Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and fresh broccoli, this Chicken Broccoli Pasta recipe is a dinner that checks all the boxes.

Juicy chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and crisp-tender broccoli are tossed in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce that’s comforting without being overly heavy.

It’s made with simple ingredients and comes together in about 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.

I make Chicken Broccoli Pasta whenever I want a meal that’s both comforting and balanced. The broccoli adds freshness and color, while the creamy sauce brings everything together. Even people who aren’t big broccoli fans usually go back for seconds because it soaks up all that delicious garlic Parmesan flavor. I love serving it with warm garlic bread and a simple salad, but it’s filling enough to be a complete meal on its own. Once you try it, it’s easy to see why this recipe becomes a regular part of the dinner rotation.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in about 35 minutes.
• Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor.
• Made with simple everyday ingredients.
• A great way to add more vegetables to dinner.
• Perfect for busy weeknights.
• Family-friendly and comforting.
• Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables.
• Great for meal prep and leftovers.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces – Chicken breast cooks quickly and stays juicy when cooked just until done. Boneless chicken thighs are another great option if you prefer darker meat.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – Olive oil helps the chicken brown nicely while preventing it from sticking to the pan.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – Italian seasoning adds a blend of herbs that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Garlic powder gives the chicken an extra layer of savory flavor.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Salt enhances the flavor of the chicken and balances the richness of the sauce.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper – Black pepper adds mild warmth without overpowering the dish.

For the Pasta

• 12 ounces penne, rotini, or shells – These pasta shapes hold the creamy sauce well, making every bite flavorful. Feel free to use your favorite pasta.
• Salt for the pasta water – Salting the water seasons the pasta from the inside out.

For the Broccoli Parmesan Sauce

• 3 cups broccoli florets – Fresh broccoli adds color, texture, and nutrition. Cut the florets into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – Butter creates a rich base for the sauce and adds wonderful flavor.
• 4 garlic cloves, minced – Fresh garlic gives the sauce a bold, homemade taste that pairs perfectly with the chicken and broccoli.
• 2 cups heavy cream – Heavy cream creates a smooth, rich sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
• ½ cup chicken broth – Chicken broth adds savory flavor while keeping the sauce balanced.
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – Parmesan melts into the sauce and adds a rich, nutty flavor. Freshly grated cheese melts much better than pre-shredded.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A little extra seasoning ties all the flavors together.
• ½ teaspoon paprika – Paprika adds subtle warmth and a hint of color.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Adjust according to the saltiness of the Parmesan cheese.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground black pepper balances the creamy sauce.
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley – Fresh parsley brightens the finished dish and adds color.

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Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot
• Large skillet
• Colander
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

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How to Make Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Step 1: Cook the pasta and broccoli

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. During the last 2 to 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the same pot.

Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta and broccoli together.

Step 2: Cook the chicken

Season the chicken with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer it to a plate.

Step 3: Make the creamy sauce

Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for 3 to 4 minutes.

Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and broccoli, then toss until everything is evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 5: Garnish and serve

Sprinkle with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese before serving. Serve immediately while the sauce is hot and creamy.

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Recipe Variations

Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta

Add an extra ½ cup Parmesan cheese and a little more heavy cream for an Alfredo-style sauce.

Chicken Broccoli Bacon Pasta

Stir crispy chopped bacon into the finished pasta for a smoky, savory twist.

Lemon Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Add the zest and juice of one lemon for a brighter, fresher flavor.

Chicken Broccoli Mushroom Pasta

Sauté sliced mushrooms before making the sauce for extra savory depth.

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What to Serve With Chicken Broccoli Pasta

• Garlic bread
• Caesar salad
• Garlic knots
• Roasted asparagus
• Steamed green beans
• Roasted Brussels sprouts
• Mixed green salad
• Caprese salad
• Dinner rolls
• Roasted carrots

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How to Store and Reheat

Refrigerator

Store leftover Chicken Broccoli Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. The sauce may separate slightly after thawing, but gentle reheating helps bring it back together.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk, chicken broth, or heavy cream until the sauce becomes smooth again. You can also microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the broccoli

Cook the broccoli just until crisp-tender. Overcooked broccoli becomes soft and loses its bright green color.

Overcooking the chicken

Chicken breast cooks quickly and can dry out if left on the heat too long. Remove it once it reaches 165°F (74°C).

Boiling the cream sauce

Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer instead of a rolling boil to prevent it from separating.

Using pre-shredded Parmesan

Freshly grated Parmesan melts much more smoothly and creates a silky sauce.

Forgetting the reserved pasta water

A little pasta water helps adjust the consistency of the sauce and allows it to coat the pasta evenly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes. Frozen broccoli works well. There’s no need to thaw it first—just add it during the last few minutes of cooking the pasta.

Can I make Chicken Broccoli Pasta ahead of time?

Yes. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat gently with a splash of milk or chicken broth to keep the sauce creamy.

Can I use a different pasta?

Absolutely. Penne, rotini, shells, rigatoni, fusilli, or fettuccine all work well with this recipe.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely. Mushrooms, spinach, peas, asparagus, zucchini, and bell peppers all pair nicely with the creamy sauce.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes. Stir shredded rotisserie chicken into the sauce during the final few minutes of cooking until heated through. It’s an easy shortcut for busy nights.