There is something truly comforting about a rich, velvety pasta dish that’s bursting with fresh veggies and tender chicken, which makes this Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta with Broccoli Recipe an absolute favorite to share. It combines perfectly cooked pasta with a luscious cream sauce, savory Parmesan, and vibrant greens that create a harmony of flavors and textures you’ll crave again and again. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal, this recipe hits all the right notes with its creamy consistency, fresh ingredients, and heartwarming taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are both simple and essential, each bringing something special to the dish—whether it’s the tenderness of the chicken, the earthiness of the broccoli, or the creaminess of the sauce. Let’s break down why each one matters so much in this recipe:
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rotini): Choose your favorite shape, as it holds the sauce beautifully and adds delightful texture.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Perfect for cooking the chicken evenly without overpowering the other flavors.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced: Adds hearty protein and soaks up the creamy sauce deliciously.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Bring a pop of color and a satisfying crunch that balances the richness.
- 3 cups fresh spinach: Offers a mild, fresh green flavor that wilts perfectly into the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the entire dish with warmth and an irresistible aroma.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious, silky base that coats every bite.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Gives a salty, nutty depth that makes the sauce unforgettable.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds flavor complexity and helps balance the cream.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for bringing every ingredient to life.
- Optional: red pepper flakes and fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a little heat and bright freshness when desired.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta with Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli
Start by cooking your pasta in salted boiling water until it’s just al dente—that perfect balance of tender yet firm. About two minutes before the pasta is done, toss in the broccoli florets so they cook just enough to remain bright green and crisp-tender. This simple trick ensures both pasta and veggies finish perfectly together.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the diced chicken. Season generously with salt and pepper, then cook the chicken until it’s golden brown and cooked through, usually around 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. That sizzling sear locks in flavor and texture you’ll love.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant. This quick step releases the garlicky aroma that forms the base of your creamy sauce, so don’t rush it!
Step 4: Create the Cream Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once warm, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens to a rich, creamy consistency. This sauce is the magic that ties all the ingredients together.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked chicken, drained pasta, broccoli, and fresh spinach to the sauce. Toss everything gently until the spinach wilts and each element is coated evenly in that dreamy creamy sauce. This step transforms the components into one unified, irresistible dish.
Step 6: Season to Taste
Give everything a taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you love a little heat. Seasoning at this stage ensures every bite bursts with balanced flavor.
Step 7: Serve Warm and Garnish
Dish out the pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if you like. These finishing touches brighten up your plate visually and add layers of fresh flavor that complete the dish beautifully.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta with Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic garnish that adds a vibrant color contrast and a slightly peppery note, perfect for this creamy dish. A sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan can add more savory dimension, while red pepper flakes offer a gentle kick for those who like a little spice with their meal.
Side Dishes
This creamy pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette or a crunchy garlic bread that can help soak up all the delicious sauce. Steamed or roasted vegetables also make a great complement, particularly if you want to add even more freshness or variety.
Creative Ways to Present
For a touch of elegance, serve the pasta in shallow bowls with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and some microgreens on top. You can also plate it family-style in a large serving dish and add lemon zest or toasted pine nuts for an unexpected burst of brightness and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta with Broccoli Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This dish holds up well and can be quickly reheated while maintaining its creamy texture.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s best to avoid if you want to keep the sauce perfectly creamy, as dairy-based sauces can sometimes separate. If freezing is necessary, freeze the pasta separately from any garnishes and reheat gently to reduce texture changes.
Reheating
When reheating, use low heat on the stovetop or microwave to avoid breaking the sauce. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream can help revive the creaminess. Stir frequently until warmed through and silky smooth once again.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! Penne, fettuccine, and rotini are all excellent choices because they hold the sauce well, but feel free to use your favorite pasta shape—just adjust cooking time accordingly.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the chicken and add more veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor and texture without losing the creamy satisfaction.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast to mimic the Parmesan flavor.
Can I prepare this dish without fresh spinach?
While fresh spinach works best for its vibrant flavor and texture, you can use frozen spinach—just thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding to the sauce to avoid extra moisture.
What’s the best way to ensure the chicken stays tender?
Cut the chicken into uniform pieces and cook over medium heat just until cooked through to prevent it from drying out. Avoid overcrowding the skillet so it can brown nicely instead of steaming.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to bring a little creamy comfort to your dinner table, this Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta with Broccoli Recipe is sure to become a beloved classic. Its rich sauce, tender chicken, and fresh greens make it a well-rounded dish full of flavor and texture that’s easy to prepare and impossible not to love. Give it a try, and you might just find your new go-to weeknight favorite!
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Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta with Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta with Broccoli is a delicious, comforting one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender diced chicken breasts are sautéed and combined with al dente pasta, fresh spinach, and broccoli florets in a luscious Parmesan-infused cream sauce. Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, this dish brings together wholesome ingredients with a rich, creamy texture for a satisfying dinner the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rotini)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Seasonings and Garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. In the last 2 minutes of the pasta cooking time, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water. Once done, drain the pasta and broccoli and set aside.
- Sauté Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken, drained pasta, broccoli, and fresh spinach to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the spinach wilts and all ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Season to Taste: Adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired for a bit of heat.
- Serve: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if you like for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- You can use any short pasta such as penne, rotini, or fettuccine based on your preference.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Add red pepper flakes cautiously to control the heat level to your taste.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Fresh parsley and extra Parmesan not only add flavor but also make for a beautiful garnish.
