Imagine a single‑pan dinner that delivers the comforting creaminess of a classic alfredo, the wholesome bite of tender chicken, and the bright crunch of broccoli—all tangled together with perfectly cooked pasta. This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Skillet Pasta brings that vision to life in under thirty minutes.
What makes this dish stand out is the balance of textures and flavors: juicy chicken breast, al dente pasta, and a silky, garlic‑infused sauce that clings to every morsel. A splash of lemon zest adds a surprising lift that keeps the palate from feeling heavy.
Busy families, college students, and anyone craving a restaurant‑quality meal at home will love this recipe. It shines at weeknight dinners, casual weekend lunches, or even as a satisfying post‑game feast.
The cooking process is straightforward: sear the chicken, steam the broccoli, toss everything with cooked pasta, and finish with a quick simmer of a creamy cheese‑based sauce. Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
One‑Pan Wonder: All the components cook in a single skillet, meaning fewer dishes, less mess, and a quicker transition from stovetop to table.
Balanced Nutrition: Lean protein, fiber‑rich broccoli, and whole‑grain pasta deliver a complete meal that fuels both body and mind.
Flavor Depth: Browning the chicken creates caramelized notes, while the garlic‑cream sauce adds richness and a hint of tang from Parmesan.
Customizable Comfort: Swap veggies, adjust the heat, or add a splash of white wine—this base adapts to any craving or dietary need.
Ingredients
Fresh, high‑quality ingredients are the secret to a dish that sings. The chicken provides a sturdy protein base, while the broccoli contributes a pop of color and a satisfying bite. Pasta acts as the perfect vehicle for the sauce, which is built from a blend of butter, garlic, cream, and Parmesan for that luxurious mouthfeel. A few simple seasonings pull everything together, creating a cohesive, restaurant‑worthy flavor profile.
Main Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 8 oz (½ lb) short‑rib pasta or penne
Sauce Components
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Seasonings & Garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon red‑pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Each ingredient plays a specific role: butter and cream create a velvety base, while Parmesan adds umami and a slight nuttiness. Garlic supplies a fragrant backbone, and lemon zest lifts the richness with a bright citrus note. The red‑pepper flakes give a gentle heat that awakens the palate, and parsley finishes the dish with a fresh, herbaceous pop. Together they form a harmonious, indulgent sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta and broccoli.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Base
Begin by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels; moisture hinders browning. Slice each breast into bite‑size strips, then season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and the optional red‑pepper flakes. While the chicken rests, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta, and set a colander aside for later draining.
Cooking Process
- Heat the Skillet. Place a wide, heavy‑bottomed skillet over medium‑high heat for about 3 minutes. Add the olive oil and let it shimmer—this signals the pan is hot enough to sear without sticking.
- Sear the Chicken. Add the seasoned chicken strips in a single layer, making sure not to crowd the pan. Cook undisturbed for 3‑4 minutes until a golden crust forms, then flip and cook another 3 minutes until the meat is just cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep warm.
- Steam the Broccoli. Reduce heat to medium, add a splash of water (about ¼ cup) to the skillet, and immediately add the broccoli florets. Cover with a lid and steam for 2‑3 minutes, just until the stems turn bright green and retain a slight crunch. Remove the lid and discard any excess liquid.
- Cook the Pasta. While the broccoli steams, add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 8‑10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Build the Creamy Sauce. Return the skillet to medium heat and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant—be careful not to brown it. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly, and let it come to a gentle simmer. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and lemon zest, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens to a coat‑the‑back‑of‑a‑spoon consistency. If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it with a little reserved pasta water.
- Combine Everything. Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together so each strand is enveloped in the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or a pinch more red‑pepper flakes if desired.
Finishing Touches
Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top, and give the dish one final gentle toss. Let the pasta rest for a minute so the sauce settles, then serve immediately on warm plates. A final drizzle of extra‑virgin olive oil adds shine and a subtle fruitiness that rounds out the flavor profile.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Recipe
Dry the Chicken Thoroughly: Patting the chicken dry ensures a deep, golden sear rather than steaming, which preserves juiciness and flavor.
Use a Large Skillet: A wide pan gives the chicken room to brown evenly and prevents the broccoli from crowding, which keeps the vegetables crisp.
Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy water helps emulsify the sauce, giving it a silky texture without becoming gummy.
Flavor Enhancements
Add a splash of dry white wine after the garlic and let it reduce for 1 minute; this adds depth and a subtle acidity. Finish with a tablespoon of toasted pine nuts for a pleasant crunch and nutty aroma.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the pasta makes it mushy once it sits in the sauce; always cook it al dente and rinse briefly under cold water if you’re not combining it immediately. Also, avoid adding the cheese before the cream simmers, as it can clump and create a grainy texture.
Pro Tips
Finish with Butter: Swirl in a tablespoon of cold butter at the very end for an extra glossy, luxurious finish.
Season in Layers: Lightly salt the pasta water, season the chicken before searing, and taste the sauce before serving; layered seasoning builds complexity.
Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated cheese melts smoothly and imparts a richer flavor than pre‑grated varieties.
Variations
Ingredient Swaps
Replace chicken with sliced turkey breast, pork tenderloin, or firm tofu for a vegetarian twist. Swap broccoli for cauliflower, snap peas, or a medley of bell peppers. For a sweeter note, drizzle a teaspoon of maple syrup in place of lemon zest.
Dietary Adjustments
Use gluten‑free pasta or spiralized zucchini noodles for a low‑carb version. Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk and dairy‑free Parmesan for a vegan-friendly dish. For keto, omit the pasta entirely and serve the creamy chicken‑broccoli mixture over cauliflower rice.
Serving Suggestions
Pair the skillet pasta with a simple arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette, or serve alongside crusty sour‑dough bread to mop up extra sauce. A side of roasted sweet potatoes adds a caramelized sweetness that balances the richness of the cream.
Storage Info
Leftover Storage
Allow the dish to cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer keep, portion into freezer‑safe bags, lay flat, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium‑low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess. Stir frequently until the sauce bubbles lightly. In a pinch, microwave on medium power for 2‑3 minutes, stirring halfway through, and finish with a drizzle of fresh cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Skillet Pasta delivers restaurant‑level indulgence with minimal effort. By following the detailed steps, using fresh ingredients, and applying the tips provided, you’ll achieve a perfectly balanced, velvety dish every time. Feel free to experiment with swaps or add your own twists—cooking is an adventure, not a rulebook. Serve it hot, share it with loved ones, and savor each comforting bite.
