Creamy Garlic Chicken And Broccoli Pasta

Name: Creamy Garlic Chicken And Broccoli Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 ounces pasta of choice (penne or fettuccine works best); 2 cups broccoli florets; 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Family Cooking

I absolutely love making Creamy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta because it’s an indulgent yet comforting dish that comes together in no time. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a rich garlic sauce makes every bite memorable. We often whip this up for weeknight dinners when we want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try it, you'll see why it's become a staple in our household!

Created by

Arden Whitlock

Last updated on 2026-02-23T23:46:36.983Z

Making Creamy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta has become a cherished ritual in my home. The addition of garlic not only enhances the flavor but also adds a wonderful aroma that fills the kitchen. I’ve found that lightly toasting the garlic before adding it to the cream gives it a depth that elevates the whole dish. Trust me, this little trick makes all the difference!

Another secret to perfection is ensuring the broccoli is still bright green and crisp. I often prepare them alongside the pasta for the last few minutes of cooking. This way, they maintain their vibrant color and a satisfying crunch, balancing beautifully with the rich creaminess of the sauce.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Creamy garlic sauce that envelops every bite
Tender chicken and fresh broccoli combine for a balanced meal
Quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights

Perfecting the Sauce

The creamy garlic sauce is the star of this dish, and its flavor hinges on the quality of the garlic used. Fresh garlic, minced just before cooking, provides a robust flavor that powdered garlic simply can't match. When you sauté the minced garlic with the chicken, ensure you do so for about a minute just until it becomes fragrant but be careful not to brown it, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste to the sauce.

When adding the heavy cream, stir it gently to combine with the garlic and chicken. Keep the heat at a low simmer, as boiling can cause the cream to separate and lose its rich texture. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon and appear glossy after simmering for 3-4 minutes. If you find the sauce is too thick for your liking, add a splash of chicken broth or pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.

Optimal Cooking Techniques

To ensure your chicken is tender and juicy, avoid overcrowding the skillet while cooking. If you have a large batch, consider cooking the chicken in batches, allowing enough space for even browning. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and should be golden brown on the outside, which can take about 7-8 minutes over medium heat. Letting the chicken rest for a couple of minutes after cooking can also help lock in moisture.

When cooking the pasta, it’s crucial to follow the package instructions but aim to undercook by a minute or two to account for additional cooking time in the sauce. This method, known as 'al dente,' gives the pasta a perfect chewy texture and prevents it from becoming mushy when combined with the creamy sauce.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

8 ounces pasta of choice (penne or fettuccine works best)
2 cups broccoli florets

For the Chicken

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce

1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Fresh parsley for garnish

Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your preferences or what you have available!

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then add it to the pan. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.

Make the Sauce

Add minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning, stirring to combine. Simmer for 3-4 minutes.

Combine and Serve

Stir the cooked pasta and broccoli into the skillet, mixing well to ensure everything is well coated. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Creamy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce or a splash of lemon juice before serving for brightness.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need a lighter version of this dish, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, although this may slightly alter the richness of the sauce. For a dairy-free option, consider using coconut milk or a plant-based cream substitute. Just be mindful of the flavor profiles – coconut can add a subtle sweetness that may alter the dish's overall taste.

For added flavor and depth, mix in some sun-dried tomatoes or spinach into the sauce. These ingredients not only enhance the nutritional value but also add a pop of color. If you’re looking to elevate the dish further, consider incorporating a splash of white wine with the cream to add acidity that complements the richness.

Storing and Reheating

This Creamy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the sauce from absorbing too much into the pasta, consider storing the sauce separately if possible. This precaution helps maintain the creamy consistency upon reheating.

When reheating, warm the dish gently on low heat in a skillet to avoid separating the cream. If the sauce seems too thick, stir in a splash of milk or broth to bring it back to life. Microwaving is an option, but be sure to use a microwave-safe dish and stir in intervals to promote even heating.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but add it directly to the boiling pasta a couple of minutes earlier to ensure it cooks through.

→ What type of pasta works best?

We recommend using penne or fettuccine, as their shapes hold the sauce well, but feel free to use whatever pasta you have on hand.

→ Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.