Oh, pasta nights! Is there anything better than a big, warm bowl of something comforting after a long day? I know for me, it’s pure bliss. I’m always on the hunt for those go-to recipes that are not only ridiculously tasty but also super simple to whip up. That’s exactly why I’m SO excited to share my Delicious Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Recipe You’ll Love. This one came about on a crazy Tuesday when I thought I had nothing for dinner, but miraculously pulled it off with ingredients I already had. Trust me, this dish fills the house with the most amazing aroma and tastes like a hug in a bowl!

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Recipe You’ll Love

Seriously, this recipe is a weeknight warrior! Here’s why it’s become a staple at my table:

Super Quick: It’s ready in about 40 minutes, from start to finish! Perfect for those busy evenings.
Flavor Explosion: The creamy sauce clinging to every bite of pasta and tender broccoli? Pure heaven.
So Easy: Minimal fuss, maximum taste. Even if you’re new to cooking, you can totally nail this.
Kid-Approved: Even picky eaters usually gobble this up. It’s just plain comforting food.

Ingredients for Your Delicious Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Okay, so gathering your ingredients is the first step to pasta happiness! For this yummy and easy dish, you’ll want to have these things on hand. Trust me, they all work together beautifully:

Chicken: About a pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. I like to cut mine into cute, bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly and are easy to eat with the pasta.
Olive Oil: Just a tablespoon to get things started for sautéing.
Onion: One medium onion, chopped. It adds that lovely savory base.
Garlic: Two cloves, minced. Because everything is better with garlic, right?
Broccoli: A cup of fresh broccoli florets. I use fresh, but frozen works in a pinch too!
Cream of Chicken Soup: One 15-ounce can. This is like the magic ingredient for that super creamy sauce.
Milk: Half a cup. This thins out the soup just enough to make a lovely sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: A quarter cup of grated Parmesan. Adds that salty, cheesy goodness.
Black Pepper: Just a quarter teaspoon to give it a little zing.
Pasta: Eight ounces of your favorite kind! Penne, rotini, fettuccine – whatever you have or love. Cooked up just right.

Essential Equipment for Making Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta

You don’t need a fancy kitchen for this, but having the right tools makes it a breeze! Grab these essentials:

A good large skillet with a lid (optional, but handy!)
Measuring cups and spoons
A knife and cutting board for the chicken and veggies
A pot for cooking your pasta
A colander for draining pasta
A trusty wooden spoon or spatula for stirring

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Delicious Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Alright, get ready to make some magic happen in your kitchen! This is where all those lovely ingredients come together. Don’t worry, it’s really straightforward, and before you know it, you’ll have a piping hot bowl of creamy goodness.

Cooking the Pasta to Perfection

First things first, get that pasta cooking! Follow the package directions, but keep an eye on it. You want it perfectly ‘al dente’ – that means tender but still with a little bite. Once it’s done, drain it well and set it aside. Don’t rinse it, you want that starchy water clinging to it!

Browning the Chicken and Sautéing Aromatics

Now, grab your big skillet and heat that olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your bite-sized chicken pieces. I like to give them a little space in the pan so they brown nicely instead of steaming. Cook them until they’re golden brown and cooked through, then scoop them out and set them aside. In the same skillet, toss in your chopped onion. Let it soften up for about 5 minutes until it’s nice and translucent. Then, add your minced garlic and give it a quick stir for about a minute until it smells amazing – don’t let it burn!

Creating the Creamy Sauce for Your Delicious Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta

This is where the creamy dream happens! Stir your broccoli florets right into that skillet with the onions and garlic. Now, pour in the can of cream of chicken soup, the milk, and your grated Parmesan cheese. Give it all a good stir, along with that splash of black pepper. Bring it all up to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for about 5 to 7 minutes, just until the broccoli is tender but still has a nice little crunch. If you want your sauce a bit thicker, just let it simmer a little longer. If it seems too thick, a tiny splash more milk can work wonders.

Combining Everything for the Ultimate Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Almost there! Now, add that lovely browned chicken back into the skillet. And don’t forget your perfectly cooked pasta! Toss everything together gently but thoroughly. You want every single piece of pasta and chicken to be coated in that luscious, creamy sauce. Make sure it’s all heated through, and then it’s time to serve up this glorious dish. For a little something extra, you might want to check out more amazing pasta ideas while your pasta cooks!

Tips for Success with Your Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta

You know, sometimes the little things make all the difference in a dish. For this creamy chicken and broccoli pasta, here are a few of my favorite tricks that I always use to make sure it turns out absolutely perfect every single time. First off, don’t overcook your pasta! A little bite is crucial so it doesn’t get mushy in the sauce. Also, if you can’t find cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom works too in a pinch, though chicken gives it that classic flavor. And honestly, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes with your black pepper if you like a tiny bit of heat – it really wakes up the flavors! If you’re looking for other pasta ideas, you might find this easy chicken and broccoli pasta or even this creamy Cajun chicken pasta inspiring!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Let’s chat about a couple of these ingredients, because sometimes you need to swap things out! That can of cream of chicken soup? It’s honestly a secret weapon for getting that luscious, creamy sauce *fast*. It’s already seasoned, so it takes a lot of the guesswork out. If you don’t have it, you could totally use cream of mushroom, or even make your own quick béchamel sauce if you’re feeling ambitious!

For the pasta, nearly any shape works. Just make sure it holds onto that sauce, so penne, rotini, or farfalle are fantastic choices. And if you’re looking for dairy-free options, you can try using a dairy-free cream of chicken-style soup and a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk.

Frequently Asked Questions about this Delicious Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Okay, so you’ve made the pasta, or you’re thinking ahead! Here are some little bits of info that might pop into your head:

Can I use different vegetables in this creamy chicken pasta?

Absolutely! This recipe is super forgiving. Peas, sliced mushrooms, or even some diced bell peppers would be delicious additions. Just toss them in with the broccoli and cook until tender-crisp.

How long does leftover creamy chicken broccoli pasta last?

Leftovers are great! Store the pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a tiny splash of milk if it seems a little dry.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You sure can! Just skip the chicken and perhaps add some extra broccoli or your favorite veggies, like cauliflower or even some canned artichoke hearts. You won’t need the cream of chicken soup then, so you could use cream of mushroom or even a dairy-free white sauce alternative.

Can I freeze this pasta dish?

Honestly, I don’t recommend freezing the fully assembled dish. Pasta can get a bit mushy after freezing and thawing, and the sauce might separate. It’s best enjoyed fresh or as leftovers within a few days!

Nutritional Information for Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Just a heads-up, these numbers are estimates because how you make it can change things a bit! This is based on the standard recipe:

Calories: Around 550 per serving
Fat: About 25g
Protein: Roughly 35g
Carbohydrates: Close to 45g

It’s always a good idea to adjust based on the specific products you use!

Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Author: faironplay.com
Total Time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A simple and delicious pasta dish with chicken and broccoli in a creamy sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup broccoli florets
1 (15 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
8 ounces pasta, cooked according to package directions

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Add onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Stir in broccoli florets, cream of chicken soup, milk, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook until broccoli is tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
Return chicken to the skillet. Add cooked pasta and toss to combine.
Serve immediately.

Notes

For a richer sauce, use heavy cream instead of milk.
Add other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers if desired.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 25 min
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 550
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 900mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, chicken broccoli pasta, easy pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, comfort food