Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Chicken and broccoli pasta is a delicious, creamy, and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta in a rich and flavorful sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting homemade meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy schedules.
• A well-balanced meal with protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates.
• Creamy and flavorful sauce that enhances the dish.
• Customizable with different pasta types or additional seasonings.
• A great way to incorporate vegetables into a family-friendly meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breast
• Broccoli florets
• Pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Heavy cream or milk
• Parmesan cheese
• Chicken broth
• Butter
• Salt and pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breast, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well. Let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken.
5. Add the broccoli florets to the sauce and cook until tender but still vibrant in color.
6. Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cooked pasta, mixing everything together.
7. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
8. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Cheesy Option: Add shredded mozzarella or cheddar for an extra cheesy sauce.
• Spicy Kick: Incorporate red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
• Healthy Alternative: Use whole wheat or chickpea pasta for a healthier version.
• Creamy Without Dairy: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative.
• Additional Vegetables: Include mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for more nutrition.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: This dish is not ideal for freezing due to the creamy sauce, but if necessary, store in an airtight container for up to 1 month.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring between each.

FAQs

How do I keep the sauce from getting too thick?

If the sauce thickens too much, add a little reserved pasta water, milk, or chicken broth to loosen it.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, but thaw it first and drain excess water to prevent the sauce from becoming watery.

What’s the best pasta for this dish?

Short pasta like penne or rotini works well, but you can also use spaghetti or fettuccine.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

How can I make this dish lighter?

Use milk instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese. Also, opt for lean chicken breast and whole wheat pasta.

Can I prepare this in advance?

Yes, you can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time. Reheat and combine with freshly cooked pasta before serving.

What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?

Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are good alternatives. For a non-dairy option, try nutritional yeast.

Can I use a different protein?

Yes, shrimp, turkey, or tofu can be used instead of chicken.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Cook the chicken over medium heat until just done, and let it rest before slicing to retain juices.

Can I make this recipe without cream?

Yes, use a milk-based roux (butter and flour) or a blend of milk and Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

Conclusion

Chicken and broccoli pasta is a comforting, versatile, and nutritious dish that’s easy to prepare. With simple ingredients and a creamy, flavorful sauce, it’s perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep. Try different variations to suit your preferences, and enjoy a satisfying homemade meal.

Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

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• Author: Sarra
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

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Description

This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish packed with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich garlic Parmesan sauce. Quick and easy to make in under 30 minutes, it’s the perfect family-friendly dinner for busy weeknights!

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• For the Pasta & Broccoli:
• 10 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni)
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• For the Chicken:
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• Garnish (Optional):
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella or extra Parmesan

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Instructions

• Cook the Pasta & Broccoli:
• Boil a large pot of salted water and cook pasta according to package instructions.
• In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets.
• Drain and set aside.
• Cook the Chicken:
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
• Cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
• Remove from pan and set aside.
• Make the Creamy Sauce:
• In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
• Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
• Add Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
• Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
• Combine Everything:
• Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the sauce.
• Toss everything together until well coated.
• Serve & Enjoy:
• Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
• Serve hot and enjoy!

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Notes

• Use grilled or rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.
• Substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
• Can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.
• Details

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Nutrition

• Calories: ~600 kcal
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 750mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 110mg