Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe

🍝 Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Servings: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: About 40 minutes

🛒 Ingredients

• 300 g pasta — penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti
• 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup milk
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes — optional
• ½ cup reserved pasta water
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley — optional

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken

Cut the chicken breasts into small, even-sized pieces. Season them with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the chicken and cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

2. Cook the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.

Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

3. Cook the broccoli

You can cook the broccoli in the pasta water for convenience.

Add the broccoli during the last 2–3 minutes of pasta cooking. It should become bright green and tender but still have a little bite.

Drain the pasta and broccoli together.

4. Make the creamy garlic sauce

Place the same skillet used for the chicken over medium heat.

Add 3 tablespoons butter.

Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30–60 seconds. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Pour in the heavy cream and milk. Stir well.

Add Italian seasoning, black pepper, and chili flakes if using.

Let the sauce gently simmer for 2–3 minutes. Don’t boil it aggressively, as the cream can separate.

5. Add Parmesan

Lower the heat.

Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese while stirring continuously.

The cheese will melt into the cream and create a thick, smooth sauce.

If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your preferred consistency.

6. Add the chicken, pasta, and broccoli

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.

Add the drained pasta and broccoli.

Gently toss everything together until the pasta is completely coated in the creamy sauce.

Cook for another 1–2 minutes over low heat so all the flavors come together.

7. Taste and adjust

Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning.

Add more salt, black pepper, Parmesan, or chili flakes according to your preference.

If the sauce is too thick, add another splash of pasta water.

If it’s too thin, let it cook gently for another minute or two.

8. Serve

Transfer the creamy chicken and broccoli pasta to serving plates.

Top with extra grated Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley.

For an extra kick, sprinkle a little chili flakes or freshly ground black pepper on top.

😋 Tips for the Best Creamy Pasta

• Don’t overcook the pasta. Slightly firm pasta works best because it continues cooking in the sauce.
• Save pasta water. The starchy water helps loosen and bind the creamy sauce.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
• Don’t boil the cream sauce too hard. Gentle heat helps prevent the sauce from becoming grainy.
• For extra flavor, you can add mushrooms, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or cooked bacon.
• For a stronger garlic flavor, add an extra clove of garlic.
• If you prefer a lighter sauce, replace some of the heavy cream with additional milk.

🍽️ What to Serve With It

This pasta is filling on its own, but you can serve it with:

• Garlic bread
• Crispy green salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Homemade bread
• Extra Parmesan cheese

The result: tender seasoned chicken, fresh broccoli, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce all combined into one comforting meal.