If you are looking for a dinner that feels cozy, indulgent, and packed with wholesome flavors, this Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta with Broccoli Recipe is absolutely perfect. It combines tender chicken, vibrant green spinach and broccoli, and a luscious, creamy sauce all woven into your favorite pasta shape. Every bite is a delightful mix of textures and tastes that come together effortlessly, making it a true weeknight winner or a special meal to share with family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of deliciousness, from the fresh vegetables adding pops of color and nutrition, to the creamy sauce that wraps everything in smooth richness. These simple essentials come together to create a dish that is greater than the sum of its parts.
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rotini): Choose a shape that holds sauce well and cooks to a perfect al dente texture.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing chicken and adding a fruity foundation to the dish.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced: Provides hearty protein and soaks up the cream sauce beautifully.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Adds crunch and vibrant green color along with a satisfying bite.
- 3 cups fresh spinach: Offers a mild, leafy freshness that wilts into the sauce for extra nutrients.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Imparts an irresistible aroma and depth of flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The key to a rich, velvety sauce that coats every ingredient.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Lightens the sauce and infuses subtle savory notes.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
- Optional: red pepper flakes and fresh parsley for garnish: For adding a little heat and a fresh, herbaceous touch.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta with Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli
Begin by boiling your pasta in salted water until just al dente. Two minutes before the pasta finishes cooking, toss in the broccoli florets to blanch them until they’re tender but still crisp. This technique keeps the broccoli bright green and full of bite, balancing perfectly with the creamy sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken seasoned with salt and pepper, cooking it until golden on the outside and cooked through inside, about 5 to 7 minutes. Setting the chicken aside allows you to build flavors in the same pan for maximum taste.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, stir in the minced garlic and sauté gently for about a minute until fragrant. This small step releases the garlic’s oils and flavors, creating a wonderful base for your sauce without overpowering the dish.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Then, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt smoothly into the liquids. The sauce will thicken slightly, becoming luxuriously creamy, ready to envelop all the ingredients.
Step 5: Combine Everything Together
Return the cooked chicken to the pan, then add the drained pasta, broccoli, and fresh spinach. Toss everything together carefully until the spinach wilts and every bite of pasta is coated in that heavenly sauce. This step melds all the flavors deliciously.
Step 6: Season to Perfection
Adjust your seasoning with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a gentle kick. Tasting as you go ensures the seasoning is perfectly balanced and suits your personal preferences.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the pasta hot onto plates or bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and an additional dusting of Parmesan if desired to add color and extra layers of flavor. This dish shines best fresh and warm, showcasing its creamy, wholesome goodness.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta with Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a pinch of fresh parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes not only enhances the appearance but introduces a fresh herbaceous note and a subtle heat that balances the creaminess perfectly. For fans of cheese, extra Parmesan is always a welcomed finish.
Side Dishes
Since the dish is rich and satisfying, lighter sides like a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some crunchy garlic bread complement it wonderfully. Roasted cherry tomatoes or a simple cucumber salad also pair nicely, offering a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta in individual hollowed-out tomatoes or bell peppers to impress guests with a unique presentation. Alternatively, layering the pasta in a baking dish and topping with breadcrumbs for a quick gratin can turn it into a comforting casserole version.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta with Broccoli Recipe holds up well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the sauce’s creaminess and the freshness of the vegetables.
Freezing
Freezing creamy pasta dishes can be tricky but not impossible. To freeze, cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers. Keep in mind the texture of the spinach may change slightly after thawing, so it’s best to eat within 1 month for optimal flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Avoid the microwave if possible to maintain the sauce’s smooth texture and prevent the chicken from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne, fettuccine, and rotini work wonderfully because they hold the sauce well, but feel free to use whatever pasta you prefer or have on hand — even spaghetti can work if you’re feeling traditional.
Is it possible to substitute the heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce, but keep in mind it won’t be as thick or rich. To mimic creaminess, adding a bit of cream cheese or a flour slurry can help.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Sure! Simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini. You can also use plant-based protein alternatives to keep the dish hearty.
What’s the best way to cook the chicken so it stays tender?
Cooking the chicken over medium heat just until golden and fully cooked ensures it stays juicy. Avoid overcooking, which can make it tough. Dicing the chicken into small pieces also helps it cook evenly and quickly.
How can I add more flavor to the sauce?
Besides garlic and Parmesan, try adding a splash of white wine when deglazing the pan, or a sprinkle of Italian herbs like basil and oregano to deepen the flavor. A squeeze of lemon juice at the end can brighten everything beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta with Broccoli Recipe quickly becomes a go-to comfort dish that you’ll want to make again and again. The balance of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and fresh greens is truly magical. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy a meal that feels as satisfying as a warm hug on a plate.
Print
Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta with Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A rich and creamy chicken and spinach pasta dish with tender broccoli florets, simmered in a luscious Parmesan and cream sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal that comes together quickly.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rotini)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cups fresh spinach
Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
Sauce and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes and fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta and broccoli: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets to the boiling water. Drain pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
- Cook chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken breasts, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: Using the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Make the sauce: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine ingredients: Add the cooked chicken, drained pasta, broccoli, and fresh spinach to the sauce. Toss everything together until the spinach wilts and all ingredients are evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
- Season and garnish: Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fettuccine, or rotini.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative.
- You can add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Make sure not to overcook the broccoli; adding it in the last minutes of pasta cooking ensures it stays tender-crisp.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently to prevent sauce separation.
