Speedy Broccoli Pasta Stir Fry Recipe for Busy Weeknights

My latest kitchen adventure with broccoli pasta stir fry blends quick cooking and bold flavors in one delightful dish.

Crisp vegetables dance alongside tender noodles, creating a colorful plate that feels like a mini celebration.

Fresh ingredients make this meal pop with excitement and nutrition.

Simple techniques transform everyday components into something magical and satisfying.

Green florets provide crunch while pasta catches every savory note of the sauce.

Experienced cooks and kitchen newcomers alike will appreciate how easily this comes together.

Jump into this recipe and discover a meal that promises both comfort and zest.

What Makes Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry with Pasta So Satisfying

• Savor Quick Nutrition: Packed with protein from chicken and fiber-rich broccoli, this stir fry delivers a balanced meal in one delightful dish.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Learn professional stir-frying skills with straightforward steps that transform basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows swapping proteins, adding different vegetables, or adjusting seasonings to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Minimal Kitchen Cleanup: Single-skillet cooking means less washing up, making this recipe perfect for busy individuals seeking convenience without compromising flavor.

Ingredients for Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry with Pasta

• Chicken Breast: A lean protein that provides a hearty and satisfying element to the stir fry.
• Garlic: Adds a robust and aromatic flavor base to the dish.

• Broccoli Florets: A nutritious green vegetable that brings crunch and vibrant color to the stir fry.
• Green Onions: Provides a fresh, mild onion flavor and adds a pop of color as a garnish.

• Pasta: The main carbohydrate component that serves as the foundation of the stir fry.
• Olive Oil: Creates a smooth cooking surface and adds a subtle richness to the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Soy Sauce: Introduces a savory umami depth to the stir fry.

• Sesame Seeds: Adds a nutty texture and visual appeal.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides an optional creamy and tangy finish to the dish.

Easy Instructions for Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry with Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Drop pasta into a generously salted large pot of water. Cook until pasta reaches a tender yet firm state, following package timing recommendations.

Step 2: Slice Chicken

Carefully cut chicken breast into thin, even strips that will cook quickly and evenly in the skillet.

Step 3: Heat Cooking Pan

Place a large skillet or wok on the stove and warm olive oil over medium-high heat until the surface becomes glossy and shiny.

Step 4: Sauté Garlic

Quickly add minced garlic to the hot oil, stirring rapidly to prevent burning and release its aromatic flavors.

Step 5: Cook Chicken

Introduce chicken strips into the skillet, spreading them out to allow each piece to brown nicely. Cook until chicken turns golden and is completely done.

Step 6: Add Broccoli

Toss broccoli florets into the skillet with the chicken. Stir quickly to maintain the bright green color and crisp texture of the vegetable.

Step 7: Season Stir Fry

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Soy sauce

Mix thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.

Step 8: Combine Pasta

Drain the cooked pasta and add directly into the skillet. Toss everything together to blend ingredients and reheat completely.

Step 9: Final Cooking

Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing pasta to absorb seasonings and develop slight caramelization.

Step 10: Plate and Garnish

• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Optional parmesan cheese

Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry Tips for a Tasty Finish

• Slice Chicken Evenly: Cut chicken into uniform, thin strips to guarantee consistent cooking and prevent dry or undercooked pieces.
• Preserve Broccoli Brightness: Stir-fry broccoli quickly over high heat to maintain its vibrant green color and crisp, fresh texture without overcooking.
• Enhance Flavor Layers: Use fresh minced garlic and toast it briefly in hot oil to release deep, aromatic notes that elevate the entire dish's taste profile.
• Manage Pasta Timing: Cook pasta just until al dente and add directly to the skillet, allowing it to absorb the rich, savory seasonings from chicken and vegetables.
• Balance Seasoning Carefully: Combine soy sauce, salt, and black pepper gradually, tasting as you go to create a harmonious flavor without overwhelming the delicate ingredients.

Flavorful Spins on Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry with Pasta

• Spicy Thai Fusion: Replace soy sauce with Thai chili sauce, add red pepper flakes, and garnish with fresh cilantro for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Blast: Swap chicken for shrimp, incorporate oregano and basil, use lemon zest, and top with crumbled feta cheese.
• Vegetarian Power Bowl: Substitute chicken with firm tofu, add roasted red peppers, spinach, and use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
• Creamy Alfredo Remix: Create a light alfredo sauce using low-fat cream cheese, mix in roasted garlic, and sprinkle with fresh parmesan for a rich, comforting version.

What to Serve with Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry

• Pair Zesty Sauvignon Blanc: Crisp white wine cuts through the rich, savory chicken and complements the bright broccoli, balancing the dish's bold flavors with its refreshing acidity.
• Serve Crunchy Asian Slaw: Tangy cabbage salad with rice vinegar dressing provides a cool, crisp contrast to the warm pasta, adding textural excitement and palate-cleansing notes.
• Match Toasted Sesame Bread: Nutty, crusty bread soaks up the delicious sauce from the stir fry, offering a satisfying carbohydrate companion that echoes the dish's Asian-inspired seasoning.
• Enhance with Chilled Green Tea: Light, slightly grassy beverage cleanses the palate between bites, offers a subtle sweetness, and harmonizes with the soy sauce and garlic undertones.

How to Store Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry for Later

• Transfer leftover pasta stir fry into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor preservation.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of water or extra soy sauce to prevent dryness and maintain the dish's original moisture.
• Pack cooled stir fry in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn, and store for up to 2 months for later enjoyment.
• Separate components like pasta, chicken, and broccoli in different containers before refrigerating to maintain optimal texture and prevent sogginess when reheating.

FAQs About Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry with Pasta

• Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, frozen broccoli works perfectly. Thaw and pat dry before adding to the skillet to prevent excess moisture.

• What type of pasta is best for this stir fry?

Spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne are great options. Choose a pasta that holds sauce well and provides a good texture.

• How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace chicken with tofu or add extra firm tofu cubes. Alternatively, use chickpeas or edamame for protein.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the entire dish gluten-free.

Broccoli Pasta Stir Fry Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Broccoli pasta stir fry delivers a quick, nutritious meal that combines crisp vegetables with perfectly cooked noodles. Zesty garlic and tender broccoli create a delightful harmony you’ll crave as a perfect weeknight dinner solution.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
• 1/2 lb chicken breast, sliced

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp soy sauce

Garnish and Optional Additions:

• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
2. While pasta cooks, slice chicken breast into thin, uniform strips to ensure even cooking.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering and aromatic.
4. Add minced garlic to the hot oil and sauté for 30 seconds, releasing its fragrant essence without burning.
5. Introduce chicken strips to the skillet, cooking for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and completely cooked through.
6. Toss broccoli florets into the skillet, stirring quickly to maintain their vibrant green color and crisp texture.
7. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and soy sauce, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
8. Drain the cooked pasta and immediately add it to the skillet, tossing everything together to combine ingredients and heat thoroughly.
9. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb the savory seasonings and develop a slight caramelization.
10. Transfer the stir fry to serving plates, garnishing with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and optional parmesan cheese for added depth and texture.

Notes

• Slice chicken uniformly to guarantee consistent cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
• Use high heat when stir-frying to maintain broccoli’s bright green color and crisp texture, avoiding mushy vegetables.
• Add soy sauce gradually and taste before final seasoning to control saltiness and prevent over-seasoning.
• Quick-cooking techniques like stir-frying preserve nutrients and create faster meal preparation, making this dish perfect for busy weeknights.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg