Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta – A Healthy, Easy Dinner Recipe

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to cook a comforting classic that’s both wholesome and satisfying?

There’s a quiet kind of joy in meals that feel familiar, nourishing, and deeply comforting. 🍝 Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta is one of those dishes—rooted in everyday home cooking, where balance matters just as much as flavor. For generations, cooks have paired pasta with simple vegetables and tender chicken to create meals that stretch ingredients, feed families well, and bring everyone back to the table.

What makes this recipe special is its harmony. The broccoli adds freshness and color, the chicken brings hearty protein, and the creamy sauce ties everything together without feeling heavy. It’s the sort of dish you might remember from a family dinner, gently simmering on the stove while conversation filled the kitchen. Even today, it remains a trusted go-to for busy weeknights, quiet weekends, or anytime you crave something reassuring yet light enough to enjoy guilt-free.

This recipe respects tradition while fitting modern life. It’s easy, flexible, and forgiving—perfect for using leftover chicken or whatever pasta you have on hand. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or simply taking care of yourself after a long day, this dish offers comfort in every bite. Let’s honor simple ingredients, thoughtful cooking, and the timeless pleasure of a good homemade meal. 💚

Ingredients 🥣

(Serves 4)

• 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or spaghetti)
• 2 cups cooked chicken, sliced or diced
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup light cream or half-and-half
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Step-by-Step Directions 🍳

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. During the last 3–4 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets to the same pot.
3. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain pasta and broccoli together.
4. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
5. Add garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
6. Stir in the cooked chicken, warming it gently.
7. Pour in the cream and bring to a light simmer.
8. Add Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, stirring until smooth.
9. Add pasta and broccoli to the skillet, tossing to coat.
10. Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed.
11. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with parsley, and serve warm. 🍽️

Notes 📝

• This recipe is ideal for leftover roast or grilled chicken.
• For extra nutrition, add spinach or peas just before serving.
• Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of water or milk.

Nutritional Information ⚖️

⏰ Prep Time: 10 minutes
🔥 Baking Time: 15 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 25 minutes

⚡ Calories per serving: ~375
🍽️ Servings: 4

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Bon appétit and happy cooking!