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Homemade Chicken Broccoli Pasta photo

Chicken Broccoli Pasta

This Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound chicken breasts chopped into large bite-size pieces
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound penne
  • 5 cups broccoli florets (uncooked)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic minced or 1 tablespoon ground garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 cups heavy cream or half and half, or evaporated milk + 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 ounces cream cheese very soft
  • 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon or better than bouillon
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese (like powder)

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Spatula
  • Tongs
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chopped chicken breasts with paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the pot and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, bring water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water. Drain the pasta and broccoli, and set aside.
  3. In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing until fragrant (about 1 minute).
  4. Pour in the low sodium chicken broth, stirring to combine. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and heavy cream until smooth, then add this mixture to the pot. Stir in the cream cheese and chicken bouillon, allowing the sauce to simmer and thicken for about 5 minutes.
  5. Once the sauce has thickened, return the cooked chicken, penne, and broccoli to the pot. Add the dried basil, dried parsley, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well-coated in the creamy sauce. Finally, mix in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.

Notes

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce.
  • This dish freezes well; transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months.