Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with Broccoli

If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful dinner that comes together quickly and feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with Broccoli is your next go-to recipe. Blending tender chicken, vibrant green broccoli, and pasta coated in a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce, this dish checks every box for a satisfying meal that’s both easy to make and impressively delicious. Perfect for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for casual get-togethers, this recipe is a winner you’ll want to keep on repeat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple and Quick: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor.
• Balanced Nutrition: Combines protein, veggies, and carbs in one hearty dish that fuels your body and delights your taste buds.
• Rich, Creamy Flavor: The garlic and Parmesan sauce adds comforting depth without being heavy or overwhelming.
• Customizable Ingredients: Easily adaptable to your pantry or dietary preferences with swaps and additions.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup needed thanks to using just a few pots and pans.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with Broccoli lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a key role in taste, texture, and visual appeal. From tender chicken pieces to the bright green snap of broccoli florets, every item delivers a component that elevates the dish.

• Chicken breast or thighs: Tender and mild, perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Pasta (penne or fettuccine): Holds sauce well, adding satisfying chewiness.
• Fresh broccoli florets: Adds color, crunch, and a nutritious punch.
• Garlic cloves: Infuses the sauce with deep aromatic flavor.
• Parmesan cheese: Provides the signature salty richness and creamy texture.
• Heavy cream (or half and half): Creates the silky, dreamy sauce that binds everything together.
• Olive oil: For cooking the chicken and sautéing garlic to perfection.
• Butter: Adds richness and a silky mouthfeel to the sauce.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
• Optional fresh herbs (like parsley or basil): For a fresh, bright finish.

Variations for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with Broccoli

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, making it easy to tweak based on your taste preferences, dietary requirements, or what’s in your fridge. Feel free to experiment and make it your own.

• Vegetarian option: Swap chicken for mushrooms or extra broccoli for a meatless version.
• Low-carb variation: Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower pasta for a lighter meal.
• Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to infuse heat.
• Cheese swap: Try Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a different but still rich flavor.
• Extra veggies: Stir in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers for more color and nutrition.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with Broccoli

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta and Broccoli

Start by boiling salted water and cooking your pasta until al dente according to package instructions. In the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot so they’re perfectly tender yet still bright green. Drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper, then cook them until golden brown and no longer pink inside, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Make the Sauce

Lower the heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, toss in minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned, about 1-2 minutes. Next, pour in heavy cream, stirring to combine, then gradually add grated Parmesan cheese while stirring continuously, allowing the sauce to thicken and become silky.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained pasta and broccoli. Toss everything gently to coat in the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish off with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with Broccoli

• Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese often contains additives and won’t melt as smoothly.
• Don’t overcook the broccoli: Adding it to the pasta water at the end ensures it stays crisp-tender and vibrant.
• Reserve pasta water: It’s starchy and perfect for loosening the sauce without diluting flavor.
• Cook chicken in batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan to get a better sear and prevent steaming.
• Go easy on the heat with the garlic: Burnt garlic tastes bitter; cook it gently until fragrant.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with Broccoli

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil lifts the dish visually and adds a fresh herbal brightness that balances the creamy sauce.

Side Dishes

Pair this pasta with a crisp garden salad or garlic bread to add crunchy textures and round out your meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, serve the pasta family-style in a large shallow bowl with a wedge of lemon on the side to add a little zing if desired.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days to keep the flavors intact and the chicken moist.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well if stored properly; use a freezer-safe container and consume within 2 months for best flavor and texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency without drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer a richer flavor and stay juicy; just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

Yes, substitute dairy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free cheese alternatives for a similar creamy texture and taste.

Can I make this recipe without broccoli?

Definitely. You can omit broccoli or replace it with other vegetables like spinach, peas, or asparagus depending on your preference.

What type of pasta works best?

Penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni are ideal because their shapes hold onto the creamy sauce well, but feel free to use your favorite variety.

How spicy is this dish?

By default, it’s mild and creamy, but you can add crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to give it a little kick if you like some heat.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with Broccoli is a must-try recipe that brings comfort and a burst of flavor into your weeknight meals with ease. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, it’s a satisfying, versatile dish that’s sure to become a timeless favorite in your dinner rotation. Give it a whirl and enjoy all the creamy goodness!

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