Irresistible Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe for Cozy Dinners

My favorite weeknight chicken and broccoli pasta combines simplicity with incredible flavor that sparks serious dinner excitement.

Comfort food meets healthy eating in this delightful dish packed with protein and green goodness.

Tender chicken pieces nestle perfectly among al dente pasta strands, creating a balanced meal everyone adores.

Crisp broccoli florets add a beautiful green crunch that brightens the entire plate.

Weeknight cooking becomes effortless with this quick and satisfying recipe that takes less than thirty minutes to prepare.

Creamy sauce binds everything together, promising a meal you’ll want to savor down to the last delicious bite.

Dive into this recipe and watch magic happen on your dinner table.

Ingredients for 30-Minute Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

• Chicken Breast: The primary protein that provides a hearty and satisfying element to the pasta dish.
• Farfalle Pasta: A bow-tie shaped pasta that holds sauce well and creates an enjoyable texture in the recipe.
• Broccoli Florets: A nutritious green vegetable that adds color, crunch, and health benefits to the meal.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the chicken and pasta.
• Garlic: A aromatic ingredient that adds depth and rich flavor to the entire dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: An optional spice that provides a subtle heat and extra kick to the recipe.

• Olive Oil: A cooking fat that helps sauté the chicken and provides a smooth base for the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: A savory cheese that melts beautifully and adds a creamy, tangy finish to the pasta.
• Fresh Parsley: An optional garnish that brings a fresh, bright note to the completed meal.

Easy Cooking Instructions for Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta and Broccoli

Fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring water to a rolling boil. Drop farfalle pasta into boiling water and cook according to package directions. During the final 3 minutes of pasta cooking, add broccoli florets. Drain pasta and broccoli together in a colander, then set aside.

Step 2: Sear Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken breast and season with salt and pepper. Cook chicken, stirring occasionally, until it turns golden brown and is fully cooked, approximately 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Enhance Flavor Profile

• Minced garlic
• Red pepper flakes

Sauté for 1-2 minutes until garlic becomes aromatic. Be cautious not to burn the garlic.

Step 4: Merge Ingredients

Transfer drained pasta and broccoli into the skillet with chicken. Thoroughly mix ingredients. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and stir until cheese melts. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

• Additional Parmesan cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley

Serve hot and enjoy your meal.

Time-Saving Tips for Chicken Broccoli Pasta

• Quickly Blanch Broccoli: Drop broccoli into boiling water for 2-3 minutes to maintain bright green color and crisp texture, preventing overcooking and preserving nutrients.
• Prevent Dry Chicken: Pat chicken pieces dry before cooking to ensure better browning and prevent steaming, which helps achieve a golden, flavorful exterior.
• Maximize Flavor Infusion: Let garlic sizzle briefly with chicken to release aromatic oils, enhancing overall dish taste without burning delicate garlic pieces.
• Boost Protein Power: Swap chicken with tofu or chickpeas for vegetarian version, maintaining recipe's protein content and satisfying meal structure.
• Control Pasta Texture: Reserve small amount of pasta water before draining to help create smoother sauce and improve dish's overall consistency if needed.

Fun Twists on Classic Chicken Broccoli Pasta

• Vegetarian Pasta Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, diced and pan-fried until golden. Season with same spices for protein-packed plant-based alternative.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles, keeping chicken and broccoli. Reduces carbohydrate intake while maintaining original flavor profile.
• Mediterranean-Style Adaptation: Add kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and swap Parmesan for a Greek-inspired version. Incorporate dried oregano and lemon zest for extra Mediterranean flair.
• Spicy Cajun Remix: Season chicken with Cajun spice blend instead of simple salt and pepper. Add diced bell peppers and increase red pepper flakes for a bolder, more intense flavor experience.

What Pairs Well with This Pasta Dish

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc that cuts through the creamy pasta and complements the chicken's mild flavor, creating a refreshing balance.
• Craft Beer Companion: Select a light wheat beer or golden ale with subtle citrus notes that will enhance the dish's herbal and garlic undertones without overpowering the delicate ingredients.
• Herb-Infused Side Salad: Prepare a simple mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to add brightness and acidity, which helps cleanse the palate between bites of the rich pasta.
• Mediterranean Twist: Serve with a small plate of marinated olives and feta cheese to introduce tangy Mediterranean flavors that beautifully contrast the creamy pasta's warmth.

How to Save Chicken Broccoli Pasta for Later

• Store leftovers in a sealed container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool pasta completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place pasta in microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle few tablespoons of water to prevent dryness. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm pasta in skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture.

Common Questions About Chicken Broccoli Pasta

• How healthy is this chicken and broccoli pasta?

This recipe offers a balanced meal with lean protein from chicken, fiber and nutrients from broccoli, and carbohydrates from pasta. It’s a nutritious dish that provides essential vitamins, minerals, and protein in one serving.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While farfalle works great, you can substitute with other short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells. Just ensure the cooking time remains similar to the original recipe.

• Is this recipe budget-friendly?

Yes, it uses simple, affordable ingredients like chicken breast, pasta, broccoli, and basic seasonings. Most ingredients are likely already in your pantry, making it an economical meal option for families.

Why Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Is a Weeknight Hero

• Speedy Kitchen Magic: Prepare a complete meal with protein, vegetables, and carbs in just a few simple steps, making dinner stress-free and satisfying.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flexibility: Adaptable recipe perfect for picky eaters, allowing easy customization with extra spices or cheese to suit individual tastes.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Combines lean protein from chicken, fiber-rich broccoli, and energy-boosting pasta for a balanced, wholesome dinner that supports healthy eating.

Silky Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Indulgent chicken and broccoli pasta brings comfort to your dinner table with creamy sauce and hearty ingredients. Savory chicken, tender broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta combine for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced

Carbohydrates:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) farfalle pasta
• 2 cups broccoli florets

Seasonings and Extras:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot with salted water, bringing it to a rolling boil at high heat (approximately 212°F). Add farfalle pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente.
2. During the final 3 minutes of pasta cooking, introduce broccoli florets directly into the boiling water. This synchronizes their cooking time and ensures perfect texture.
3. Drain the pasta and broccoli simultaneously in a colander, setting them aside momentarily while preparing the next component.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat (around 350°F). Once the oil shimmers, carefully add diced chicken breast seasoned with salt and pepper.
5. Sauté the chicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring periodically, until the exterior turns golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Incorporate minced garlic and red pepper flakes into the skillet, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes until the garlic releases its aromatic essence.
7. Transfer the drained pasta and broccoli into the skillet with the seasoned chicken, gently mixing to distribute ingredients evenly.
8. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the mixture, stirring until the cheese melts and coats the pasta and chicken uniformly.
9. Perform a final taste assessment, adjusting seasoning with additional salt or pepper as needed.
10. Plate the dish immediately, optionally garnishing with extra Parmesan and chopped fresh parsley for enhanced flavor and presentation.

Notes

• Choose whole wheat pasta for added fiber and nutrition, making the dish more wholesome and heart-healthy.
• Skip the cheese or use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version that still delivers rich, savory flavor.
• Prep all ingredients before cooking to ensure a smooth, stress-free 30-minute meal preparation process.
• Swap chicken with tofu or plant-based protein alternatives to create a vegetarian or vegan-friendly option that maintains the dish’s delicious profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg