Pasta with Chicken and Broccoli in a Creamy Sauce

This Pasta with Chicken and Broccoli in a Creamy Sauce is a restaurant-quality dish you can make at home! With tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and al dente pasta all bathed in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce, it’s a meal that’s both comforting and elegant. Topped with a fresh basil–pine nut pesto, this dish is bursting with flavor and texture. Once you start eating, you won’t be able to stop!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Creamy & Comforting: The luxurious cream sauce clings to every bite of pasta, chicken, and broccoli.
• Flavorful Layers: The addition of zucchini, pesto, and Parmesan elevates the dish with fresh, herby notes.
• Versatile & Filling: Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions—it’s hearty yet refined.

 Ingredients (Serves 4):

For the Chicken & Sauce:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken fillets (≈300 g ), cut into 1–2 cm pieces 🍗
• 1 tsp dried Italian herb blend (oregano, basil, thyme ) 🌿
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper , to taste 🧂
• 1 Tbsp vegetable oil 🫒
• 1 Tbsp unsalted butter 🧈
• 1 small onion (≈100 g ), finely chopped 🧅
• 3 garlic cloves , minced 🧄
• ½ zucchini (≈120 g ), sliced into half-moons 🥒
• 1 small head broccoli (≈200 g ), cut into bite-size florets 🥦
• 250 ml heavy cream 🥛
• 50 g grated Parmesan cheese , plus extra for serving 🧀
• Reserved pasta cooking water (≈3 Tbsp )

For the Pasta:

• 200 g dry pasta (penne, fusilli, or rigatoni recommended ) 🍝
• 1 tsp salt (for boiling water ) 🧂

For the Basil–Pine Nut Pesto:

• 2 garlic cloves , peeled 🧄
• 50 g pine nuts , lightly toasted 🌰
• 2 cups fresh basil leaves , packed (≈50 g ) 🌿
• 50 g grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
• 60 ml extra-virgin olive oil 🫒
• Salt and black pepper , to taste 🧂

For Garnish:

• Extra grated Parmesan (≈20 g ) 🧀
• Chopped fresh parsley 🌿

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Directions:

Step 1: Season the Chicken 🍗

1. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels.
2. In a bowl, toss the chicken with Italian herbs , ½ tsp salt , and a generous grinding of black pepper . Set aside to marinate briefly while you prepare other ingredients.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli 🍝🥦

1. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add 1 tsp salt .
2. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (usually 8–10 minutes ).
3. Three minutes before the pasta finishes, add the broccoli florets to the pot so they parboil alongside the pasta.
4. When done, reserve 3 Tbsp of the starchy cooking water , then drain the pasta and broccoli together in a colander.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken 🔥

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2. Add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer, taking care not to crowd the pan.
3. Sear without moving for 2 minutes to develop a golden crust, then stir and cook an additional 2–3 minutes until cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics & Vegetables 🧅🥬

1. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add butter . Once melted, stir in the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
3. Toss in the zucchini slices and cook for 2–3 minutes until just tender but still bright green.

Step 5: Build the Cream Sauce 🥛🧀

1. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
2. Return the chicken pieces to the skillet along with the drained pasta and broccoli .
3. Sprinkle in 50 g Parmesan and stir to combine. If the sauce seems too thick, add the reserved pasta cooking water , 1 Tbsp at a time, until you reach a smooth, clingy consistency.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.

Step 6: Prepare the Basil–Pine Nut Pesto 🌿

1. Combine the garlic and toasted pine nuts in a food processor. Pulse until coarsely chopped.
2. Add the basil leaves and pulse 3–4 times until roughly combined.
3. With the motor running, drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture emulsifies into a bright green paste.
4. Transfer to a bowl and stir in 50 g Parmesan . Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 7: Plate & Garnish 🍽️✨

1. Divide the creamy pasta and chicken mixture among warm serving bowls.
2. Dollop or swirl the basil–pine nut pesto on top of each portion.
3. Finish with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley for color and freshness.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy every bite!

💡 Tips for Success:

• Make It Ahead: The pesto can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Stir before using.
• Substitute Greens: Swap broccoli for asparagus, spinach, or peas if preferred.
• Lighten It Up: Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.

⏰ Time Breakdown:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

📊 Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Makes 4):

• Calories: 650 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fat: 35g

This Pasta with Chicken and Broccoli in a Creamy Sauce is a symphony of flavors and textures—creamy, cheesy, and herbaceous with tender chicken, crisp-tender veggies, and perfectly cooked pasta. The fresh basil–pine nut pesto adds a vibrant finishing touch that ties everything together. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or impressing guests, this dish is sure to delight. Dive in, savor the flavors, and don’t forget the extra Parmesan—it’s pure comfort food magic!