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Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a quick, healthy, and satisfying meal that combines tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and pasta in a savory, creamy sauce. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep. Best of all, it’s made in one pot for easy cleanup!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Nutritious & Balanced: Packed with protein, veggies, and hearty pasta.
- Customizable: Use your favorite pasta or sauce.
- Easy Cleanup: One-pot dish means less mess.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need (for full measurements, see the recipe card below):
- Chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Broccoli florets
- Pasta (penne, rotini, or spaghetti)
- Olive oil
- Garlic (minced)
- Chicken broth or cream
- Parmesan cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
1. Cook the Pasta and Broccoli
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook according to package directions.
- In the last 3-4 minutes, add the broccoli.
- Drain together and set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken pieces and cook until browned and fully cooked (6-7 minutes).
- Season with salt and pepper.

3. Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add garlic and cook until fragrant (1 minute).
- Pour in chicken broth or cream and stir.
- Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken.

4. Combine Everything
- Add pasta and broccoli to the skillet.
- Toss everything together until well combined.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese (optional).

5. Serve & Enjoy
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot and enjoy!

Expert Tips & Tricks
- For a creamy sauce, use half-and-half or heavy cream.
- Short on time? Use rotisserie chicken.
- Want extra flavor? Add red pepper flakes.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Add more veggies: Bell peppers, spinach, zucchini.
- Switch the protein: Use turkey, shrimp, or tofu.
- Make it healthier: Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.
- Make it cheesy: Add mozzarella or cheddar.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
- Enjoy with a glass of white wine or sparkling water.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat with a splash of water or broth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! This recipe works well with penne, rotini, spaghetti, or even whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.
Use half-and-half, whole milk, Greek yogurt, or cream cheese for a creamy texture with fewer calories.
Yes! Store the pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or broth.
Try shrimp, tofu, turkey, or chickpeas for a different twist.
Add a splash of reserved pasta water, milk, or broth to keep the sauce smooth.
Absolutely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, or cherry tomatoes make great additions.
Related Recipes
Check out these delicious one-pot meals:
Conclusion
This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a go-to meal for busy nights! It’s packed with flavor, protein, and veggies, making it a well-rounded, family-friendly dish. Try this recipe, customize it, and let me know how you liked it!
Print
How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a quick, healthy, and satisfying meal that combines tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and pasta in a savory, creamy sauce. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup chicken broth or cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions. In the last 3-4 minutes, add the broccoli. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned and fully cooked (6-7 minutes). Season with salt and pepper.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and cook until fragrant (1 minute). Pour in chicken broth or cream and stir. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken.
- Add pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything together until well combined. Stir in Parmesan cheese (optional).
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
For a creamy sauce, use half-and-half or heavy cream. Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker version. Add red pepper flakes for extra flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat with a splash of water or broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 70mg









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