Creamy, cozy, and packed with protein, Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is one of those go-to dinners that manages to be both comforting and nourishing. This dish combines the tenderness of grilled chicken with al dente pasta and bright green broccoli, all coated in a rich, garlic-infused cream sauce. It’s a perfect weeknight option that feels just fancy enough to serve to guests.

Whether you’re craving something hearty without going overboard or just need a quick way to please a crowd, this pasta hits all the right notes. The creaminess doesn’t overpower the freshness of the broccoli, and the lightly charred chicken adds just the right touch of smokiness. Plus, everything comes together in a single pan if you’re efficient—less cleanup, more dinner satisfaction.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Chicken and Broccoli Pasta?

Fettuccine is a favorite for this dish because its wide surface grabs onto the creamy sauce nicely. Penne, rotini, or even linguine would also do the trick. What matters most is that the pasta has enough body to carry the sauce and balance the chunkier elements like chicken and broccoli.

Ingredients for the Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Chicken Breast
Lean and full of flavor, chicken breast takes on seasoning well and adds protein to the meal.

Broccoli Florets
Fresh or frozen, broccoli brings a pop of green and a crisp-tender contrast to the rich sauce.

Fettuccine Pasta
This long, flat noodle holds creamy sauces well and adds to the overall indulgence.

Garlic
Aromatics like garlic build depth in the cream sauce—you’ll want it sautéed to golden perfection.

Heavy Cream
For that luscious, silky sauce that clings to every bite.

Parmesan Cheese
Adds sharpness and body to the sauce—a little goes a long way.

Olive Oil & Butter
Used for cooking the chicken and sautéing the aromatics, creating a flavor base.

Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning
Simple seasonings that let the main ingredients shine.

How To Make the Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by slicing chicken breasts into bite-sized strips. Heat a mix of olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides and cooked through. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine until al dente, adding the broccoli florets in the last 2-3 minutes of boiling. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Build the Sauce

In the same skillet used for the chicken, lower the heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, letting it thicken slightly.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Toss the cooked pasta and broccoli into the sauce, folding gently to coat. Add the seared chicken back into the pan, mixing everything until well combined. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

How to Serve and Store Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Serve this pasta straight from the skillet with a final dusting of Parmesan and a few cracks of black pepper. A slice of crusty garlic bread and a side salad will round it out nicely.

For storing, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to bring back the sauce’s creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the pasta so it doesn’t water down the sauce.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese can work in a pinch, though the sauce won’t be as rich.

Can I use a different protein?

Absolutely. Shrimp, turkey, or even crispy tofu are great alternatives to chicken in this dish.

How do I keep the sauce from breaking?

Simmer gently and don’t overcook. Adding cheese gradually off the heat can also help maintain a smooth texture.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

It can be, though the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly. Reheat slowly and stir in a bit of cream or milk.

Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

You might also like the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, a spicy alternative with a smoky kick. Or explore the Best Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti if you love that rich, cheesy finish.

For more one-pan comfort meals, the One Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta is a showstopper. And if you lean toward bold flavors, the Spicy Rattlesnake Pasta is an absolute must-try.

Prefer something oven-baked? The Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe delivers all the cozy vibes of a bake with a zesty punch.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

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If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you char your chicken? Did you go extra cheesy? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious how others bring their own twist to it.

Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy, rich, and full of comforting flavor, this Chicken and Broccoli Pasta blends juicy seared chicken, tender broccoli florets, and fettuccine in a garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. It’s a well-balanced one-skillet meal that’s quick enough for weeknights and satisfying enough for guests.

Instructions

Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and sear until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Boil fettuccine in salted water according to package directions. In the last 2–3 minutes, add broccoli to the boiling water. Drain and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce heat and sauté garlic until fragrant.
Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, letting the sauce thicken slightly.
Add cooked pasta and broccoli to the sauce. Toss to coat.
Return chicken to the skillet and combine everything. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner