If you are craving a comforting, flavorful, and wholesome meal that comes together with ease, this Homemade Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe is the perfect answer. Combining tender, juicy chicken with crisp broccoli and al dente pasta all tossed in a luscious creamy Parmesan sauce, this dish boasts the right balance of textures and flavors to satisfy any appetite. Whether you want a weekday dinner or something special for guests, this recipe delivers that cozy, home-cooked magic every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential for creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures in your Homemade Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe. Each one plays a pivotal role, from the creamy sauce that envelopes everything to the fresh broccoli that adds a vibrant pop of color and health.
- 2 cups pasta: Use your favorite shape; penne or rigatoni hold the sauce beautifully.
- 1 lb chicken breast: Lean and tender, the star protein packed with flavor.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Adds freshness, crunch, and a lovely green contrast.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with a fragrant, savory depth.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Creates that irresistible cheesy creaminess.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce rich and silky smooth.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Perfect for searing the chicken and sautéing the garlic and broccoli.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential to balance and enhance every flavor.
How to Make Homemade Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Boil
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) just to have it ready if needed, and bring a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil — this is for cooking the pasta to that perfect al dente texture that holds up wonderfully under the creamy sauce.
Step 2: Cook Pasta
Following the package instructions, cook your pasta until just tender but still firm to the bite. Drain it thoroughly and set it aside because you’ll want every bit of sauce to cling beautifully without the pasta being soggy.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken
Season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper for a well-rounded flavor. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat — this hot oil is what will give your chicken that delicious golden crust. Cook each side for 6 to 7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and juicy inside. Remove from heat and let the chicken rest; resting keeps it moist and makes slicing easier.
Step 4: Sauté Garlic and Broccoli
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and let it cook until it smells heavenly, about one minute. Immediately add the broccoli florets and sauté them until they’re crisp-tender — bright green, just enough to have a little bite but not mushy.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer. Then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely, transforming the mixture into a dreamy sauce that clings perfectly to every bite of pasta and broccoli.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked pasta back into the skillet and toss everything together to coat the noodles in that rich sauce. Slice the rested chicken and gently fold it into the skillet, letting all the ingredients mingle deliciously. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed, and your Homemade Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe is ready for the table, piping hot and utterly inviting.
How to Serve Homemade Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling a bit more grated Parmesan over the top right before serving adds an extra cheesy touch that melts just slightly from the heat, creating an appealing finish both visually and taste-wise. A few torn basil leaves or a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil can also elevate the flavors wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a fresh baguette makes for a perfect accompaniment to soak up any leftover sauce, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party twist on this Homemade Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe, serve it in individual shallow bowls with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat and freshly cracked black pepper for added aroma. Presenting the chicken slices fanned on top adds a lovely visual appeal that invites your guests to indulge.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Because the sauce is cream-based, it’s best enjoyed relatively soon after cooking to keep the texture and flavor fresh and vibrant.
Freezing
While you can freeze this dish, the texture of broccoli and creamy sauce might change slightly after thawing. If freezing, place portions in freezer-safe containers and consume within one month for the best taste and texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce as it warms. Avoid microwaving at high power to keep the chicken tender and the sauce from separating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for the Homemade Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is flexible with pasta choices. Shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle work great because they catch and hold the creamy sauce well.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese, but keep in mind the sauce won’t be quite as rich and silky.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and consider adding mushrooms or tofu for protein. The creamy sauce and broccoli will still make it satisfying.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear. Cooking 6-7 minutes per side on medium-high heat usually does the trick for average breast thickness.
Can I prepare parts of this dish ahead of time?
You can cook the pasta and chicken earlier and keep them refrigerated separately. Assemble and finish the sauce when ready to eat for a quick meal turnaround.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about crafting a meal from scratch that feels both indulgent and nourishing, and this Homemade Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe does exactly that. It’s a cozy dish that brings comfort and joy to any dinner table, and once you try it, it’s bound to become one of your go-to recipes for weeknights or casual gatherings. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll fall in love with every creamy, flavorful bite!
Print
Homemade Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 20m
- Total Time: 0h 35m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
A creamy and satisfying homemade chicken and broccoli pasta dish featuring tender chicken breast, fresh broccoli florets, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. This easy-to-make recipe is ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cups pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for any optional finishing steps or warmth maintenance.
- Boil water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil to cook the pasta.
- Cook pasta: Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Season chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat skillet: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Cook chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked through and no longer pink inside. Remove from skillet and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Cook broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet with the garlic and cook for 3-4 minutes until they become slightly tender but still bright green.
- Make sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Toss pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat all the noodles with the creamy sauce.
- Add chicken: Slice the rested chicken breasts thinly and add them to the skillet, mixing everything together.
- Season and combine: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, stirring everything until combined evenly.
- Serve: Serve the chicken and broccoli pasta hot, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan cheese for an added flavor boost. Enjoy your delicious homemade meal!
Notes
- You can use any pasta shape you prefer, but penne or fusilli work well to hold the sauce.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less thick.
- Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To add more veggies, consider including mushrooms or bell peppers when sautéing the garlic.
- If you prefer, grill the chicken instead of pan-frying for a smokier flavor.
