Creamy Garlic Chicken And Broccoli Pasta

Name: Creamy Garlic Chicken And Broccoli Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne); 2 cups broccoli florets; 1 lb chicken breast, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Simple Planning

When I first made this Creamy Garlic Chicken And Broccoli Pasta, I knew I had stumbled upon something special. The combination of tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a luxuriously creamy garlic sauce creates a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. I love how the garlic flavor elevates the dish, and the creamy texture makes it incredibly satisfying. Plus, it comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings when I still want something deliciously homemade.

Created by

Violet Kingsley

Last updated on 2026-02-24T04:21:36.834Z

While experimenting in my kitchen, I decided to combine some of my favorite ingredients: chicken, garlic, and broccoli. The result was a rich and creamy pasta dish that has quickly become a family favorite. The trick is to sauté the garlic just until aromatic before adding the cream; this ensures that the sauce is bursting with flavor without being overpowering.

I've found that using a mix of pasta shapes can add a fun texture to the dish. Whether it’s fettuccine or penne, the creamy sauce clings to the pasta perfectly, making each bite a delight. Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce's consistency if needed!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Rich garlic flavor that enhances the chicken and broccoli
Creamy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly
Quick and easy prep for a weeknight dinner

Key Techniques for Perfect Pasta

To achieve the perfect pasta texture, it’s pivotal to cook it al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite. This ensures the pasta won't turn mushy after being combined with the rich, creamy sauce. I recommend checking the pasta one or two minutes before the package time suggests, as it’ll continue cooking slightly when mixed with the sauce later.

Another excellent technique is to reserve a cup of the pasta water before draining it. This water is starchy and helps to create a smoother consistency in your sauce. As you combine the chicken, broccoli, and pasta, stir in the reserved water gradually until you reach your desired creaminess.

Ingredient Insights

The stars of this dish are the garlic and cream, which are essential for that deep, rich flavor. Fresh garlic, as opposed to pre-minced, packs a stronger, more vibrant punch. When sautéing, keep an eye on the garlic so it doesn’t burn; it should just turn golden and fragrant. This step can take about a minute on medium heat, ensuring that it enhances the sauce without turning bitter.

Parmesan cheese not only adds flavor but also contributes to the sauce's creaminess. For a smooth result, grate your Parmesan fresh instead of using pre-grated cheese, as it tends to melt better and integrates more fully into the sauce, creating that luxurious texture we crave in creamy dishes.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

12 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne)
2 cups broccoli florets
1 lb chicken breast, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Add the broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes of cooking to blanch them. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until fully cooked and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Prepare the Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.

Combine Ingredients

Return the chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta and broccoli. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired sauce consistency.

Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic sauce or some lemon zest for brightness.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This Creamy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta can be prepared ahead of time, making it an excellent candidate for meal prep. You can cook the pasta and broccoli in advance and store them separately from the chicken and sauce. When ready to enjoy, just combine everything and heat it through on medium-low until warmed. This helps maintain the pasta's texture, preventing it from becoming overcooked.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop with a splash of reserved pasta water to revive the creamy sauce and help it cling to the pasta once more.

Serving Suggestions

For a complete meal, consider serving this pasta alongside a fresh green salad or some garlic bread. The crispness of a salad contrasts beautifully with the creaminess of the pasta, invigorating your meal with fresh flavors. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes on top can also enhance the dish with a spicy kick if you enjoy heat.

If you're feeling adventurous, think about adding additional vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra color and nutrition. These can be sautéed with the garlic before adding the cream, integrating seamlessly into the sauce and elevating both the flavor and appearance of your dish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just add it directly to the boiling pasta for the last 3-4 minutes of cooking.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mix of milk and sour cream for a lighter option.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While it's best fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Just combine them with cooked pasta and broccoli before serving.

→ What type of pasta works best?

Fettuccine and penne are both excellent choices, but feel free to use your favorite pasta shape!