One-Pot

Chicken And Broccoli Pasta

Name: Chicken And Broccoli Pasta
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 3 cups broccoli florets; 8 oz (225g) pasta; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, chopped; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp dried basil; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper

By Liana Underhill · June 19, 2026 · One-Pot

Prep20 min

Cook25 min

Total45 min

Serves4

I've always loved a good pasta dish, and Chicken And Broccoli Pasta is one of my favorites. It's a classic Italian-American recipe that's easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. I remember my grandmother making it for me when I was a kid, and now I make it for my own family. It's a great way to get everyone to eat their veggies, and the best part is that it's ready in under an hour.

The key to this recipe is using high-quality ingredients and not overcooking the pasta or the chicken. You want the pasta to be al dente, which means it should still have a bit of bite to it, and the chicken should be cooked through but still juicy. I like to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs because they're easy to cook and always turn out tender.

This recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal because it's quick, easy, and can be made with ingredients you probably already have on hand. You can also customize it to your taste by adding your favorite vegetables or using different types of pasta. So go ahead, give it a try, and let me know what you think!

One of the things I love about this recipe is that it's a great way to get my kids to eat their veggies. They love the creamy sauce and the chicken, and they don't even notice that they're eating broccoli. It's a great way to sneak in some extra nutrition, and it's a recipe that I know they'll love for years to come.

In addition to being a great way to get my kids to eat their veggies, this recipe is also a great way to use up any leftover broccoli I have on hand. I hate throwing away food, and this recipe is a great way to use up any extra broccoli I have in the fridge. Plus, it's a great way to add some extra nutrients to our meal, and it's a recipe that I know we'll all love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and can be ready in under an hour.
It's a great way to get everyone to eat their veggies, and the best part is that it's delicious.
You can customize it to your taste by adding your favorite vegetables or using different types of pasta.
It's a great way to use up any leftover broccoli you have on hand.
It's a recipe that's perfect for a weeknight meal because it's quick and easy to make.
It's a great way to add some extra nutrients to your meal, and it's a recipe that you'll love for years to come.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe works because it's a great combination of flavors and textures. The creamy sauce is made with a combination of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, which gives it a rich and creamy texture. The chicken is cooked until it's tender and juicy, and the broccoli is cooked until it's tender but still crisp. The pasta is cooked al dente, which means it still has a bit of bite to it, and it's tossed with the sauce and the chicken and broccoli until everything is well coated.

The sauce is also an important part of this recipe. It's made with a combination of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, which gives it a rich and creamy texture. I like to add a bit of garlic and onion to the sauce for extra flavor, and I also like to add a bit of salt and pepper to taste. The sauce is what brings everything together in this recipe, and it's what makes it so delicious.

Another important part of this recipe is the cooking technique. I like to cook the chicken and the broccoli in a large skillet with a bit of olive oil until they're tender, and then I add the sauce and the pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until it's well coated. This is a great way to cook the pasta and the sauce together, and it's a great way to get everything to meld together.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this recipe, you'll need a few simple ingredients. You'll need some boneless, skinless chicken thighs, some broccoli, some pasta, and some heavy cream and Parmesan cheese for the sauce. You'll also need some olive oil, garlic, and onion for added flavor. Make sure to choose high-quality ingredients, such as fresh broccoli and good-quality pasta, to ensure that your dish turns out delicious.

When shopping for the ingredients, look for boneless, skinless chicken thighs that are fresh and have no added preservatives. Choose a good-quality pasta that is made from durum wheat semolina, and select fresh broccoli with tight, green florets. For the sauce, use heavy cream and Parmesan cheese that are high in quality and have no added preservatives.

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighsI like to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs because they're easy to cook and always turn out tender. Make sure to choose fresh chicken with no added preservatives.
3 cups broccoli floretsChoose fresh broccoli with tight, green florets. You can also use frozen broccoli if fresh is not available, just make sure to thaw it first.
8 oz (225g) pastaI like to use a good-quality pasta made from durum wheat semolina. Choose a shape that holds onto the sauce well, such as penne or fusilli.
2 tbsp olive oilUse a high-quality olive oil with a good flavor. You can also use other oils such as avocado oil or grapeseed oil if you prefer.
2 cloves garlic, mincedI like to use fresh garlic for the best flavor. You can also use jarred garlic if fresh is not available.
1 small onion, choppedChoose a sweet onion such as Vidalia or Maui for the best flavor. You can also use other types of onions such as yellow or white if you prefer.
1 cup heavy creamUse high-quality heavy cream with no added preservatives. You can also use half-and-half or whole milk if you prefer a lighter sauce.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheeseChoose a good-quality Parmesan cheese with no added preservatives. You can also use other types of cheese such as mozzarella or cheddar if you prefer.
1 tsp dried basilI like to use dried basil for its convenience and long shelf life. You can also use fresh basil if you prefer a more vibrant flavor.
1/2 tsp saltUse a high-quality salt such as kosher or sea salt for the best flavor. You can also use other types of salt such as table salt if you prefer.
1/4 tsp black pepperI like to use freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor. You can also use pre-ground pepper if you prefer.

Ingredients for Chicken And Broccoli Pasta

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or wokSharp chef's knifeCutting boardColanderInstant-read thermometerWooden spoon or silicone spatula

How to Make Chicken And Broccoli Pasta

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it's al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the spaghetti.
2
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until it's browned on both sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3
Add the garlic and onion to the skillet and cook until they're softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the broccoli to the skillet and cook until it's tender, about 4-5 minutes.
4
Add the heavy cream to the skillet and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes or until it's slightly thickened. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until it's melted and smooth.
5
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it with the sauce until it's well coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water.
6
Return the chicken to the skillet and toss it with the pasta and sauce until it's well coated.
7
Season the pasta with salt, pepper, and basil, and serve it hot.
8
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, it should be 165 F (74 C).
9
Let the pasta rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
10
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and basil if desired.

Expert Tips

Make sure to choose high-quality ingredients, such as fresh broccoli and good-quality pasta, to ensure that your dish turns out delicious.
Don't overcook the pasta or the chicken, as this can make the dish dry and unappetizing.
Use a good-quality cheese, such as Parmesan, to add depth and richness to the sauce.
Add the pasta water to the sauce if it seems too thick, as this will help to create a creamy and smooth sauce.
Let the pasta rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, it should be 165 F (74 C).
Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to make the dish your own.
Make sure to cook the chicken until it's cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165 F (74 C).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the pasta or the chicken, which can make the dish dry and unappetizing.
Not using high-quality ingredients, such as fresh broccoli and good-quality pasta, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
Not adding enough sauce to the pasta, which can make the dish dry and unappetizing.
Not letting the pasta rest for a few minutes before serving, which can affect the texture and flavor of the dish.
Not using an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, which can lead to undercooked or overcooked chicken.
Not seasoning the pasta with salt, pepper, and basil, which can affect the flavor of the dish.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the skillet with the garlic and onion for added flavor and nutrients.
Use different types of pasta, such as linguine or fettuccine, for a change of pace.
Add some cooked bacon or pancetta to the sauce for a smoky flavor.
Use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar, for a different flavor profile.
Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, to the sauce for added flavor and freshness.
Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version of the dish.
Add some cooked sausage or chicken to the sauce for added protein and flavor.

What to Serve With Chicken And Broccoli Pasta

This recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal, and it's also a great option for a special occasion. You can serve it with a side of garlic bread or a green salad for a well-rounded meal. The creamy sauce and tender chicken and broccoli make it a comforting and satisfying dish that's sure to become a favorite.

You can also customize the recipe to your taste by adding your favorite vegetables or using different types of pasta. Some other options for sides include roasted vegetables, sautéed spinach, or grilled asparagus. Whatever you choose, I'm sure you'll love this recipe and make it again and again.

Garlic breadGreen saladRoasted vegetablesSautéed spinachGrilled asparagusSteamed broccoli

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This recipe can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To make ahead, cook the pasta and sauce separately and store them in separate containers in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, simply combine the pasta and sauce and reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

To freeze, cook the pasta and sauce separately and store them in separate containers or freezer bags. When you're ready to serve, simply thaw the pasta and sauce overnight in the fridge and reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Reheating the pasta and sauce can be done in a variety of ways, including in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven. Simply reheat the pasta and sauce until it's hot and steaming, and serve it immediately. You can also add some extra sauce or cheese to the pasta if you prefer a creamier sauce.

One thing to keep in mind when reheating the pasta and sauce is to make sure it's heated through and steaming hot. This will help to prevent foodborne illness and ensure that the dish is safe to eat. You can also use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pasta and sauce, it should be at least 165 F (74 C).

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pasta is best for this recipe?

I like to use a good-quality pasta made from durum wheat semolina. Choose a shape that holds onto the sauce well, such as penne or fusilli.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli if fresh is not available. Just make sure to thaw it first and squeeze out as much water as possible before using it in the recipe.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

You can add a bit of the reserved pasta water to the sauce if it seems too thick. This will help to create a creamy and smooth sauce.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. Simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop when you're ready to serve.

What is the internal temperature of the chicken when it's cooked through?

The internal temperature of the chicken should be at least 165 F (74 C) when it's cooked through. You can use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken.

Can I customize the recipe to my taste?

Yes, you can customize the recipe to your taste by adding your favorite vegetables or using different types of pasta. Some other options for sides include roasted vegetables, sautéed spinach, or grilled asparagus.

How do I reheat the pasta and sauce?

You can reheat the pasta and sauce in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven. Simply reheat it until it's hot and steaming, and serve it immediately.

Can I use gluten-free pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta for this recipe. Just make sure to choose a high-quality gluten-free pasta that is made from a combination of rice, corn, and quinoa flour.

The Full Recipe

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