Masters of kitchen
Imagine twirling your fork into a bowl of creamy, cheesy pasta—each bite clinging to juicy chicken and tender-crisp broccoli florets. This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Delight Pasta is exactly that kind of cozy comfort food: rich, satisfying, and secretly packed with veggies.
It’s the type of dinner that feels indulgent but comes together with pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients. Whether you’re feeding picky little ones, impressing guests, or just craving something warm and soul-hugging on a busy night, this recipe delivers.
Even better? It’s a one-pan wonder that saves time on cleanup. No fancy techniques, no hard-to-find ingredients—just a delicious, easy weeknight meal that tastes like it took hours. Once you try it, it’ll become a regular rotation in your dinner lineup.
Why This Recipe is a Family Favorite
There’s a reason this pasta dish keeps making its way back to the table—it hits all the right notes. It’s creamy and savory, yet fresh and balanced thanks to the broccoli. You get the comfort of a cheesy pasta bake without the fuss of turning on the oven.
Parents love it because it’s a sneaky way to get kids to eat their veggies—everything is mixed into one creamy bite. Plus, the ingredients are budget-friendly and easy to find. You probably have most of them in your kitchen right now.
No need for separate side dishes or complex prep. With just one skillet and a few steps, you get a complete meal that satisfies everyone. It’s no wonder this dish earns rave reviews from the whole family—it’s just the right mix of simple, delicious, and dependable.
Ingredient Spotlight: What You’ll Need
Let’s break down what makes this pasta shine—and how you can tweak it to your taste.
Protein: Chicken Breast vs Thighs
Chicken breasts are lean and cook quickly, while thighs stay extra juicy and offer deeper flavor. Both work beautifully—use what you have!
Vegetables: Fresh vs Frozen Broccoli
Fresh broccoli holds texture better and looks more vibrant, but frozen broccoli works in a pinch—just steam it briefly so it doesn’t get mushy.
Cream Base Options
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Heavy cream = ultra-rich and velvety
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Whole milk = lighter, still creamy (add a bit of flour to thicken)
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Cream cheese = tangy and thick (a small amount goes a long way)
Pasta Picks
Short shapes like penne, rotini, or fusilli grab onto the sauce better than spaghetti. Go with your favorite!
Flavor Boosters
Garlic, Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and chicken broth layer in delicious savory depth.
Optional Add-ins
Try adding sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat.
Time-Saving Tip: Use rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
This dish is all about easy steps and big flavor. Here’s how to bring it all together:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil your pasta until just al dente. Drain, but save about ½ cup of pasta water—you may need it to adjust the sauce later.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet. Add diced chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until golden on the outside and cooked through (about 5–7 minutes). Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Broccoli
Steam or blanch the broccoli until just tender but still bright green. You can do this in the same pot as the pasta or separately in the microwave with a splash of water.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt some butter and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant (1 minute), then pour in cream or milk. Stir in shredded Parmesan and let it melt into a luscious sauce.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken back into the skillet. Stir gently to coat everything in the sauce. If it’s too thick, use a splash of reserved pasta water.
Step 6: Simmer Gently
Let everything simmer together for 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens.
Step 7: Finish & Serve
Add a sprinkle of black pepper, a squeeze of lemon juice, or chopped parsley for a fresh finish. Serve hot.
Bold Tip: Reserve some pasta water—it’s liquid gold for creamy sauces.
Helpful Tips for Creamy Perfection
To get that restaurant-style creaminess at home, keep these pro tips in mind:
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Don’t overcook the broccoli. You want it tender, not mushy—a bright green pop adds both texture and color.
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Grate cheese yourself for better melting. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can mess with the sauce’s texture.
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Stir the sauce gently and don’t let it boil—this helps prevent curdling or separating.
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Let the pasta sit for a couple of minutes before serving. It allows the sauce to cling and thicken just right.
These simple tweaks make all the difference between a good pasta dish and a can’t-stop-eating-it creamy delight.
Creative Variations to Try
One of the best things about this recipe? It’s incredibly flexible. Here are some delicious twists to keep things interesting:
Low-Carb/Keto-Friendly
Swap out the pasta for spiralized zucchini noodles or steamed cauliflower florets. You’ll still get the creamy satisfaction—just lighter and lower in carbs.
Spicy Kick
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or even Cajun seasoning for a bold twist that perks up the flavor.
Gluten-Free Version
Just switch to your favorite gluten-free pasta—chickpea, lentil, or brown rice pastas work great and hold up beautifully in creamy sauces.
Cheesy Overload
Go all-in on indulgence by mixing mozzarella, fontina, or even a touch of Gouda for a next-level cheesy melt.
Baked Casserole Style
Pour everything into a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs and extra cheese, then broil until golden and bubbly. Perfect for make-ahead dinners or potlucks!
What to Serve with Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
While this dish is a full meal on its own, the right sides can turn it into a truly satisfying dinner spread. Here are some perfect pairings:
Garlic Bread or Crusty Sourdough
Soak up every drop of that creamy sauce with a warm slice of bread—no fork required.
Light Green Salad
A fresh salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a lemon vinaigrette adds a bright, crisp contrast to the rich pasta.
Lemon-Roasted Asparagus
Oven-roasted asparagus with a squeeze of lemon ties in beautifully with the broccoli and adds a pop of color.
Iced Tea or White Wine
A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or even a fruity iced tea balances the meal and keeps things refreshing.
How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat
This pasta stores surprisingly well, making it great for leftovers and meal prep.
Fridge:
Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits!
Freezer:
Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Use freezer-safe bags or containers, and remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Reheat Tips:
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Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat.
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Add a splash of milk or broth to loosen up the sauce as it warms.
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Stir gently and frequently to prevent clumping or scorching.
Avoid microwaving for long periods—use short intervals and stir between each to keep the texture just right.
Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips
This dish is meal-prep gold. Here’s how to save time during the week:
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Prep the chicken and steam the broccoli a day ahead and refrigerate in separate containers.
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Make the sauce up to 2 days ahead and store in a jar—just reheat gently when it’s time to combine.
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Boil pasta fresh the day you serve it so it doesn’t get soggy.
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Assemble everything right before dinner for the freshest texture and taste.
Meal Prep Tip:
Divide into single-serve containers for grab-and-go work lunches or quick reheats. Add a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan right before serving for a flavor boost.
FAQs
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, you can! Use whole milk for a lighter version. To thicken, add 1 tablespoon of flour or cornstarch while making the sauce. It’s still delicious—just not as rich.
What kind of pasta works best for this recipe?
Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle are ideal. They hold onto the creamy sauce better and are easier to mix with the chicken and broccoli.
Can I use rotisserie or leftover chicken?
Absolutely. Shred rotisserie chicken and stir it in after the sauce is finished. It’s a great time-saver and helps avoid overcooked meat.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, chickpeas, or even tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and keep the rest of the recipe the same.
How do I keep the sauce from becoming watery?
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Cook the pasta separately and drain well
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Avoid adding too much broccoli water
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Simmer the sauce until thick before combining everything
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If it still feels thin, stir in extra cheese or a touch of cream cheese
Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Make It Again and Again
This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Delight Pasta is a keeper. It’s cozy, versatile, and perfect for busy weeknights or special weekend dinners. Whether you’re feeding a family or just treating yourself, it’s the kind of dish that brings comfort, smiles, and clean plates—every time.
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Delight Pasta
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Medium pot (for pasta)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife & cutting board
- Grater (for cheese)
- Measuring cups/spoons
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 2 chicken breasts diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets fresh or frozen
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk with 1 tbsp flour
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup reserved pasta water optional
- Optional: red pepper flakes lemon zest, chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté chicken in olive oil over medium heat until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Steam broccoli until just tender and vibrant green. Drain and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute.
- Add cream, bring to a simmer, and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Return chicken and broccoli to the skillet. Add pasta and toss to coat in sauce.
- Adjust sauce with reserved pasta water if needed. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with lemon zest, red pepper flakes, or fresh parsley.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time—just shred and stir in at the end.
- Swap pasta for gluten-free or low-carb alternatives if needed.
- Freshly grate your cheese for the smoothest, creamiest sauce.
- The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools—let it rest before serving for the perfect consistency.
Nutrition
