Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta (One-Pot!)
This One-Pot Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta is a quick, comforting meal made with simple ingredients. Tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and pasta are simmered together in a rich, garlicky cream sauce—all in one pot! It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something hearty, satisfying, and family-friendly with minimal cleanup.
Time:
Prep Time:Â 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 30–35 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients:
Main:
1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced
2 tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
3 1/2 cups chicken broth (or water + bouillon)
2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
12 oz (340g) short pasta (penne, rotini, or shells work best)
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
Instructions:
Sear the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through (about 5–7 minutes).
Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics:
In the same pot, add onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Simmer Everything Together:
Add the uncooked pasta, chicken broth, cream, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil.
Add Broccoli:
Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the broccoli florets and return the cooked chicken to the pot.
Cover and let simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens. Add a splash of water or broth if the pasta absorbs too much liquid before it’s done.
Finish with Cheese:
Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella/cheddar (if using) until melted and creamy.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Serve:
Garnish with extra Parmesan and black pepper.
Serve hot straight from the pot with garlic bread or a simple salad.
Tips for the Best Creamy Pasta
Cut Chicken Evenly
Dice the chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces so it cooks evenly and quickly.
Use Fresh Garlic
Fresh garlic adds a bold, aromatic layer that pre-minced garlic just can’t match.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta
Since the pasta simmers in the sauce, stir occasionally and test for doneness to avoid mushy noodles.
Keep the Sauce Creamy
Stir in the cheese at the end and remove from heat right after it melts to keep it smooth and avoid curdling.
Adjust Creaminess
If the sauce gets too thick, stir in a splash of warm broth, milk, or pasta water to loosen it up.