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Easy Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Recipe – Quick Family Dinner Idea

Easy Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Recipe – Quick Family Dinner Idea

This easy creamy chicken and broccoli pasta recipe is your go-to solution for those nights when you need something comforting, wholesome, and quick. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a complete meal packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and a dreamy garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. It’s flexible, family-friendly, and always satisfying the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your weekly rotation.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 5 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For Chicken:
  • 2 large chicken breasts about 450 g / 1 lb, thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil 15 ml
  • 1 tsp salt 5 g
  • ½ tsp black pepper 2 g
  • ½ tsp paprika optional, for color
  • For Broccoli & Pasta:
  • 3 cups 300 g broccoli florets
  • 12 oz 340 g pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
  • 1 tsp salt for boiling water
  • For Creamy Sauce:
  • 2 tbsp butter 30 g
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour 8 g
  • 1½ cups heavy cream 360 ml or half-and-half
  • ½ cup chicken broth 120 ml
  • ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese 75 g
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of nutmeg for depth
  • Optional Add-Ins:
  • ½ tsp chili flakes for heat
  • ½ cup cooked mushrooms or ¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Method
 

  1. Boil Pasta & Broccoli:
  2. Bring salted water to a boil, add pasta, and cook until al dente (8-10 mins).
  3. In the last 2 minutes, add broccoli florets. Drain and set aside.
  4. Cook Chicken:
  5. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  6. Add sliced chicken seasoned with salt, pepper, and paprika.
  7. Sauté 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  8. Make Cream Sauce:
  9. In the same pan, melt butter. Add garlic; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  10. Stir in flour and cook 1 minute to form a roux.
  11. Add Liquids:
  12. Gradually whisk in heavy cream and chicken broth.
  13. Simmer 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  14. Add Cheese:
  15. Stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
  16. Combine Everything:
  17. Add chicken, pasta, and broccoli back to the skillet. Toss gently to coat.
  18. Simmer Briefly:
  19. Cook 2–3 minutes on low heat until sauce clings perfectly to the pasta.
  20. Serve:
  21. Plate hot, garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Enjoy immediately!
  22. Pro Tips
  23. For extra creaminess, stir in ¼ cup mozzarella cheese before serving.
  24. Adjust sauce thickness with extra broth or milk if needed.
  25. Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut meal.

Notes

Variations

  • Add protein variety: Try shrimp or turkey instead of chicken.
  • Go extra green: Add peas, spinach, or zucchini for a veggie boost.
  • Cheesy twist: Mix mozzarella or cheddar for an extra-gooey sauce.
  • Spice it up: Add Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes for a fiery edge.

Substitutions

  • Cream: Replace with coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
  • Parmesan: Nutritional yeast works well for a vegan version.
  • Pasta: Use whole-wheat, gluten-free, or chickpea pasta as needed.
  • Chicken: Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled pieces save time.

Make-Ahead & Storage

  • Make-Ahead: Prepare sauce and chicken separately; cook pasta fresh before serving.
  • Storage: Keeps up to 3 days refrigerated in an airtight container.
  • Reheating: Add a splash of milk or broth before microwaving or reheating on low.
  • Freezing: Not ideal due to cream separation, but you can freeze just the cooked chicken and broccoli.

Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes

  • Sauce too thin? Add a bit more flour or simmer longer.
  • Sauce too thick? Thin with milk or broth in small increments.
  • Pasta overcooked? Always stop at al dente; it’ll cook slightly more in the sauce.
  • Lumpy sauce? Whisk continuously when adding liquids to flour and butter.

Tools & Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Medium saucepan or pasta pot
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups/spoons
  • Colander
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Serving Ideas

  • Serve with garlic bread, Caesar salad, or a simple green salad.
  • Top with extra Parmesan or toasted breadcrumbs for a gourmet touch.
  • Pair with a light white wine like Pinot Grigio or a refreshing lemonade.