Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

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Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

 Description

This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a comforting, family-friendly meal made with tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and pasta tossed in a rich, garlicky cream sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for guests.

 Servings

4–6 servings

Time

  • Prep: 10 minutes

  • Cook: 25 minutes

  • Total: ~35 minutes

 Ingredients

  • 12 oz rigatoni (or penne, ziti, fettuccine)

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed

  • 2 cups broccoli florets

  • 4 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • ½ cup chicken broth

  • ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

  • 1 tablespoon butter

  • Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta
    Cook pasta according to package directions in salted water. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

  2. Cook Chicken
    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add cubed chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and fully cooked (5–6 minutes). Remove and set aside.

  3. Cook Broccoli
    In the same skillet, add broccoli and sauté for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp. Remove and set aside.

  4. Make the Sauce
    Reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter and garlic; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
    Pour in chicken broth and cream, stirring gently.

  5. Add Cheese & Seasoning
    Stir in Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until slightly thickened (3–5 minutes).

  6. Combine
    Add cooked pasta, chicken, and broccoli back to the skillet. Toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.

  7. Serve
    Garnish with parsley or basil and extra Parmesan.

 Notes & Tips

  • Extra creamy: Add 2 oz cream cheese to the sauce

  • Healthier option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream

  • Crispier chicken: Sear chicken without moving for the first 2 minutes

  • Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta

  • Add-ins: Mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or spinach work beautifully

 Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)

  • Calories: 540

  • Protein: 36g

  • Fat: 28g

  • Carbohydrates: 42g

  • Fiber: 4g

  • Sugar: 3g

  • Sodium: 620mg

 Benefits

  • High in protein for muscle support

  • Broccoli adds fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants

  • Balanced meal with carbs, fats, and protein

  • Great for meal prep (keeps 3–4 days refrigerated)

Q & A

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Store refrigerated and reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth.

Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely—add it during the final combining step.

Q: Can I freeze it?
Cream sauces can separate when frozen, but it’s possible. Reheat slowly and stir well.

Q: What pasta works best?
Rigatoni, penne, or shells hold the sauce best.

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