Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

By: Rabia

Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta (Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe)

Description

This creamy chicken and broccoli pasta is a rich, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing dish that combines tender golden-seared chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, crisp broccoli florets, and a luxurious garlic Parmesan cream sauce. It’s a recipe that sits right at the intersection of easy weeknight dinners, restaurant-style comfort food, and high-protein family meals.

The sauce is velvety without being heavy, clinging beautifully to every tube of pasta while balancing the savory depth of chicken, the freshness of broccoli, and the umami punch of Parmesan cheese. This dish is inspired by classic chicken Alfredo pasta, but elevated with added texture, nutrition, and flavor—making it one of the most searched and monetizable recipes online.

Whether you’re creating content around easy pasta recipes, creamy chicken dinners, family-friendly meals, or high-CPM food keywords, this recipe is a proven favorite with mass appeal.

Why This Recipe Performs So Well (and Why You’ll Love It)

  • High-CPM evergreen dish – creamy chicken pasta recipes consistently rank high

  • One-pan sauce – minimal cleanup, maximum flavor

  • High protein comfort food – filling and satisfying

  • Perfect for meal prep – reheats beautifully

  • Customizable – adaptable to healthy, low-fat, or gluten-free diets

This is the kind of dish that works for Pinterest, food blogs, YouTube cooking channels, and recipe websites, while also being practical and delicious for everyday home cooking.

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

Pasta & Vegetables

  • 12 oz rigatoni, penne, or ziti pasta

  • 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

Chicken

  • 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Creamy Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons butter

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)

  • ½ cup chicken broth

  • 1½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, enhances creaminess)

Optional Add-Ins

  • Red pepper flakes (for heat)

  • Mozzarella cheese (extra stretch)

  • Fresh parsley or basil (garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. During the final 2 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets to the same pot.

Drain and reserve ½ cup pasta water. Set aside.

Pro tip: Cooking broccoli with pasta saves time and keeps dishes minimal—ideal for weeknight meals.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

Cut chicken into bite-sized chunks. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.

Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Cream Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and allow it to melt. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Sprinkle flour over the butter and whisk continuously for 1 minute to eliminate raw flour taste. Slowly pour in chicken broth, followed by heavy cream, whisking constantly until smooth.

Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until sauce begins to thicken.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Seasoning

Lower heat and stir in Parmesan cheese gradually until fully melted and smooth. Add black pepper and nutmeg if using.

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If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Add pasta and broccoli. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Serve

Serve immediately, garnished with parsley, cracked black pepper, or extra Parmesan cheese.

Nutritional Overview (Approximate Per Serving)

  • Calories: 520–600

  • Protein: 38–42g

  • Carbohydrates: 45g

  • Fat: 28g

This dish is a strong contender for high-protein dinner ideas while still delivering indulgent comfort.

Variations & Substitutions

Healthier Chicken Pasta

  • Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream

  • Reduce cheese to 1 cup

  • Add spinach or zucchini

Baked Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Transfer finished pasta to a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes until bubbly.

Gluten-Free Version

Use gluten-free pasta and replace flour with cornstarch slurry.

Low-Carb Option

Swap pasta for cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

  • Refrigerator: Store in airtight container for up to 4 days

  • Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months (sauce may slightly separate—stir while reheating)

  • Reheating: Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream

This makes it perfect for meal prep lunch ideas and family-friendly leftovers.

Frequently Asked Questions (High-CPM SEO Focus)

What is the best pasta for creamy chicken recipes?

Short pasta like rigatoni, penne, or ziti holds sauce best and ranks well for creamy pasta recipe searches.

Can I make chicken broccoli pasta ahead of time?

Yes. This recipe stores well and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for weekly meal prep.

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How do you keep cream sauce from separating?

Use low heat when adding cheese and avoid boiling once cream is added.

Is chicken broccoli pasta healthy?

When made at home, it provides high protein, vegetables, and can be adjusted for lower fat—making it a balanced homemade comfort food.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely. Using rotisserie chicken saves time and boosts flavor, a popular easy dinner shortcut.

High-CPM Keywords Naturally Included

  • Creamy chicken pasta recipe

  • Chicken broccoli Alfredo

  • Easy pasta dinner

  • High-protein meals

  • Comfort food recipes

  • Family-friendly dinners

  • Homemade Alfredo sauce

  • One-pan chicken pasta

  • Best creamy pasta recipes

Final Thoughts

This creamy chicken and broccoli pasta is a timeless recipe that combines indulgence with practicality. It’s rich without being overwhelming, comforting without being boring, and flexible enough to suit countless dietary needs. From SEO-optimized food blogs to home-cooked family dinners, this dish consistently delivers flavor, value, and visual appeal.

Rabia
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