Luscious Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe For Cozy Evenings

Whipping up a delightful chicken and broccoli pasta can turn an ordinary evening into a culinary adventure.

Pasta lovers often seek simple yet satisfying meals that combine protein and vegetables effortlessly.

Crisp broccoli florets and tender chicken pieces create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Nutritious ingredients dance together, promising a wholesome dining experience that won’t break the bank.

Kitchen skills matter less than passion when crafting this straightforward dish.

Comfort and convenience merge in a single skillet, inviting you to savor every delectable bite.

Let’s make something memorable that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What Makes Chicken and Broccoli Pasta So Comforting

• Craft a Quick Dinner Solution: Conquer weeknight cooking challenges with this one-pan chicken pasta that transforms ordinary ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal in minutes.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Learn professional-level sautéing and sauce-making skills while creating a delicious dish that looks and tastes incredibly sophisticated.
• Nutrition-Packed Family Pleaser: Combine lean protein from chicken, fiber-rich broccoli, and satisfying pasta into a balanced meal that kids and adults will absolutely love without compromising on flavor.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by switching proteins, adding different vegetables, or adjusting spice levels to match your family's taste preferences and dietary needs.

What You’ll Need For Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

• Chicken: A lean protein that provides substantial nutrition and hearty flavor to the dish.

• Broccoli: A nutrient-dense green vegetable that adds crisp texture and vibrant color.

• Pasta: A classic carbohydrate base that serves as the foundation of this comforting meal.

• Garlic: A flavor-enhancing ingredient that adds depth and aromatic warmth to the sauce.

• Heavy Cream: A rich dairy product that creates a smooth and luxurious sauce coating.
• Parmesan Cheese: A sharp, salty cheese that provides a savory depth and creamy texture.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that balance and elevate the overall taste profile.

• Fresh Parsley, Red Pepper Flakes: Herbs and spices that add fresh brightness and optional spicy kick.

• Olive Oil, Pasta Water: Key liquids for cooking, sautéing, and adjusting sauce consistency.

How To Whip Up Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Step 1: Chop and Prep Ingredients

Dice chicken into neat cubes. Break broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces. Finely mince garlic cloves to release maximum flavor for quick cooking.

Step 2: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring water to a rolling boil. Drop pasta and cook until it reaches al dente texture. Keep a small cup of pasta water before draining for later use.

Step 3: Sizzle Garlic in Skillet

Heat olive oil in a wide skillet over medium-high heat. Toss minced garlic and let it dance in the pan for half a minute until its aroma fills the kitchen.

Step 4: Cook Chicken Until Golden

Add diced chicken to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Stir occasionally and cook until chicken turns a beautiful golden color and is fully cooked through.

Step 5: Introduce Broccoli

Toss broccoli florets into the skillet. Stir and cook for a few minutes until they become bright green and slightly tender, maintaining their crisp texture.

Step 6: Create Creamy Sauce

Pour heavy cream into the skillet. Lower heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer gently, allowing it to thicken slightly.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Transfer cooked pasta directly into the skillet. Toss everything together, ensuring each pasta strand gets coated with the creamy sauce. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.

Step 8: Add Cheesy Goodness

Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the dish. Stir to blend, creating a smooth and rich coating that brings all flavors together.

Step 9: Garnish and Finish

Transfer to serving plates. Scatter chopped fresh parsley on top. Optionally, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Bring the dish to the table immediately while it’s steaming hot. Enjoy the perfect combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and crisp broccoli.

Helpful Tricks For Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

• Perfectly Dice Chicken: Cut chicken into uniform 1/2-inch cubes for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Master Pasta Water Technique: Save pasta water before draining to help create a silky, smooth sauce that clings beautifully to noodles.
• Prevent Garlic Burning: Sauté garlic quickly over medium heat for just 30 seconds to release flavor without turning bitter or scorching.
• Balance Broccoli Texture: Cook broccoli until bright green and slightly tender to maintain crisp bite and preserve nutritional value.
• Adjust Sauce Consistency: Use reserved pasta water to thin or thicken sauce, ensuring perfect creamy coating without becoming too heavy or dry.

Tasty Combos For Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

• Vegetarian Pasta Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or white beans, sautéed until golden, maintaining protein content while creating a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour, ensuring same texture and taste for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Mediterranean-Style Remix: Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt, add sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese for a zesty Mediterranean profile.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, reducing carbohydrate intake while keeping the creamy sauce and vegetable components.

What Goes Great With Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly cut through the dish's rich, creamy texture and complement the chicken's mild flavor.
• Balance with Fresh Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to contrast the heavy pasta and provide a zesty, refreshing counterpoint.
• Enhance with Garlic Bread: Toasted sourdough bread with herb butter adds delightful crunch and absorbs the delicious creamy sauce, elevating the entire meal experience.
• Complement with Sparkling Water: Chilled sparkling water with a slice of lemon cleanses the palate between bites and helps balance the dish's richness.

Best Storage Tips For Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool pasta completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of water or extra cream to prevent drying. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to restore moisture. Stir gently and continuously for 3-5 minutes until heated thoroughly, preventing sauce separation.

Common Questions About Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

• Is this dish spicy?

You can control the heat by adding red pepper flakes. A sprinkle will give a mild kick, while more will increase the spiciness level.

• Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Shrimp, turkey, or even tofu work great as alternative protein options in this recipe.

• What type of pasta works best?

Fettuccine, penne, or rotini are excellent choices. They hold the creamy sauce well and provide good texture.

• How do I prevent the cream sauce from separating?

Keep the heat low and stir consistently. Using heavy cream helps maintain a smooth, consistent sauce without breaking.

Chicken And Broccoli Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting chicken and broccoli pasta brings creamy Italian-inspired flavors to weeknight dinners. Cheesy, hearty goodness fills your plate with simple ingredients that promise delightful satisfaction in every delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups chicken breast, diced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini)

Sauce and Seasoning:

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Optional Garnish:

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare all ingredients by dicing chicken into uniform cubes, chopping broccoli into bite-sized florets, and mincing garlic cloves for quick cooking.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
3. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant without browning.
4. Add diced chicken to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally until chicken is golden and completely cooked through.
5. Introduce broccoli florets to the skillet, stirring and cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until they turn bright green and become slightly tender.
6. Pour heavy cream into the skillet, reducing heat to medium-low, and gently simmer for 2 minutes to allow sauce to slightly thicken.
7. Add cooked pasta directly into the skillet, tossing everything together to coat evenly with the creamy sauce, using reserved pasta water to adjust consistency if needed.
8. Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the dish, stirring to incorporate and create a smooth, rich coating.
9. Transfer to serving plates, garnish with chopped fresh parsley and optional red pepper flakes for added heat and color.
10. Serve immediately while hot, ensuring a perfect blend of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and crisp broccoli.

Notes

• Customize chicken by using rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken for faster meal preparation.
• Replace heavy cream with lighter alternatives like Greek yogurt or milk to reduce calorie content.
• Boost nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for more color and nutrients.
• Experiment with different pasta shapes like penne or fusilli to create unique texture variations in the dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg