Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta: Easy Weeknight Dinner

After a long day, nothing hits the spot quite like a warm and comforting meal. This creamy chicken pasta with broccoli is the perfect easy weeknight dinner that comes together quickly without sacrificing flavor. You’ll love how tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a luscious cream sauce combine over your favorite pasta.

this Recipe

Whether you’re cooking for family or just yourself, this dish is satisfying and simple enough to make on busy evenings. Plus, it packs in protein and veggies so you can feel good about what’s on your plate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in just 30 minutes for quick weeknight meals
• Creamy, flavorful sauce without heavy cream
• Balanced mix of protein, pasta, and vegetables
• One-pot cooking saves time and cleanup
• Customizable with your favorite pasta or add-ins

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make your creamy chicken and broccoli pasta come together perfectly.

• 8 ounces penne or rotini pasta
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
• 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 480 per serving

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta (Easy Weeknight Dinner)

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle flour over garlic and stir constantly for 1 minute to form a roux.
4. Slowly whisk in chicken broth and milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook until sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add broccoli florets to the sauce and simmer for 4-5 minutes until broccoli is tender-crisp.
6. Return cooked chicken to the skillet and stir in grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
7. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and gently toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
8. Remove from heat and let the pasta rest for 1-2 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
9. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Tips for the Best Results

• Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking.
• Don’t overcook broccoli; it should stay bright green and slightly crisp.
• Use whole milk for a richer sauce, or substitute half-and-half for extra creaminess.
• Reserve a little pasta water before draining to loosen the sauce if needed.
• Feel free to swap penne for fusilli or farfalle for texture variety.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover creamy chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to avoid drying out.

This dish also freezes well—place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well if fresh isn’t available. Add it directly to the sauce and cook until heated through and tender, adjusting the cooking time slightly.

What can I substitute for chicken breasts?

You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier option. Just adjust cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked and tender.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

Absolutely! Substitute the milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free creamy sauce.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can cook the chicken and pasta in advance, but it’s best to combine and heat everything just before serving to keep the sauce creamy and the broccoli crisp.