Introduction

Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a simple, creamy dish that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels both comforting and satisfying.

Chicken Broccoli Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1 head broccoli, cut into florets
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, toss the cubed chicken with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until each piece is evenly coated.
Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if needed. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 3: Using the same skillet, add the broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly tender but still crisp.
Step 4: Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and let simmer for 5-7 minutes.
Step 5: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if using. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 6: Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
Step 7: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the broccoli and sauce. Stir gently to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water by the tablespoon until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 8: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine. Heat through completely.
Step 9: Remove from heat and stir in the butter. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if you like.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but reduce simmering time to prevent curdling.
Add mushrooms or bell peppers with the broccoli for added vegetables.
Use gluten-free pasta if needed to accommodate dietary restrictions.
To make it spicier, increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Just reduce the cooking time slightly and avoid overcooking to keep it from becoming mushy.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. This dish reheats well and can be portioned into containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Chicken Broccoli Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 119 reviews

This Chicken Broccoli Pasta recipe is a simple and delicious one-pan meal combining tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a creamy tomato sauce tossed with your favorite pasta. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it balances protein, vegetables, and comfort in every bite.

Author: Maya
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Vegetables & Sauce

1 head broccoli, cut into florets
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Pasta & Garnish

1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Season the chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the cubed chicken with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until each piece is evenly coated.
Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Remove the cooked chicken and set aside.
Cook the broccoli: Using the same skillet, add the broccoli florets and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they become slightly tender but still crisp, stirring occasionally.
Simmer the sauce: Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 5-7 minutes to develop flavor.
Finish the sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if using. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as desired.
Cook the pasta: Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
Combine everything: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the broccoli and sauce. Gently stir to combine everything. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your preferred sauce consistency.
Add the chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine well, ensuring the chicken heats through.
Finish & Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the butter until melted and incorporated. Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For a spicier dish, increase or omit the red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.
Feel free to substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative for a lighter sauce.
Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten free if needed.
Reserve pasta water helps to loosen the sauce, so don’t skip this step.
Work in batches when cooking chicken to ensure even browning and prevent steaming.

Keywords: chicken broccoli pasta, creamy pasta recipe, one-pan chicken dinner, easy weeknight meals, Italian chicken pasta