Creamy Broccoli Chicken Pasta (Printable)
A comforting plate featuring chicken, tender broccoli, and a rich creamy sauce over pasta.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz penne or fettuccine
→ Chicken
02 - 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 12 oz)
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Vegetables
06 - 10 oz broccoli florets
→ Sauce
07 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
08 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon heavy cream
10 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
11 - 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)
12 - Salt and pepper to taste
→ Garnish (optional)
13 - Extra grated Parmesan cheese
14 - Chopped fresh parsley
# How-To Steps:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
02 - Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet, let rest 3 minutes, then slice into strips.
03 - Add broccoli florets to the boiling pasta water during the last 3 minutes of pasta cooking time. Drain broccoli along with the pasta.
04 - In the skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
05 - Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and dried Italian herbs if using. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
06 - Add drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a smooth, silky sauce consistency.
07 - Top the pasta and sauce with sliced chicken and gently combine. Serve immediately garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It comes together in under 40 minutes, which means you can eat before 8 PM on a weeknight.
- The cream sauce is rich but doesn't feel heavy, especially when you get those broccoli florets soaking it up.
- Leftover chicken makes it easy to prep ahead and just warm through when hunger strikes.
02 -
- Don't skip seasoning the chicken before it cooks; that initial salt and pepper is what gives you a real crust and actual flavor.
- The pasta water is your secret weapon—it transforms a separated sauce into something silky and cohesive, so don't feel shy about using it.
03 -
- If your sauce breaks or looks grainy, whisk in an extra tablespoon of cold cream away from heat and it will come back together.
- Taste as you season instead of guessing—Parmesan is salty, so go light at first and adjust at the end.