Dinner

Creamy One-Pan Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Recipe

ByEthan Lark December 1, 2025December 1, 2025

Introduction

This creamy one-pan chicken and broccoli pasta is a simple, comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a luscious crème fraîche sauce, it’s both hearty and flavorful.

A white bowl and a white pot both filled with a creamy pale yellow soup containing shredded chicken, green peas, long pale pasta, and bright green broccoli stems and leafy greens. The soup has soft textures with visible small layers of cheese or cream on top. The pot sits next to the bowl on a white marbled surface with a folded mustard yellow cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil, for frying
200g cooked chicken, torn into pieces
2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 chicken stock cube
160g dried short pasta
100g frozen peas
200g long-stem broccoli, cut into 3-4 pieces
150g crème fraîche
1 lemon, juiced
30g parmesan, grated, plus extra to serve
Small bunch fresh mint, leaves picked

Instructions

Step 1: Drizzle the olive oil into a large, high-sided frying pan and heat over medium heat. Add the torn chicken and sliced garlic, frying for about 5 minutes while stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Step 2: Pour in 900ml boiling water, then add the chicken stock cube, dried pasta, and some seasoning. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 8 minutes.
Step 3: After 4 minutes, stir in the frozen peas and broccoli, then replace the lid. Increase the heat slightly if needed to maintain a simmer. Add a splash more water if the pasta looks dry.
Step 4: Once the 8 minutes are up, remove the lid and reduce the heat to low. Stir in the crème fraîche and taste to adjust seasoning.
Step 5: Remove the pan from heat. Stir through the lemon juice, grated parmesan, and fresh mint leaves. Serve topped with extra parmesan if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use chicken thighs for a juicier texture or substitute crème fraîche with sour cream for a tangier twist.
Swap broccoli for asparagus or green beans depending on the season.
If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of chili flakes when frying the garlic.
For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use vegetable stock instead.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

The image shows a creamy pasta dish served in a white pan and a white bowl, both placed on a white marbled surface. The creamy sauce is pale yellow, thick, and covers all the ingredients evenly. Inside the sauce, there are short, light-colored pasta pieces layered with bright green vegetables like peas, broccolini, and leafy greens scattered throughout. There are also torn pieces of white chicken meat mixed in. Both the pan and the bowl have a rustic look with some flecks and texture on the edges. A mustard-yellow cloth napkin lies nearby on the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pasta instead of dried?

Yes, but reduce the cooking time accordingly since fresh pasta cooks much faster. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute crème fraîche with a dairy-free cream alternative and use a vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast for the cheesy flavor.

Ethan Lark