If you are craving a fuss-free, comforting meal that bursts with flavor and comes together effortlessly, this One Pot Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender chicken, vibrant green broccoli, and perfectly cooked fusilli swim in a luscious, creamy sauce all made in a single pot. It is a winner for busy weeknights or anytime you want a satisfying dinner without a pile of dirty dishes. I absolutely love how this recipe manages to combine simplicity and richness in every bite, making it a fast favorite to keep in your culinary rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role to build layers of taste and texture, while keeping the process delightfully simple and approachable.
- Chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook quickly and evenly.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken beautifully for extra flavor.
- Garlic: Minced cloves infuse the dish with a warm, aromatic base that wakes up each ingredient.
- Italian seasoning: A blend that brings classic herbal notes, marrying the components together.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Optional, but they introduce a subtle kick that brightens the creaminess.
- Chicken broth: The savory liquid foundation that cooks the pasta and infuses the dish with depth.
- Half-and-half: Creates the creamy texture that makes this pasta feel indulgent yet comforting.
- Uncooked fusilli pasta: Its spirals hold onto the sauce beautifully for every forkful to be coated.
- Broccoli florets: Adds vibrant color, crunch, and a burst of freshness to balance the creamy sauce.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that highlight and enhance every flavor note.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese: Optional, but highly recommended for a savory, nutty finish on top.
How to Make One Pot Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in your favorite Dutch oven or a large soup pot. Toss in the chicken pieces and give them a good stir to coat them evenly in the oil. Cook over medium-high heat for about 3 to 4 minutes until the chicken develops a lovely light golden color on the outside and is just about cooked through. This step is key for that deep savory flavor that will enhance the whole dish.
Step 2: Add Key Flavorings and Pasta
Once the chicken is ready, stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Then pour in the chicken broth and half-and-half, followed by the uncooked fusilli pasta. Crank the heat up to high to bring everything to a gentle boil. After that, reduce the heat to medium or medium-low to maintain a smooth simmer. Let it cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering cooks the pasta perfectly while letting it soak up all the rich flavors.
Step 3: Incorporate the Broccoli
Now it’s time to add the broccoli florets to the pot. Give everything a gentle stir to distribute the veggies throughout. Cover the pot with a lid and let it cook on medium-low heat for 4 to 5 minutes. This keeps the broccoli tender but still crisp enough to give that lovely contrast in texture.
Step 4: Season and Serve
Before serving, season the pasta generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. If your broccoli needs a tad more time to soften, just pop the lid back on and cook for an extra 2 minutes. Serve this scrumptious pasta right away, garnished with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese if you like. It adds a delicious nutty boost that perfectly complements the creamy sauce.
How to Serve One Pot Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh Parmesan cheese is a delightful topping that melts slightly into the warm pasta, creating bursts of flavor. Adding a few fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley can brighten the dish visually and add a hint of earthiness that feels fresh and vibrant. A light drizzle of good-quality olive oil just before serving can also add a silky finish.
Side Dishes
Since this pasta is already packed with protein and veggies, serving it alongside a crisp garden salad or some garlic bread is a perfect way to complete the meal without overwhelming the plate. A side of roasted vegetables or a simple Caesar salad pairs beautifully, adding variety and balance to your dinner table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this pasta in individual shallow bowls sprinkled with extra Parmesan and a pinch of crushed red pepper for those who like a kick. You could also bake it briefly with a light layer of mozzarella cheese on top under the broiler for a bubbly, golden finish. Another idea is to serve it over a bed of baby spinach for added color and nutrition.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One Pot Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. The pasta will continue soaking up the sauce as it sits, so adding a splash of milk or broth when reheating helps revive its creamy texture and keeps it from becoming dry.
Freezing
While freezing cream-based pasta dishes is usually tricky, this recipe can be frozen with a few precautions. Allow it to cool completely, then portion it out into freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove with a bit of extra broth or cream to bring back that luscious consistency.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta slowly over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring often and adding small amounts of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce as needed. You can also microwave leftovers in short bursts, stirring between cycles to ensure even heat distribution and prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While fusilli works great because its grooves hold onto the sauce nicely, you can swap in penne, rotini, or even farfalle. Just keep in mind cooking times may vary slightly depending on the pasta shape.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the half-and-half with a dairy-free creamer or coconut milk for a creamy texture. Skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative to keep it fully vegan-friendly.
Can I add other vegetables besides broccoli?
Definitely! This recipe is very versatile. Try adding sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or baby spinach for extra color and nutrition. Just add them according to their cooking times so everything finishes perfectly tender.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To turn up the heat, increase the crushed red pepper flakes, or add a dash of cayenne pepper. You could also top the plated dish with some chili oil or a few slices of fresh jalapeño for a spicy kick.
What’s the best way to ensure the chicken stays tender?
Cutting the chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces helps it cook evenly. Avoid overcooking by sautéing just until golden before simmering just enough during the pasta cooking stage. This keeps it juicy and tender throughout.
Final Thoughts
There is something so wonderfully satisfying about a One Pot Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe that feels both indulgent and easy to make. It’s the kind of dish that becomes a go-to for busy days, yet impresses with its creamy richness and balanced flavors every time. Give it a try soon—you’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple ingredients comes together to present a warm, inviting meal that feels like a big hug on a plate.
Print
One Pot Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One Pot Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a simple, comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken and fresh broccoli are cooked directly with fusilli pasta in a creamy half-and-half and chicken broth sauce, resulting in a flavorful dish with minimal cleanup. The garlic and Italian seasoning add wonderful aroma and taste, while optional red pepper flakes bring a slight kick. Serve with freshly grated parmesan for a delicious finish.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 2 chicken breasts (cut into bite-size strips/pieces)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (cut small)
Liquids and Dairy
- 1.5 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups half-and-half
Carbohydrates
- 3 cups uncooked fusilli pasta
Seasonings and Others
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese (for serving, optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Add the chicken strips and olive oil to a Dutch oven or large soup pot. Stir well and sauté over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes until the chicken is lightly browned on the outside.
- Add Flavor and Liquids: Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Pour in the chicken broth and half-and-half followed by the uncooked fusilli pasta. Increase the heat to high to bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Simmer the Pasta: Reduce heat to medium or medium-low (depending on how vigorously it’s boiling) and simmer uncovered for 8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Cook the Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the pot. Lower heat to medium-low, cover with a lid, and cook for 4-5 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still bright green. If broccoli is too crisp after this, cook an additional 2 minutes.
- Season and Serve: Season the pasta dish with salt and pepper to your preference. Serve immediately, topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese for added richness and flavor.
Notes
- For creamier pasta, you can use heavy cream instead of half-and-half.
- Substitute broccoli with other vegetables like spinach or asparagus if preferred.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes according to desired spice level or omit for no heat.
- Make sure to stir occasionally during simmering to avoid pasta sticking and burning.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for best flavor rather than pre-grated powder.
