Indulge in creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta with Broccoli, a comforting dish ready in under 30 minutes that brings together tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and crisp broccoli in a luscious creamy sauce. This recipe blends nutritious greens with rich flavors for a satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on your plate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Balanced Nutrition: Combines protein, greens, and carbs for a wholesome meal.
Creamy Comfort: A silky sauce that wraps every bite with indulgence.
Vibrant Veggies: Fresh spinach and broccoli add texture and color.
Family Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, making dinner a breeze.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is key to making the Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta with Broccoli come alive. Each one brings unique flavor and texture, crafting a dish that’s both nourishing and delicious.

Chicken breast: Tender protein, sliced thin for quick cooking.
Fresh spinach: Adds bright color and a mild, earthy flavor.
Broccoli florets: Provides a satisfying crunch and essential vitamins.
Pasta (penne or fettuccine): Holds the creamy sauce perfectly on each strand or tube.
Heavy cream: Creates the rich, velvety sauce that unites the dish.
Garlic: Infuses warmth and depth of flavor.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, savory finish.
Olive oil or butter: For sautéing chicken and veggies with a golden touch.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to balance and enhance flavors.
Optional lemon zest: Brings a fresh, zesty brightness at the end.

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to customize the Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta with Broccoli to suit your taste or dietary needs without losing its comforting charm.

Use turkey instead of chicken: A leaner protein option for a lighter version.
Swap cream for Greek yogurt: To reduce richness and add tang.
Add mushrooms: For earthy undertones and extra texture.
Make it vegan: Use plant-based cream, tofu, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Spice it up: Incorporate red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning for a kick.

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta with Broccoli Delight

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta with Broccoli

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Begin by slicing the chicken breast into thin strips. Wash and chop your spinach and cut broccoli into small florets. Mince the garlic finely to release its flavor quickly during cooking. Boil your pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside though save a bit of pasta water for the sauce.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook until they turn golden and are cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and keep warm.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, toss in garlic and briefly sauté until fragrant, then add broccoli florets. Cook for about 3–4 minutes to soften slightly but keep their crunch. Add the fresh spinach, stirring until it wilts down.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Let it simmer gently to thicken. Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir until fully melted into the sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and optionally a zest of lemon for brightness.

Step 5: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet with the creamy mixture. Toss everything well to coat evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it for a silky finish.

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta with Broccoli

Use freshly grated Parmesan: It melts better and has richer flavor than pre-grated cheese.
Don’t overcook broccoli: Keep it slightly crisp so it adds contrast in texture.
Reserve pasta water: The starchy water helps achieve the perfect sauce consistency.
Slice chicken thinly: Ensures it cooks fast and absorbs sauce flavors more.
Low and slow for sauce: Simmer gently to avoid curdling the cream.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta with Broccoli

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil bring fragrant bursts, while a sprinkle of extra Parmesan adds savory richness. A few crushed red pepper flakes can give a delightful mild heat if you enjoy spice.

Side Dishes

Pair this meal with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance creaminess, or serve warm garlic bread for a comforting carb companion that soaks up every bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the pasta in deep bowls with colorful microgreens atop for a restaurant-style finish. Alternatively, plate with a lemon wedge for guests to add a fresh squeeze of acidity, uplifting the flavors beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen after chilling, making for an even tastier second helping.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen but be mindful that the cream sauce might thicken or separate slightly upon thawing. Stir gently while reheating to restore its creamy texture. Freeze in a well-sealed container for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Warm leftovers slowly over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce’s smoothness. Avoid high heat to keep the chicken tender and preserve the vibrant veggies.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach and broccoli?

Yes, frozen spinach and broccoli can be used; just thaw and drain any excess water before cooking to avoid a watery sauce.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cream?

Absolutely! Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew-based cream for a dairy-free version that still delivers creamy richness.

What pasta works best for this recipe?

Penne, fettuccine, and rigatoni are excellent choices because they hold the creamy sauce well, but feel free to use your favorite pasta shape.

Can I prepare this recipe vegan?

Yes, swap chicken for tofu or tempeh, use plant-based cream, and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast to make a delicious vegan-friendly version.

How do I make the sauce thicker or thinner?

To thicken, simmer the sauce longer on low heat. To thin, add a little reserved pasta water, milk, or broth gradually until you reach the desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

Try the Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta with Broccoli for a delightful, satisfying meal that combines ease with elegance. This dish manages to be both nourishing and indulgent, making it a perfect addition to your recipe collection for any night of the week. Happy cooking!

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta with Broccoli

Author: Savannah
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta with Broccoli is a comforting and nutritious dish that combines tender chicken breast, fresh spinach, and crunchy broccoli in a rich, velvety cream sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it offers a perfect balance of protein, greens, and carbs, ideal for busy weeknights or family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced

Vegetables

3 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped
2 cups broccoli florets
2 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta

8 ounces pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni)

Dairy & Fats

1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

Seasonings & Optional

Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: lemon zest from 1 lemon

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Slice chicken breast into thin strips. Wash and chop spinach. Cut broccoli into small florets. Mince garlic finely. Boil pasta until al dente, drain, and save about 1/4 cup of pasta water. Set pasta aside.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken strips, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and keep warm.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add broccoli florets and cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp. Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
Make the Creamy Sauce: Reduce heat to low and pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly. Let the cream simmer gently until it thickens slightly. Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and optional lemon zest for brightness.
Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce: Return cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet. Toss everything well to coat evenly with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it for a silky finish. Serve immediately.