Broccoli Chicken Spaghetti Pasta – Creamy, Easy & Family-Friendly Dinner
Ingredients
For the Pasta
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12 oz spaghetti pasta
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2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie or grilled)
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2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Creamy Sauce
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2 tablespoons butter
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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2 cups milk
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook the Pasta and Broccoli
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions.
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Add the broccoli florets during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking.
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Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
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Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add the shredded chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2–3 minutes until warmed through.
Make the Creamy Sauce
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In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
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Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
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Slowly add milk while whisking to avoid lumps.
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Stir in heavy cream and cook until the sauce begins to thicken.
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Add cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
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Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Combine Everything
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Add the cooked spaghetti and broccoli to the skillet.
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Add the chicken and toss everything together until well coated in the creamy sauce.
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Cook for another 2–3 minutes until heated through.
Serve
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Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
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Optional: add red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Notes
Tips for Best Results
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Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful option.
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Don’t overcook broccoli to keep it bright green and slightly crisp.
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Adjust sauce thickness by adding more milk if needed.
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Add extra cheese for an even creamier texture.
Broccoli Chicken Spaghetti Pasta – Creamy, Easy & Family-Friendly Dinner
If you’re looking for a comforting, creamy, and easy dinner, this Broccoli Chicken Spaghetti Pasta is exactly what you need. Packed with tender chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and fresh broccoli tossed in a rich, cheesy sauce, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
It’s the perfect balance of hearty, nutritious, and delicious, making it ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even a cozy family dinner. Best of all, this recipe comes together quickly using simple pantry ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Chicken Spaghetti Pasta
This recipe stands out for so many reasons:
Quick and easy
Ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy schedules.
Creamy and cheesy
A rich sauce made with cheddar and Parmesan coats every bite.
Family-friendly
Even picky eaters love this comforting pasta dish.
Nutritious and balanced
Includes protein-packed chicken and fiber-rich broccoli.
Great for leftovers
Tastes just as good the next day!
Ingredients You’ll Need
the Pasta
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Spaghetti pasta
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Cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
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Fresh or frozen broccoli florets
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Olive oil
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Garlic
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Salt and pepper
the Creamy Cheese Sauce
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Butter
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All-purpose flour
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Milk
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Heavy cream
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Cheddar cheese
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Parmesan cheese
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Garlic powder
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Onion powder
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Salt and pepper
How to Make Broccoli Chicken Spaghetti Pasta
Cook the Pasta and Broccoli
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. During the last few minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot.
Drain everything and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in the cooked chicken and season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook until heated through.
Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for about a minute to form a smooth roux.
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Add the heavy cream and let the sauce thicken.
Stir in cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Combine Everything
Add the cooked spaghetti and broccoli into the sauce. Toss in the chicken and mix everything together until evenly coated.
Let it cook for a couple of minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot with extra Parmesan cheese on top. For added flavor, sprinkle red pepper flakes or fresh herbs.
Tips for the Best Creamy Pasta
Use freshly grated cheese
It melts better and gives a smoother sauce.
Don’t overcook the broccoli
Keep it bright green and slightly crisp for the best texture.
Adjust sauce consistency
Add a splash of milk if the sauce becomes too thick.
Season well
Taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving.
Variations and Substitutions
Healthier version
Use whole wheat pasta and light cream or milk.
Add more veggies
Try mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.
Spicy twist
Add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Different protein
Swap chicken with shrimp or turkey.
What to Serve with Broccoli Chicken Pasta
Pair this dish with:
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Garlic bread
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Fresh green salad
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Roasted vegetables
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Lemon water or iced tea
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Freezing
You can freeze it, but the texture of the sauce may slightly change after thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! It’s a great time-saving option and adds extra flavor.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare everything and store it, then reheat before serving.
Can I make it without cream?
Yes, you can substitute with milk, though the sauce will be lighter.
What cheese works best?
Cheddar and Parmesan are ideal, but mozzarella can also be used for extra stretch.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Chicken Spaghetti Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with wholesome ingredients. It’s easy, satisfying, and perfect for any night of the week.
Once you try it, this dish will quickly become a go-to family favorite thanks to its rich flavor and simple preparation.