A Cozy Evening with Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta with Broccoli
I still remember the evening I created my first Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta with Broccoli. The air was cool and quiet, and the light drizzle outside made everything feel slower and softer. I was standing in my kitchen, trying to think of something hearty but quick—something that would make my family feel warm and cared for, without spending hours at the stove.
I didn’t need to look far. I already had chicken breast, garlic, fresh broccoli, and a bit of cream. Pasta is always stocked in my pantry, and just like that, the idea came to life. I started by sautéing garlic until it turned golden and fragrant. The chicken followed, and the kitchen quickly filled with the savory, mouthwatering scent of something good on its way. I tossed in the broccoli, then poured in the cream, stirring gently until it all blended into a silky, flavorful sauce. Finally, I added the cooked pasta and let it soak in all that creamy goodness.
The first bite of that Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta with Broccoli was pure comfort. My children devoured it. My husband asked for seconds. And just like that, it became part of our regular dinner rotation.
What I love most about Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta with Broccoli is how naturally it fits into our lives. It’s easy to prepare, but it tastes like something special. It brings warmth to a cold day and joy to an ordinary evening. Every time I make this recipe, I feel like I’m bringing a little extra peace to the table.
That night wasn’t just about a recipe—it was about a feeling. And to this day, whenever I make Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta with Broccoli, I’m reminded of the magic of simple, nourishing meals made with love.
Why This Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta with Broccoli Is Worth Making Again and Again
I’ve made this Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta with Broccoli more times than I can count, and every time, I fall in love with it all over again. There’s a certain beauty in the way this dish brings together bold flavor, simplicity, and comfort—all in one pot. It’s one of those recipes you keep returning to, not just because it’s easy, but because it truly satisfies.
First of all, the flavor. Garlic, when gently sautéed, gives this pasta a deep, aromatic base. Pair it with tender chicken and fresh broccoli, and you get a balance of richness and freshness that feels just right. The creamy sauce wraps around every bite of pasta, making each forkful full of cozy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. And let’s be honest—Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta with Broccoli is the kind of dish that smells so inviting, your family will come to the kitchen before you even call them.
But it’s not just about taste—it’s about convenience. I know how precious time is during busy weeks. That’s why I love how this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes without needing fancy tools or rare ingredients. Most of what you need is already in your pantry or fridge. You cook everything in one pan, so there’s less mess and more time to enjoy the evening.
Another reason I keep coming back to Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta with Broccoli is how versatile it is. You can make it heartier with more chicken or lighter with extra broccoli. It reheats beautifully the next day, making it a practical meal-prep option as well. And if you’re cooking for children or picky eaters, the creamy garlic flavor is comforting enough that even broccoli skeptics will take another bite.
Above all, this dish brings people together. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting close friends, or just treating yourself to a good meal, Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta with Broccoli delivers something special. It’s a recipe filled with real, familiar ingredients—but when it all comes together, it feels like a warm hug on a plate.
That’s why I know you’ll love this Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta with Broccoli as much as I do. It’s not just a dinner—it’s a dish that fills your kitchen with joy, your plate with flavor, and your home with comfort.
Ingredients & Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta with Broccoli
Bringing together fresh, simple ingredients in a single comforting dish, this Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta with Broccoli is as practical as it is delicious. Here’s everything you’ll need to prepare it:
📝 Ingredients
🍝 250g pasta (penne, fusilli, or your favorite kind)
🍗 2 chicken breasts, sliced thinly
🧄 5 garlic cloves, finely minced
🥦 1 ½ cups fresh broccoli florets
🧈 2 tablespoons butter
🫒 2 tablespoons olive oil
🥫 1 ½ cups cooking cream
🧂 Salt and pepper, to taste
🧀 ½ cup grated parmesan cheese (optional but highly recommended)
🌿 ½ teaspoon dried basil or thyme (or both)
💧 ½ cup pasta water, reserved from cooking
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until just al dente, according to package instructions. Don’t forget to scoop out ½ cup of the pasta water before draining—it’s perfect for loosening the creamy sauce later. Set pasta aside.
📝 Chef Joudia’s tip: Slightly undercooked pasta finishes cooking in the sauce and soaks up more flavor!
2. Sauté the chicken
In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and dried herbs. Cook for 6–8 minutes until golden and fully cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Steam or blanch the broccoli
While the chicken is cooking, blanch the broccoli in hot water for 2–3 minutes or steam lightly. It should stay bright green and slightly firm. Drain and set aside.
📝 Chef Joudia’s tip: Don’t overcook the broccoli—it adds freshness and color to the dish!
4. Create the garlic base
In the same pan used for chicken, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to brown the garlic—it should stay soft and golden.
5. Make it creamy
Pour in the cooking cream, stir, and bring to a light simmer. Add in the reserved pasta water little by little to reach your desired sauce thickness. Stir in the parmesan cheese and herbs. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
📝 Chef Joudia’s tip: The pasta water helps the sauce cling to each noodle and gives it a smooth texture!
6. Combine everything
Return the cooked chicken and broccoli to the pan, followed by the cooked pasta. Toss everything together gently to coat evenly with the creamy garlic sauce.
7. Final seasoning and serve
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If the sauce thickens too much, just add a splash more pasta water. Serve warm and garnish with extra parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.
By the time you sit down with your plate of Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta with Broccoli, you’ll realize just how much comfort a single dish can bring. It’s creamy without being heavy, garlicky without being overpowering, and balanced perfectly by the freshness of broccoli and the heartiness of chicken.
🍽️ Chef Joudia loves to serve this dish with a simple side salad or warm bread to make the meal even more satisfying.
Serving Tips + Nutrition Info for Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta with Broccoli
After you’ve prepared this delicious Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta with Broccoli, the next question is: how do you serve it so it shines? Over the years—both at home and in my cooking journey—I’ve found a few thoughtful touches that make this meal even more satisfying.
I like to serve Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta with Broccoli in wide, shallow bowls—it helps catch all that creamy garlic sauce and makes each bite feel luxurious. I often sprinkle a little extra parmesan on top just before serving. If I have fresh parsley or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, I’ll add that too for a pop of color and contrast. A simple cucumber salad or a piece of warm flatbread on the side rounds out the plate without stealing the spotlight.
This pasta is best served hot, right off the stove, but it stores beautifully. If you have leftovers, simply let the pasta cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta with Broccoli keeps well for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce, and warm gently over low heat or in the microwave. For safe storing and reheating, I always refer to the USDA’s food safety tips for leftovers.
🧊 Chef Joudia’s Storage Tip: Avoid freezing this pasta—cream sauces can separate and change texture after thawing.
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving
(Based on 4 servings)
| Nutrient | Approximate Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~530 kcal |
| Protein | ~35 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~45 g |
| Fat | ~25 g |
| Fiber | ~4 g |
| Sodium | ~380 mg |
These numbers are general estimates and may vary depending on the brands and quantities you use. What’s certain is that Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta with Broccoli offers a balanced meal with wholesome ingredients and a comforting flavor your family will enjoy again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions about Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta with Broccoli
How long can creamy chicken pasta stay in the fridge?
You can safely store Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta with Broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a small splash of milk or water to help restore the creamy texture. Be sure to reheat gently over low heat to avoid separating the sauce.
What sauce is best for chicken and broccoli pasta?
The best sauce for chicken and broccoli pasta is a smooth, rich garlic cream sauce made with real cream, sautéed garlic, a bit of pasta water, and optional parmesan. This is what makes Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta with Broccoli so delicious. It coats the pasta perfectly and balances the savory chicken and crisp broccoli.
How do you make a creamy pasta sauce from scratch?
To make a creamy pasta sauce for Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta with Broccoli, sauté fresh garlic in butter, add cooking cream, and simmer gently. Stir in some reserved pasta water to achieve the perfect consistency. Finish with herbs and cheese for flavor and depth. It’s simple, quick, and made from wholesome ingredients.
What herbs are good in creamy chicken pasta?
Great herbs for Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta with Broccoli include dried basil, thyme, parsley, and a touch of black pepper. These herbs add warmth and aroma without overpowering the garlic or cream. Fresh parsley also makes a wonderful garnish right before serving.
🧡 A Personal Note from Chef Joudia
Thank you for joining me in the kitchen today. Sharing this recipe for Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta with Broccoli has brought back beautiful memories from my own home. I truly hope it becomes a favorite in yours too. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish brings comfort and connection with every bite.
If you enjoyed this dish, you might also love my low-sodium classic chicken noodle soup recipe—a gentle, nourishing option for cozy days and family dinners.
With care,
– Chef Joudia
Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta with Broccoli
Ingredients
- 250 g pasta penne, fusilli, or your favorite kind
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced thinly
- 5 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 ½ cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ cups cooking cream
- salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese optional but highly recommended
- ½ teaspoon dried basil or thyme or both
- ½ cup pasta water reserved from cooking
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until just al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add sliced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and dried herbs. Cook for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Blanch or steam broccoli for 2–3 minutes until bright green and slightly firm. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pan used for chicken, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté gently for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and golden (not browned).
- Pour in cooking cream and bring to a light simmer. Add reserved pasta water gradually to reach desired sauce consistency. Stir in parmesan and herbs, and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Return chicken and broccoli to the pan, followed by cooked pasta. Toss gently to coat everything evenly with the sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Add more pasta water if sauce thickens too much. Serve warm with extra parmesan or herbs if desired.
