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Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Comforting, creamy, and gently nourishing — the kind of dinner that slows the evening down and brings everyone back to the table.

There’s something deeply reassuring about a skillet of creamy pasta bubbling gently on the stove. Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is one of those recipes that feels familiar the moment you smell it — tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, bright green broccoli, all wrapped in a smooth, velvety sauce that tastes like it took far more effort than it did.

This is the kind of meal you make when you want comfort without heaviness, when you want something cozy but still fresh, and when you need dinner to be dependable. It’s weeknight-friendly, family-approved, and just indulgent enough to feel special.

🛒 Ingredient Overview

Chicken Breast (2 cups cooked, cubed or sliced)

Lean, tender, and mild — chicken is the protein that makes this pasta filling without overpowering the sauce.

Pasta (12 oz, penne or rigatoni)

Short pasta with ridges holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully. Penne, rigatoni, or rotini all work well.

Broccoli Florets (2 cups)

Adds freshness, color, and balance. Broccoli keeps the dish from feeling too heavy.

Butter (2 tbsp)

Forms the base of the sauce and adds richness right from the start.

Garlic (2–3 cloves, minced)

A gentle aromatic that deepens flavor without being sharp.

Heavy Cream (1–1½ cups)

Creates that smooth, luxurious texture that makes this dish feel comforting.

Chicken Broth (½–1 cup)

Thins the sauce just enough while adding savory depth.

Parmesan Cheese (1 cup, freshly grated)

Melts into the sauce for salty, nutty richness.

Seasonings

  • Salt

  • Black pepper

  • Italian seasoning (optional)

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

⭐ Step 1 — Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook pasta until just al dente according to package directions.
During the last 2–3 minutes, add broccoli to the boiling water.
Drain and set aside.

⭐ Step 2 — Season & Cook the Chicken

Season chicken lightly with salt and pepper.
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
Add chicken and cook until golden and cooked through.
Remove chicken and set aside.

⭐ Step 3 — Build the Sauce

In the same skillet, add a bit more butter if needed.
Add minced garlic and cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant.

⭐ Step 4 — Add Cream & Broth

Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth.
Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring often.

⭐ Step 5 — Add Parmesan

Slowly stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Season with black pepper and Italian seasoning if using.

⭐ Step 6 — Combine Everything

Add cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken back into the skillet.
Gently toss until everything is evenly coated in the sauce.

⭐ Step 7 — Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning.
Serve warm, topped with extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper.

❓ 20 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes — it’s a great shortcut.

2. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes — thaw and drain well first.

3. Can I make this lighter?
Use half-and-half instead of cream.

4. Does it reheat well?
Yes — add a splash of milk.

5. Can I add mushrooms?
Absolutely.

6. Is this kid-friendly?
Very much so.

7. Can I make it spicy?
Add red pepper flakes.

8. Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes — cook carefully.

9. Can I add cheese other than Parmesan?
Mozzarella works, but Parmesan is best.

10. Can I prep ahead?
Yes — assemble and reheat gently.

11. Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but sauce will be thinner.

12. Can I add lemon?
A squeeze brightens flavors.

13. Does broccoli overcook?
Add it last to keep it tender-crisp.

14. Can I bake this?
Yes — add cheese and bake briefly.

15. Can I add bacon?
Yes — adds smoky richness.

16. Can I freeze it?
Not ideal, but possible.

17. What pasta shape is best?
Short, ridged pasta.

18. Can I add spinach?
Yes — stir in at the end.

19. Is it good for leftovers?
Even better the next day.

20. What should I serve with it?
Simple salad or garlic bread.

💡 20 Helpful Tips

1. Salt pasta water well.
2. Don’t overcook pasta.
3. Cut chicken evenly.
4. Use fresh Parmesan.
5. Simmer gently, never boil cream.
6. Add cheese slowly.
7. Stir often for smooth sauce.
8. Keep broccoli bright green.
9. Season at the end.
10. Use a wide skillet.
11. Add broth gradually.
12. Taste as you go.
13. Fresh garlic makes a difference.
14. Rest 2 minutes before serving.
15. Leftovers thicken overnight.
16. Reheat gently.
17. Keep sauce slightly loose.
18. This dish loves simple sides.
19. Comfort doesn’t need complexity.
20. Trust the basics.

🧊 10 Storage & Reheating Tips

  1. Store in airtight containers

  2. Refrigerate up to 3–4 days

  3. Reheat gently on stovetop

  4. Add milk or broth if thick

  5. Stir often while reheating

  6. Avoid high heat

  7. Freeze only if necessary

  8. Thaw overnight if frozen

  9. Reheat only what you need

  10. Best enjoyed fresh and warm

🔐 20 Recipe Secrets

  1. Cream + broth creates balance.

  2. Parmesan thickens naturally.

  3. Broccoli lightens the dish.

  4. Chicken absorbs sauce flavor.

  5. Low heat keeps sauce smooth.

  6. Short pasta holds sauce best.

  7. Fresh cheese melts better.

  8. Simple seasoning shines.

  9. One skillet keeps it cozy.

  10. Garlic should never brown.

  11. Pasta water adds silkiness.

  12. Sauce thickens as it rests.

  13. Comfort food is about balance.

  14. This recipe scales beautifully.

  15. Weeknight friendly always wins.

  16. Leftovers are gold.

  17. No need to rush.

  18. Creamy doesn’t mean heavy.

  19. Fresh pepper matters.

  20. This dish feels like home