Knorr Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe: One-Pot Weeknight Meal

This one-pot meal delivers a complete dinner with minimal cleanup, perfect for busy weeknights. The Knorr seasoning base provides a flavorful foundation that complements the chicken and broccoli beautifully.

Everything cooks together in a single pot, allowing the pasta to absorb the savory broth while the chicken cooks through. The broccoli steams right in the pot during the final minutes, preserving its vibrant color and crisp texture.

You’ll have tender pasta, juicy chicken pieces, and perfectly cooked broccoli in under 30 minutes. It’s a foolproof method that saves time without sacrificing taste.

The result is a hearty, family-friendly dish that’s both satisfying and simple. Serve it straight from the pot for an easy, delicious meal.

Ingredients for Knorr Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Short list of everyday ingredients for a one-pot dinner everyone will love.

The chicken is the star here. Boneless, skinless breasts stay tender and cook fast—thighs work too if you prefer more flavor. Most grocery stores carry Knorr bouillon in the soup aisle. I grab mine from Walmart in bulk boxes. Look for bright green broccoli with tight florets for the best texture (frozen works in a pinch). Any short pasta shape will do—penne or rotini hold up well to the cooking process.

No Knorr bouillon? Chicken broth plus a pinch of salt gets you close. Fresh garlic is ideal, but jarred minced garlic at half the amount saves time. Out of heavy cream? Whole milk or half-and-half work fine. The onion can be yellow or white—whatever you have. If using frozen broccoli, no need to thaw first. The pasta can be gluten-free if needed (adjust cooking time as directed on the package).

This keeps beautifully for 3-4 days in the fridge. Reheat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Leftovers freeze for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight before reheating. The flavors meld even more the next day.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Knorr Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

This one-pot wonder comes together fast with minimal cleanup—perfect for busy weeknights.

Step 1: Sear the Chicken and Build the Base

Heat the 1 tbsp Olive Oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the 1.5 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast (cut into bite-sized pieces) and sear for 5-6 minutes until the pieces are lightly browned on all sides and cooked through.

Push the chicken to one side of the pot. Add the diced 0.5 whole Onion and minced 2 cloves Garlic Cloves, cooking for 1-2 minutes until the onion softens and the garlic becomes fragrant. This builds the flavor foundation for your dish.

Step 2: Create the Broth and Cook the Pasta

Pour in the 3.5 cups Water and add the 1 piece Knorr Chicken Flavor Bouillon. Stir until the bouillon dissolves completely—this creates the flavorful broth that will cook the pasta.

Add the 8 oz Pasta, 3 cups Broccoli Florets, 0.5 tsp Salt, 0.25 tsp Black Pepper, and 0.5 tsp Dried Thyme. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and cover.

Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the broccoli is tender-crisp. The pasta should absorb most of the liquid, creating a creamy consistency.

Step 3: Finish with Cream and Serve

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the 0.5 cup Heavy Cream. This adds a rich, velvety texture to the dish. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes over low heat until everything is heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, though the bouillon provides plenty of flavor. The sauce should coat the pasta and broccoli evenly, with a glossy finish. Remove from heat and let it sit for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serve immediately in shallow bowls, ensuring each serving has a good mix of chicken, pasta, and broccoli. The dish should be creamy but not soupy, with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta.

Best Sauces and Condiments for This Recipe

Creamy Garlic Sauce

Stir in 2 tbsp minced garlic and ¼ cup butter after cooking the pasta. Add ½ cup grated Parmesan and ¼ cup heavy cream for a richer finish. This transforms the dish into a decadent, restaurant-style meal. 🧄

Lemon-Herb Drizzle

Whisk 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tsp dried oregano. Drizzle over each serving before serving. The brightness cuts through the richness and adds freshness to every bite.

Spicy Sriracha Boost

Mix 1 tbsp Sriracha with 2 tbsp mayonnaise for a creamy, spicy kick. Perfect for those who love heat—add a dollop to each bowl. Adjust the amount to your preferred spice level.

Herb Butter Topping

Combine ¼ cup softened butter with 1 tbsp chopped parsley and ½ tsp garlic powder. Spoon a small pat on top of each serving as it melts into the hot pasta.

Cheesy Breadcrumbs

Toast ½ cup panko breadcrumbs in 1 tbsp olive oil until golden. Toss with ¼ cup grated Parmesan and sprinkle over the dish before serving. This adds a delightful crunch and extra cheesy flavor.

Fresh Herb Garnish

Finely chop 2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley and sprinkle over the top. The vibrant green color and fresh flavor elevate the presentation and taste. I always keep fresh herbs on hand for this exact purpose. ✨

Frequently Asked Questions