Comforting, creamy, and gently nourishing — the kind of dinner that slows the evening down and brings everyone back to the table.
There’s something deeply reassuring about a skillet of creamy pasta bubbling gently on the stove. Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is one of those recipes that feels familiar the moment you smell it — tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, bright green broccoli, all wrapped in a smooth, velvety sauce that tastes like it took far more effort than it did.
This is the kind of meal you make when you want comfort without heaviness, when you want something cozy but still fresh, and when you need dinner to be dependable. It’s weeknight-friendly, family-approved, and just indulgent enough to feel special.
Chicken Breast (2 cups cooked, cubed or sliced)
Lean, tender, and mild — chicken is the protein that makes this pasta filling without overpowering the sauce.
Pasta (12 oz, penne or rigatoni)
Short pasta with ridges holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully. Penne, rigatoni, or rotini all work well.
Broccoli Florets (2 cups)
Adds freshness, color, and balance. Broccoli keeps the dish from feeling too heavy.
Butter (2 tbsp)
Forms the base of the sauce and adds richness right from the start.
Garlic (2–3 cloves, minced)
A gentle aromatic that deepens flavor without being sharp.
Heavy Cream (1–1½ cups)
Creates that smooth, luxurious texture that makes this dish feel comforting.
Chicken Broth (½–1 cup)
Thins the sauce just enough while adding savory depth.
Parmesan Cheese (1 cup, freshly grated)
Melts into the sauce for salty, nutty richness.
Seasonings
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Italian seasoning (optional)
Step 1 — Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook pasta until just al dente according to package directions.
During the last 2–3 minutes, add broccoli to the boiling water.
Drain and set aside.
Step 2 — Season & Cook the Chicken
Season chicken lightly with salt and pepper.
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
Add chicken and cook until golden and cooked through.
Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 3 — Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, add a bit more butter if needed.
Add minced garlic and cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4 — Add Cream & Broth
Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth.
Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring often.
Step 5 — Add Parmesan
Slowly stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Season with black pepper and Italian seasoning if using.
Step 6 — Combine Everything
Add cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken back into the skillet.
Gently toss until everything is evenly coated in the sauce.
Step 7 — Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning.
Serve warm, topped with extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper.
