5. Reunite the cooked pasta and steamed broccoli with the sauce, thoroughly coating each ingredient. If the sauce appears too dense, gradually introduce the reserved pasta water to achieve the ideal consistency. Fold in freshly grated Parmesan, creating a silky texture. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
6. Plate the pasta, presenting it with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and a delicate garnish of fresh thyme leaves. This dish promises a harmonious blend of creamy, savory, and herbaceous notes that will tantalize the palate and provide ultimate comfort.

Notes

• Pasta water becomes a secret weapon for controlling sauce thickness, ensuring perfect coating on every bite.
• Skillet technique transforms simple ingredients into a flavor-packed culinary adventure, building depth through strategic cooking stages.
• Deglazing with wine creates magical moments, lifting stuck pan bits to elevate the entire dish’s taste profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg