Ultimate Chicken Pasta: Paprika Herb Chicken with Broccoli in 30 Minutes

This creamy, flavorful Paprika Herb Chicken Pasta with Broccoli is the perfect 30-minute dinner for busy weeknights. Tender chicken is seasoned with smoky paprika, garlic, and Italian herbs, then cooked until golden and juicy. Fresh broccoli adds color, crunch, and nutrition, while the creamy sauce coats every strand of pasta for a rich and comforting meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta of your choice
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon butter
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

2. Season the chicken
Place the chicken pieces in a bowl. Add paprika, Italian seasoning, oregano, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss well until every piece is evenly coated.

3. Brown the chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate.

4. Cook the broccoli
Add the broccoli to the same skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. If needed, add a splash of water and cover the skillet for a minute to steam the broccoli.

5. Build the creamy sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter and minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.

6. Add Parmesan
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue cooking for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Add red pepper flakes if you prefer a little heat.

7. Combine everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and broccoli. Toss everything together until the pasta is completely coated in the creamy paprika-herb sauce.

8. Adjust the consistency
If the sauce is too thick, gradually add a little reserved pasta water until you reach your preferred creamy consistency. Taste and adjust the salt, pepper, or seasonings as needed.

9. Garnish and serve
Remove from the heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Quick Tips

• Use chicken thighs for an extra juicy and flavorful version.
• Don’t overcook the broccoli—it should remain slightly crisp.
• Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce without making it watery.
• For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving.
• Penne, fettuccine, rotini, or bow-tie pasta all work beautifully.

Ready in just 30 minutes, this creamy paprika herb chicken pasta is a delicious combination of tender chicken, fresh broccoli, savory herbs, and rich Parmesan sauce—an easy comfort-food dinner that’s perfect for the entire family.