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This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a delightful combination of tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and al dente penne, all enveloped in a creamy Parmesan sauce. It’s a comforting dish that’s both hearty and satisfying, perfect for a cozy dinner at home. The recipe is straightforward, making it an excellent choice for weeknight meals when time is of the essence.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

8 oz penne pasta
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
3 cups broccoli florets
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Cook the Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook until al dente. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pasta water. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and broccoli.
Cook the Chicken: Meanwhile, season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook until slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
Finish the Sauce: Stir the Parmesan cheese into the cream sauce until melted. Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste.
Combine the Ingredients: Add the cooked penne, broccoli, and chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until well coated, adding some reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to reach your desired sauce consistency. Drizzle with lemon juice and toss again.
Serve the Dish: Serve the chicken and broccoli pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if desired. Enjoy!

Nutrients

Per serving (based on 4 servings):

Calories: 592 kcal
Protein: 24g
Carbohydrates: 51g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 34mg
Sodium: 296mg
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 5g
Vitamin C: 33mg
Calcium: 50mg
Iron: 3mg
Potassium: 345mg

Why This Recipe is a Weeknight Wonder

One of the biggest draws of Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is its simplicity. It’s a one-pan-friendly, weeknight-friendly meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. When time is short and you’re not in the mood for an elaborate cooking session, this recipe shines as an efficient yet satisfying solution.

The process is streamlined and intuitive: cook your pasta, steam your broccoli in the same pot to save time and dishes, sear the chicken until golden, then bring it all together with a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce. It’s straightforward enough for beginners but flavorful enough to impress seasoned cooks.

Better yet, everything cooks in under 40 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for families, working professionals, or anyone looking to avoid takeout without sacrificing comfort or taste.

The Flavor Profile: Comforting, Bright, and Balanced

Flavor-wise, Chicken and Broccoli Pasta hits all the right notes. The chicken, seasoned with Italian herbs and sautéed to a golden finish, brings savory depth and protein-packed richness. Broccoli contributes freshness, color, and a slightly bitter contrast that cuts through the creamy sauce, preventing the dish from becoming too heavy.

The sauce is where everything ties together. Creamy without being cloying, it’s built with a base of heavy cream and chicken broth for body, then enhanced with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, garlic, and a hint of lemon juice for brightness. Italian seasoning gives it an herbal touch, and red pepper flakes add just the right amount of gentle heat.

It’s a full sensory experience: creamy, tender, a little spicy, a little tangy, and full of umami from the Parmesan.

Nutritional Balance in a Bowl

Despite being a comfort food dish, Chicken and Broccoli Pasta offers a reasonably well-balanced meal when portioned properly. It provides a solid source of protein from the chicken, fiber and vitamins from the broccoli, and carbohydrates from the pasta to keep you energized.

Broccoli, in particular, is a star ingredient from a nutritional standpoint. It’s high in vitamin C, rich in antioxidants, and supports digestive and immune health. By incorporating a generous amount of this green vegetable, the dish achieves a sense of balance often lacking in heavier pasta meals.

Of course, the creamy sauce does contain fat, particularly saturated fat from the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. But with a serving size that stays around 600 calories, this dish fits comfortably into most balanced meal plans, especially if paired with a light salad or fruit for dessert.

Adaptability for Every Kitchen

Another reason this recipe is so beloved is its adaptability. Don’t have penne? Use fusilli, rigatoni, fettuccine, or whatever you have on hand. No fresh broccoli? Frozen works just as well. Prefer a lighter version? Sub in half-and-half instead of heavy cream or use Greek yogurt for a protein boost and a tangier flavor.

Vegetarians can easily omit the chicken or substitute it with sautéed mushrooms, chickpeas, or plant-based chicken alternatives. For a gluten-free version, swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure your broth and other seasonings are certified gluten-free.

The versatility makes it ideal for meal prepping too. It stores well in the fridge for up to four days and reheats nicely, meaning you can make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.

Why Broccoli and Chicken Work So Well Together

Chicken and broccoli are a duo that just works. Chicken brings a mild, neutral flavor that pairs well with practically anything. When properly seasoned and seared, it becomes juicy and flavorful without overpowering the dish. Broccoli adds not only color and texture but also a vegetal brightness that complements the richness of the chicken and sauce.

This pairing is also a classic in many cuisines beyond Italian-American—think of stir-fries, casseroles, and rice dishes. Their culinary chemistry is well-documented and endlessly customizable, and this pasta version is just another chapter in their delicious legacy.

A Sauce That Elevates

The creamy Parmesan sauce is truly the glue that binds all the elements of this dish. It’s made from a handful of ingredients, yet the result is a deeply flavorful, restaurant-quality sauce. Parmesan cheese offers saltiness and umami, heavy cream provides body and mouthfeel, and a dash of lemon juice lifts the entire flavor profile with brightness.

The beauty of this sauce is that it’s forgiving and adjustable. Like it thicker? Simmer it a little longer. Want a thinner sauce? Add more broth or a splash of reserved pasta water. It’s also the perfect vehicle for adding more flavor through simple touches—extra garlic, fresh herbs like parsley or basil, or a dusting of nutmeg for a hint of warmth.

Family Favorite Status Guaranteed

This dish has all the makings of a family favorite. It’s kid-friendly thanks to the creamy sauce and familiar ingredients. It’s parent-approved because it checks the boxes for nutrition, flavor, and ease of preparation. And it’s flexible enough to keep everyone happy by allowing simple substitutions or additions.

Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, trying to get more veggies into your family’s diet, or just want to sit down to a hot, homemade meal without stressing over a complicated recipe, this one checks every box.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Though Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is satisfying on its own, you can easily turn it into a complete meal with just a couple of extras. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette makes a fresh counterpoint to the richness of the sauce. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is perfect for soaking up every last bit of creamy goodness.

For drinks, a light white wine such as Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Chardonnay pairs beautifully. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a splash of lemon or a fruity iced tea adds a refreshing touch.

Leftovers That Don’t Disappoint

Unlike many pasta dishes that tend to dry out when reheated, this one holds up remarkably well. The cream sauce remains creamy when gently reheated on the stove or in the microwave, especially if you add a splash of milk or broth. This makes it perfect for lunch the next day or even as part of a weekly meal prep rotation.

The flavors actually deepen a bit after sitting, making leftovers potentially even better than the first serving.

Conclusion: A Recipe You’ll Return to Again and Again

Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is more than just a quick dinner—it’s a reminder that simple ingredients, when treated well, can create something truly special. It’s the kind of meal that delivers comfort, flavor, and nourishment all in one bowl. Whether you’re cooking for a hectic weeknight, a cozy date night, or a family dinner, this dish offers reliability with just enough elegance to feel like something more.

Its wide appeal, nutritional balance, and flexibility ensure it earns a regular spot in your recipe rotation. The creamy Parmesan sauce, the tender chicken, the vibrant broccoli—all come together in perfect harmony, creating a pasta dish that satisfies cravings and brings people to the table with smiles.

So next time you need a dinner that’s guaranteed to please, look no further than this classic combo. Chicken and Broccoli Pasta isn’t just a meal—it’s comfort in a bowl, ready in minutes, and made to be shared.

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