When you’re craving a cozy, comforting pasta dinner that feels nourishing, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with Broccoli is the perfect option. It delivers everything you love in a creamy chicken pasta—juicy bites of seasoned chicken, a velvety garlic Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta—while adding bright, tender broccoli for a wholesome balance. The sauce is rich without being heavy, silky without being overpowering, and infused with layers of garlic and savory Parmesan that cling beautifully to every noodle. It’s a complete one-pan dinner that feels both indulgent and fresh, ideal for family nights, meal prep, or whenever you want a restaurant-quality dish at home.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with Broccoli
This recipe combines creamy comfort with nutritious ingredients, making it a well-rounded meal in one bowl. The chicken cooks tender and juicy, the broccoli adds color and crunch, and the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce ties it all together in the most delicious way. It’s incredibly easy, adaptable, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
It’s the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy flavor and light, fresh vegetables—no need for extra sides unless you want them. The meal comes together quickly, uses simple ingredients, and will leave your kitchen smelling amazing. Even picky eaters love it, and the leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch the next day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced or cubed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Pasta & Sauce:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, rotini, or bowtie)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 ¼ cups freshly grated Parmesan
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- Optional: red pepper flakes, parsley, lemon zest
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with Broccoli
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Add broccoli during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
- Season & Cook the Chicken: Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken for 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- Build the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, then add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add Parmesan: Whisk in Parmesan until completely melted and the sauce becomes smooth and silky. Simmer gently (do not boil).
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta, cooked broccoli, and chicken back into the sauce. Toss until fully coated.
- Finish & Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley, more Parmesan, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Nutritional Information (Estimated per Serving)
- Calories: 720
- Protein: 44g
- Carbohydrates: 63g
- Fat: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: 760mg
Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with Broccoli
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce—pre-grated varieties won’t melt as well.
- Don’t overcook the broccoli; it should be bright green and tender-crisp.
- Add pasta water if the sauce becomes too thick—it helps emulsify and smooth the sauce.
- Keep the heat low when adding cheese to prevent separation.
- Slice chicken evenly so each piece cooks at the same rate.
Variations & Substitutions
- Protein Options: Try shrimp, turkey, grilled chicken, or crispy tofu.
- Veggie Add-ins: Spinach, peas, mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or zucchini.
- Lighter Version: Swap heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Extra Creamy: Add 2 oz cream cheese.
- Whole Grain Option: Use whole wheat or chickpea pasta.
What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with Broccoli
- Garlic bread or cheesy toast
- Caesar salad
- Roasted asparagus
- Crispy green salad with lemon dressing
- Glass of chilled white wine (Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Boiling the cream: Always simmer gently to avoid curdling.
- Using pre-shredded Parmesan: It contains anti-caking agents that prevent melting.
- Not seasoning the chicken well: The chicken should be flavorful even before adding to the sauce.
- Overcooking broccoli: It can quickly turn mushy.
- Adding pasta to sauce too early: Let the sauce thicken slightly before mixing.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream, milk, or broth.
- Avoid freezing—cream sauces can separate.
- Store chicken and pasta separately if you want to keep the chicken texture firmer.
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with Broccoli brings together all the elements of a comforting and satisfying meal—creamy sauce, tender chicken, wholesome broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta. The garlic-Parmesan flavor shines through in every bite, making this a dish that’s both indulgent and nourishing. It’s quick, comforting, and elegant enough to serve any night of the week.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Add it directly during the last 3 minutes of pasta cooking—no need to thaw.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Use coconut cream and dairy-free Parmesan alternatives. The flavor will slightly change but stay delicious.
What pasta works best?
Short pasta like penne, rotini, or bowtie holds the sauce nicely, but fettuccine also works well.
Can I make it ahead?
You can prep chicken and broccoli earlier, but cook pasta and sauce fresh to maintain creaminess.
Why did my sauce separate?
This happens when the cream gets too hot. Keep heat low and avoid boiling after adding cheese.
Can I add more veggies?
Absolutely—peas, spinach, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes all pair wonderfully.