This creamy garlic herb chicken pasta with roasted broccoli and mozzarella is a comforting, flavor-packed dinner made in under an hour. Rich cheese sauce, tender chicken, and crispy roasted broccoli come together in one deliciously satisfying dish.
12 oz rigatoni or penne pasta
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
2 cups broccoli florets
2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to taste
3 garlic cloves, minced
1½ cups heavy cream
½ cup cream cheese, softened
¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tbsp chopped parsley or fresh basil (for garnish)
Roast the Broccoli:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss broccoli with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 15–20 minutes until crispy at the edges.
Cook the Pasta:
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sear for 6–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 1 minute. Stir in heavy cream and cream cheese until smooth. Add mozzarella, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes. Stir until melted and creamy.
Combine:
Add the cooked pasta, roasted broccoli, and chicken into the sauce. Toss until evenly coated.
Serve:
Top with fresh parsley or basil and optional lemon zest. Serve hot.
Swap rigatoni with fusilli or farfalle if preferred.
Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
Lightly charred broccoli adds depth to the creamy sauce.