If you love a classic bowl of spaghetti with marinara, you’re going to love switching things up with this rich and creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta. It’s quick, comforting, and packed with protein and veggies—perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner any day of the week!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- ✅ Creamy and garlicky without being too heavy
- ✅ Packed with tender chicken and fresh broccoli
- ✅ A 30-minute meal made with pantry staples
- ✅ Perfect for meal prep or family dinners
Ingredients:
- 8 oz penne pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)
- 2 cups broccoli florets, cut small
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cooked chicken breasts, diced into small cubes
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
- Cook the Pasta and Broccoli:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook until al dente according to package directions. During the last 5 minutes of cooking, toss in the broccoli florets. Drain everything and set aside. - Make the Cream Sauce:
In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic, salt, and pepper, and cook for another minute. - Thicken the Sauce:
Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Cook for 2–3 more minutes, stirring until the sauce thickens. - Add Cheese and Combine:
Stir in the grated parmesan until melted and smooth. Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken. Toss everything together until coated and heated through. - Serve:
Spoon into bowls, garnish with extra parmesan if desired, and serve hot!
Tips and Variations
- Broccoli: Cut florets small so they cook quickly and blend well with the pasta.
- Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan melts better and adds rich flavor.
- Chicken: Save time by using rotisserie chicken or leftovers.
- Add-ins: Try bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for even more veggies!
What to Serve With It:
- Garlic bread
- A simple green salad
- Roasted veggies
Storage & Reheating
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Microwave gently or reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
- Freeze? Not recommended—cream sauces don’t hold up well after freezing.
Lighter Option:
You can substitute low-fat milk, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich and creamy. It’s still delicious!
Creamy, garlicky, and full of flavor, this Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is sure to become a new favorite in your weeknight dinner rotation. Quick to make and even quicker to disappear!