When you’re pressed for time but still want a satisfying dinner, creamy broccoli chicken pasta is the answer. This dish blends tender chicken pieces with vibrant broccoli and a rich, velvety sauce that brings the whole meal together. Ready in just about 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something wholesome yet fuss-free.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Broccoli Chicken Pasta Recipe
This recipe is a winner because it’s simple but packed with flavor and texture. The chicken thighs stay juicy and flavorful, while the broccoli adds a fresh crunch and bright green color. The creamy sauce, enriched with Parmesan cheese and a touch of lemon, makes every bite comforting and delicious. Plus, the whole dish comes together quickly, meaning you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal. It’s a family favorite for good reason—comfort food made easy, with a nutritious twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Creamy Broccoli Chicken Pasta
- 500 grams (about 1 pound) boneless chicken thighs, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed or minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or whipping cream)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 to 3 cups broccoli florets, cut into small pieces
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 500 grams (1 pound) pasta of your choice, cooked with 1 cup of pasta cooking water reserved
How to Make Creamy Broccoli Chicken Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until it’s just tender but still firm—al dente. Before draining, save one cup of the pasta water; it will help create a smooth sauce later.
Next, warm a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drizzle a little olive oil over the chicken pieces, then season with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in the hot pan and cook for several minutes until it’s no longer pink and starts to develop a light golden color. Once cooked, remove the chicken and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add the butter, crushed garlic, and dried thyme. Let them cook for about 30 seconds to release their aroma. Pour in the heavy cream and lemon juice, then bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.
Add the chicken back to the pan along with the broccoli florets. Partially cover the skillet and let everything simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the broccoli is tender but still crisp.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, which will thicken the sauce and add a rich, cheesy flavor. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Finally, add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, pour in some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the pasta is nicely coated.
Serve this creamy broccoli chicken pasta right away for the best taste and texture.
How to Serve Your Creamy Broccoli Chicken Pasta
Serving this dish is straightforward but can be elevated with a few simple touches. You can plate it as is for a hearty family meal, or garnish with extra grated Parmesan and freshly ground black pepper for a little extra flavor punch.
For a refreshing contrast, serve it alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette. Adding some crusty bread or garlic bread can also turn this into a complete and satisfying dinner. This dish pairs well with a simple side of roasted vegetables or even steamed green beans if you want to add more color and nutrients.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Creamy Broccoli Chicken Pasta
To make your creamy broccoli chicken pasta even better, consider these tips. Use chicken thighs rather than breasts—they stay juicier and more tender when cooked quickly. Don’t overcook the broccoli; it should retain a bit of crunch for the best texture and vibrant color.
When adding the Parmesan cheese, make sure to stir continuously to avoid clumping and ensure it melts smoothly into the sauce. If your sauce gets too thick, the reserved pasta water is your best friend to loosen it up without watering down the flavor.
For garlic, fresh minced works best, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can be used—just adjust the amount carefully. Lastly, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right at the end brightens the creamy sauce beautifully.
How to Store Leftover Creamy Broccoli Chicken Pasta
If you have leftovers, cool them quickly and store the pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency, heating gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Avoid reheating multiple times as the chicken can dry out and the broccoli may lose its texture. For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta, but the texture of the broccoli may soften once thawed.
Variations to Try with Creamy Broccoli Chicken Pasta
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste. Swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat. You can add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor profile. Using spinach or kale instead of broccoli can give the dish a fresh twist.
If you want a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic. For a lighter sauce, substitute half the cream with milk or a non-dairy alternative, but keep in mind it won’t be as rich. You can also try using different pasta shapes, like penne or fusilli, for variety in texture and appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Broccoli Chicken Pasta
What kind of pasta works best for this recipe?
You can use any pasta you like, but shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni hold the creamy sauce well.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breast is fine, but thighs are juicier and more forgiving if you’re short on time.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Stir in more grated Parmesan or reduce the sauce by simmering a little longer.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, but the broccoli may become softer after freezing and thawing.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
You can try substituting cream with coconut milk and using a dairy-free cheese alternative, but the flavor will change.
Creamy Broccoli Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 500 grams boneless chicken thighs (chopped into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic (crushed or minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or whipping cream)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2-3 cups broccoli florets (cut into small pieces)
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 500 grams pasta (cooked with 1 cup of reserved pasta cooking water)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until no longer pink and lightly golden. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add butter, garlic, and thyme. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and lemon juice, bringing to a gentle simmer.
- Add chicken back to the skillet along with broccoli. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until chicken is cooked through and broccoli is tender yet crisp.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Add cooked pasta, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until desired consistency is reached.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and pepper if desired.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!