Ingredients You Will Need
For the pasta and broccoli:
- 300 g rigatoni, penne, or any short pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- Salt for boiling
For the chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the creamy sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Optional: pinch of chili flakes
Preparing the Chicken to Golden Perfection
A key part of this recipe’s flavor comes from the seared chicken. When cooked properly, the chicken pieces turn golden brown on the outside and stay juicy on the inside. That browning creates deep flavor and beautiful color.
Start by patting the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial because removing moisture helps the chicken sear rather than steam. Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. These simple seasonings add savory depth and help create a golden crust.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The butter adds flavor while the oil prevents burning. When the pan is hot, add the chicken cubes in a single layer. Avoid stirring immediately — let them sit for one to two minutes to develop color. Once the chicken begins to brown, sauté until all sides are golden and the pieces are cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
The browned bits left in the skillet will later flavor the creamy sauce, giving it a richer taste.
Cooking the Pasta and Broccoli Together
This recipe becomes easier when you cook the pasta and broccoli in the same pot. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions. During the last 3–4 minutes of boiling, add the broccoli florets.
This makes the broccoli crisp-tender, vibrant green, and perfectly cooked without becoming mushy.
Drain both the pasta and broccoli, reserving a bit of the pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.
How to Make the Creamy Sauce
The creamy sauce is the heart of this dish. It brings all the ingredients together and gives the pasta its rich, velvety texture.
Start by melting butter in the same skillet used for the chicken — this ensures the flavor from the chicken blends into the sauce. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about one minute, making sure it doesn’t burn.
Add the flour and whisk for about 30 seconds to form a smooth paste, known as a roux. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously so that no lumps form. When the mixture begins to smooth out and thicken, gradually add the heavy cream.
Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. Finally, stir in the parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth.
The result is a silky, cheesy, aromatic sauce that pairs perfectly with the pasta and chicken.
Bringing the Dish Together
Now it’s time to assemble the dish. Add the cooked pasta and broccoli directly into the creamy sauce. Toss everything until the pasta is fully coated and the broccoli is evenly distributed.
Add the cooked chicken back into the pan, mixing gently so all ingredients come together without breaking. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
Let the dish simmer for 1–2 minutes so the flavors fully blend and the chicken absorbs some of the creamy sauce.
Serve immediately, while the sauce is hot and silky.
Why This Dish Works Perfectly
This creamy chicken broccoli pasta is so satisfying because of the perfect balance between creamy, savory, and fresh ingredients.
- The chicken provides protein and a seared, flavorful bite.
- The pasta gives heartiness and absorbs the sauce beautifully.
- The broccoli adds freshness, color, and nutrients.
- The creamy sauce ties everything together with richness and flavor.
This combination makes the dish filling, comforting, and restaurant-quality.
Variations You Can Try
You can customize this recipe easily:
- Add mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables.
- Replace chicken with shrimp for a seafood variation.
- Use cheddar or mozzarella instead of parmesan for a different cheese flavor.
- Make it spicy with chili flakes or hot sauce.
Each variation brings something unique while keeping the same creamy, satisfying base.
Final Thoughts
This creamy chicken broccoli pasta is a complete, comforting meal that brings together tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, crisp broccoli, and an irresistible cream sauce. It’s simple to prepare but tastes special enough for a memorable dinner. Whether you cook it for family, friends, or yourself, this dish delivers warmth, richness, and flavor in every bite. If you want another recipe from another photo, just send it — I’m ready anytime!