When you’re craving something comforting, delicious, and family-friendly, this Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is the perfect answer. It brings together tender chicken breast, crisp-tender broccoli florets, and perfectly cooked pasta, all tossed in a creamy, flavorful sauce that even the pickiest eaters will love.

This dish is ideal for busy weeknights and makes a fantastic healthy easy dinner recipe for family meals. With simple ingredients and quick prep time, it’s no surprise this recipe is a staple in homes across the country. Whether you’re feeding kids, teens, or adults — this is one of those chicken with broccoli recipes that everyone agrees on.

What Is Chicken and Broccoli Pasta? (Classic Comfort Made Simple)

Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a wholesome, satisfying dish that blends protein-packed chicken, fresh broccoli, and al dente pasta in a creamy (yet light) homemade sauce. It takes the flavors of a chicken Alfredo and gives it a healthy twist by adding vegetables and cutting back on heavy cream.

Whether made in a skillet, turned into a casserole, or baked in the oven, this one-pan wonder combines simple pantry ingredients into a filling and delicious meal the whole family can enjoy.

It also happens to be:

An easy way to get meals with broccoli into your rotation
Perfect for using leftover chicken
A versatile dish that pairs with just about anything

Who Will Love This Recipe? (Perfect for Families, Kids, and Picky Eaters)

This dish is made for:

Busy parents needing a quick weeknight dinner
Families with picky eaters who love basic flavors
Anyone trying to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor
Fans of chicken breast and pasta recipes
Home cooks looking for basic dinner ideas with fresh ingredients

Even kids who claim they “don’t like broccoli” often come around when it’s mixed into cheesy, creamy pasta. It’s a clever and tasty way to sneak in extra veggies.

Ingredients for Chicken and Broccoli Pasta (Exact Measurements Included)

Here’s what you’ll need to serve 4:

For the pasta and main ingredients:

8 oz (about 2½ cups) penne or rotini pasta
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
Salt and pepper to taste

For the sauce:

3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1½ cups milk (whole or 2%)
½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Optional: ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

These ingredients create a lighter yet rich sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta and infuses every bite with creamy, garlicky goodness.

How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Step-by-Step

Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Add to the skillet and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.

Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds. Sprinkle in flour and whisk for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk and chicken broth. Add onion powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer until thickened, about 3–5 minutes.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Combine
Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the pan. Toss to coat everything in the sauce.

Step 5: Taste and Serve
Taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed. Serve hot with extra cheese or a sprinkle of parsley if desired.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need for This Recipe

Large pot for pasta
Large skillet or sauté pan
Strainer or colander
Measuring cups and spoons
Whisk and spatula
Chef’s knife and cutting board

This recipe uses just a few basic tools and is perfect for easy dinner recipes for family with kids.

Tips for Making the Best Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Use fresh broccoli for best texture, but frozen works in a pinch
Cut chicken into even pieces so it cooks evenly
Add broccoli in the last few minutes of boiling pasta to keep it green and crisp-tender
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the creamiest sauce
Thin out sauce with extra milk or broth if it gets too thick after combining

Want to take it up a notch? Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for brightness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid for a Creamy, Flavorful Pasta Dish

Overcooking the broccoli – It should be vibrant and tender, not mushy
Not seasoning the chicken – A little salt and pepper goes a long way
Using pre-shredded cheese – It doesn’t melt as smoothly as fresh-grated
Adding cheese over high heat – Can make your sauce grainy
Skipping the flour – It helps the sauce thicken and cling to the pasta

Avoiding these pitfalls will help you create a perfectly balanced and family-approved dinner.

How to Serve and Garnish for a Family-Friendly Presentation

Make dinner even more appealing with these tips:

Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan and black pepper on top
Add chopped parsley or basil for color and freshness
Offer lemon wedges on the side for a zesty finish
Plate in shallow pasta bowls for a restaurant-style look
Serve with garlic toast or warm rolls for dipping into extra sauce

This presentation is simple but makes dinner feel a bit more special — even if you’re just eating at the kitchen table on a Wednesday.

Variations: Make It Healthier, Cheesier, or Casserole-Style

Looking to make this dish your own? Try these variations:

Healthier version: Use whole wheat pasta, skim milk, and add spinach or peas
Extra cheesy: Stir in mozzarella or fontina for a gooey twist
Casserole-style: Transfer to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and cheese, and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes
Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for earthy flavor
Make it spicy: Toss in crushed red pepper or diced jalapeños

Whether you’re in the mood for a skillet meal or a baked dish, this flexible recipe fits the bill for all kinds of casarole dishes dinner ideas.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

This recipe makes great leftovers:

To Store:
Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To Reheat:
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.

To Freeze:
Not recommended due to the dairy-based sauce, which may separate after thawing. Best enjoyed fresh or within a few days.

Perfect for easy dinner with leftovers on busy weekdays!

Perfect Sides and Kid-Friendly Pairings

Turn this into a full meal with these ideas:

Garlic bread or soft dinner rolls
Cucumber salad or garden salad with light vinaigrette
Roasted carrots or sweet potato wedges
Applesauce or fruit salad for the kids
Sparkling water, milk, or fruit smoothies for a fun, non-alcoholic drink pairing

These sides make it one of the most balanced and wholesome basic dinner ideas you’ll ever try.

FAQs About Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Just skip the sautéing step and toss in shredded cooked chicken when combining everything.

Is it good for picky eaters?
Yes! Creamy sauce, pasta, and cheese usually win over even hesitant eaters.

Can I use a dairy-free milk?
Unsweetened almond or oat milk can work, but the sauce may be thinner. Use a dairy-free cheese to thicken.

What pasta shapes work best?
Penne, rotini, fusilli, or shells — anything that holds sauce well.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta and a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute for the roux.

Final Thoughts: Healthy Easy Dinner Recipes for the Whole Family

This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta brings together everything we love in a weeknight meal: fast prep, simple ingredients, comforting flavor, and major kid-approval. Whether you’re looking for a healthy dinner for picky eaters, a quick way to use up chicken and broccoli, or an easy one-pot pasta meal, this recipe delivers every time.

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