A super easy and tasty Chicken Broccoli Pasta dinner that is ready in under 30 minutes. This one is great for the whole family, and so delicious!
Chicken and Broccoli are made for each other! Check out my Chicken Broccoli Stir-fry, my Chicken Divan Casserole or my Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells, too!
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This easy dinner recipe is perfect for busy weeknights! Crispy chicken, a creamy sauce, tender pasta and broccoli make this a complete meal worthy of repeating.
The whole family will love how quick you get this on the table, as well as the low level of clean up needed!
Throw this together in under 30 minutes, with very little meal prep required, and definitely no culinary degree. This is a good recipe for a beginner cook, for sure!
The sauce is similar to an alfredo sauce, but much less work!
If you want to cheat further, just cook the chicken strips, boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions, and pour over a jar of alfredo sauce! Add a little grated parmesan cheese and you are good to go.
A little shortcut: Frozen chicken strips. I throw these crispy chicken tenders in the oven at 400°F for 20 minutes, then let them cool a little before slicing them and adding them to my cooked pasta dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh chicken instead of frozen chicken strips?
Yes, you can substitute fresh chicken. Simply cook the chicken fully in a skillet before following the rest of the recipe.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
You can use any short pasta like penne, rotini, or farfalle. Choose what your family enjoys most!
Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Yup! You can add bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach. Just toss them in with the broccoli.
Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with shrimp, tofu, or even cooked sausage for a different flavor.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Simple steps. No culinary degree required! It’s super easy to whip up in 30 minutes.
- Almost 1 pan. I LOVE cooking pasta WITH the sauce, saving me from having to dirty up another saucepan. The chicken does cook in the oven though.
- Basic ingredients. No trips to the store for extra items – you probably have everything needed in your pantry and freezer already!
What to serve with pasta
I like serve a side of garlic bread, or buttery breadsticks.
You could also do a side salad if you wanted to boost the veggie levels.
I have included step-by-step photos and instructions, as well as tips and tricks in the post. If you’d rather skip all that, scoot right on down to the full recipe card located at the bottom of the post.
Ingredients
The full list of ingredients and quantities is found in the printable recipe card below.
- Butter. I use salted butter. Olive oil can also be used.
- Chicken Stock. Make your own chicken stock, or chicken broth, or grab a carton.
- Garlic. Measure the amount of garlic with your heart! It adds such amazing flavor to the sauce.
- Milk. Half and half or heavy cream can also be used to boost the creaminess of the sauce.
- Pasta. This can be any kind of pasta, regular, gluten-free or whole wheat pasta. I use rotini pasta most of the time, but penne pasta, farfalle, shells or any short pasta work great.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper (optional seasonings – see Notes)
- Parmesan Cheese. I use this to flavor up the sauce. Mozzarella or cheddar cheese can also be used.
- Broccoli. I use fresh broccoli florets if I have them, but frozen broccoli works GREAT. You could use zucchini, green beans, or peas. Whatever you have on hand is good!
- Chicken. For this recipe I use frozen chicken strips from the store, but any chicken you have (be it grilled chicken breast, chicken thighs or leftover rotisserie chicken)
How to make Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
Get prepped
Heat the oven to 400°F, gather your ingredients.
Cook the chicken strips
Cook the chicken strips for 18-20 minutes, until crispy and cooked through.
For the pasta
Add the butter or heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook for a couple of minutes (don’t allow to burn) then add the broccoli florets, chicken stock, milk, pasta and season with salt and pepper.
Bring to a boil, then turn down to a medium heat and let it simmer until pasta is tender (al dente) – usually about 10-15 mins, then add salt and black pepper to taste. Add a splash of milk if needed to thin out the sauce.
Stir in the parmesan, and top with sliced (or whole) cooked chicken strips.
Devour.
Kylee’s Notes
What to do with leftovers
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat until it is piping hot!
Reheat it on the stove over medium heat with a little bit of extra milk or chicken broth to keep it creamy. You can also reheat it in the microwave, stirring halfway through.
Substitutions/Additions
Switch out the broccoli for any other steamed vegetable that you like. Add some zucchini, cauliflower or carrots if you want to boost the vegetable content.
You can use jarred alfredo sauce if you prefer. Just boil the pasta in a large pot of water. While the pasta cooks, steam the broccoli and cook the chicken strips. Save a bit of the reserved pasta water in case you need to loosen up the sauce.
Make sure you taste it, and add salt, pepper, and a little Italian seasoning, onion powder and garlic powder if needed. Red pepper flakes can also be added for a touch of heat.
Want more Easy Pasta Recipes?
- Chili Mac with Turkey. We’re bringing childhood back! Lightened-up with turkey vs beef, and made in one pan – this one is a family favorite!
- Skillet Mac & Cheese. Comfort food at its finest, this skillet mac & cheese is so easy! Just the skillet and a pasta pot, the and a quick broil, and this is ready FAST!
- Ham Tetrazzini. A super-fast weeknight dinner, this Ham Tetrazzini is a spin on the traditional version and is sure to please the whole family.
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Chicken Broccoli Pasta
Ingredients
- 12.5 ounces fully cooked frozen chicken strips ((half a bag))
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups broccoli (cut into florets)
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup milk
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta
- salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (shredded)
Directions
Get prepped
- Heat the oven to 400°F.
- Gather your ingredients.
Cook the chicken strips
- Cook 12.5 ounces fully cooked frozen chicken strips at 400°F for 18-20 minutes.
For the pasta
- Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium high. Cook the 4 cloves garlic for a minute or two, then add the 2 cups broccoli, 2 cups chicken stock, 1 cup milk, 8 ounces uncooked pasta and some salt and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then turn down to a medium heat and let it simmer until pasta is tender (al dente) – usually about 10-15 mins, then add salt and black pepper.
- Stir in the 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, and top with sliced (or whole) chicken strips.
- Devour.
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Notes
Nutrition Facts
Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate and provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
Update: This recipe was originally published in July of 2018. It was updated and republished in September of 2022.
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