Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
A rich, comforting one-pan meal ready in 30 minutes! 🍝✨
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 30 mins
Servings: 4 | Calories: ~550 per serving
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ One-pan wonder – Less cleanup, more flavor!
✅ Kid-friendly – Sneaks in veggies with creamy goodness.
✅ Meal-prep hero – Tastes great reheated for lunches.
Ingredients
Main Components:
- 8 oz spaghetti (or pasta of choice)
- 2 chicken breasts, diced (~1 lb)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Creamy Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (+ extra for garnish)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Boil pasta in salted water al dente (per package instructions). Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
2. Sauté Chicken
- Heat olive oil/butter in a large skillet over medium-high.
- Add diced chicken, season with salt & pepper, and cook until golden (5-6 mins). Remove and set aside.
3. Cook Broccoli & Garlic
- In the same skillet, add garlic, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add broccoli + 2 tbsp broth, cover, and steam 3-4 mins until tender-crisp.
4. Make the Sauce
- Pour in heavy cream + remaining broth, then stir in Parmesan and Italian seasoning.
- Simmer 2-3 mins until slightly thickened.
5. Combine & Serve
- Toss in cooked pasta + chicken, adding reserved pasta water if needed for sauciness.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and black pepper.
Pro Tips
🔹 Extra creamy? Add 2 oz cream cheese with the Parmesan.
🔹 Short on time? Use rotisserie chicken and frozen broccoli.
🔹 Lighter option? Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk.
Serving Suggestions
🍞 Pair with: Garlic bread and a simple salad.
🌶 Kick it up: Add red pepper flakes for heat.
“My picky eater asked for seconds!” — Share your twist in the comments! 😊
