Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Craving a dish that’s both comforting and healthy? Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is here to satisfy that need! This recipe brings together tender pieces of chicken, perfectly cooked broccoli, and pasta all in a creamy, flavorful sauce that will have you coming back for more. It’s an easy and satisfying meal that’s great for any night of the week and comes together in no time. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies without anyone even noticing!

Whether you’re feeding your family or cooking up a cozy meal for yourself, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, you’re going to love how simple yet delicious it is!

Why You’ll Love Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Here’s why this dish will quickly become a weeknight favorite:

Comforting & Creamy:

The creamy sauce is the perfect complement to the pasta, chicken, and broccoli. It’s rich but not too heavy, and it brings the whole dish together.

Quick & Easy:

This recipe is straightforward and quick to make. It’s perfect for those nights when you want a hearty dinner without a lot of fuss.

Packed with Protein & Veggies:

The chicken adds lean protein, and the broccoli gives you that healthy, green crunch. Together, they make for a balanced, satisfying meal that will leave everyone full and happy.

Versatile:

Feel free to add your own twist to this recipe. You can swap in different vegetables or use a different type of pasta based on what you have on hand.

Family-Friendly:

This dish is a winner with both kids and adults. It’s mild enough for picky eaters but still packed with flavor.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Broccoli:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: These are your lean protein. They’ll cook up juicy and tender, adding flavor to the dish.
• Broccoli florets: Fresh or frozen, these add a nice bite and balance out the richness of the creamy sauce.
• Olive oil: Used to cook the chicken and give it that golden, crispy texture.
• Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings that bring out the flavor of the chicken.

For the Pasta:

• Pasta of choice (penne, rotini, spaghetti, or fusilli work great): Pick your favorite pasta shape! The sauce will cling to all those curves and crevices, making every bite flavorful.
• Water: To cook the pasta.

For the Creamy Sauce:

• Heavy cream: The base of the creamy sauce. It adds richness and a smooth texture.
• Chicken broth: To lighten up the sauce and add extra flavor.
• Parmesan cheese: For that nutty, salty goodness. Freshly grated works best!
• Garlic: Minced garlic gives the sauce a burst of aromatic flavor.
• Butter: For richness and to help create a silky smooth sauce.
• Flour: To thicken the sauce and make it nice and creamy.
• Lemon juice: Just a squeeze adds brightness and cuts through the creaminess.

(Note: Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the recipe card below!)

Instructions

Let’s get started on this easy and delicious dish:

Cook the Pasta:

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water for later use.

Cook the Chicken:

While the pasta is cooking, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips or bite-sized pieces.

Sauté the Garlic and Broccoli:

In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed, and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the broccoli florets and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and slightly crisp. If using frozen broccoli, cook until heated through. Remove the broccoli and garlic mixture from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Creamy Sauce:

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and whisk constantly for about 1 minute to create a roux (this will thicken the sauce). Gradually pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, continuing to whisk until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten it up.

Combine Everything:

Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and broccoli to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up to your desired consistency.

Serve:

Serve the creamy chicken and broccoli pasta hot, with extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy the creamy goodness!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 520
Total Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 95mg
Sodium: 600mg
Total Carbohydrates: 40g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 5g
Protein: 35g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

This creamy pasta is delicious on its own, but here are a few ways to elevate your meal:

Garlic Bread:

Serve a side of warm, buttery garlic bread to dip into the creamy sauce. It’s the perfect accompaniment to this hearty dish.

Fresh Salad:

Pair the pasta with a simple side salad of mixed greens, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad will balance out the richness of the pasta.

Roasted Vegetables:

Roast some extra vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or asparagus to serve alongside this dish for even more nutrition and flavor.

Parmesan Crisps:

For an extra cheesy crunch, make some homemade Parmesan crisps by baking small piles of Parmesan cheese in the oven until crispy.

Additional Tips

Swap the Chicken:

If you’re in the mood for a different protein, try using grilled shrimp, turkey, or even a vegetarian protein like tofu or tempeh.

Make it Lighter:

To lighten up the dish, use half-and-half or a lower-fat cream alternative. You can also add more veggies like spinach or bell peppers for added freshness.

Customize the Sauce:

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or try some fresh herbs like thyme or basil to customize the flavor of the sauce.

Leftovers:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce and prevent it from thickening too much.

Double the Recipe:

This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. Simply double the recipe and store the extra portions in the fridge for quick and easy meals.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A1: Yes, you can prepare the chicken, broccoli, and sauce ahead of time, then assemble and cook the pasta when you’re ready to serve.

Q2: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

A2: Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works just as well and saves some prep time. Just make sure to cook it until heated through.

Q3: How can I make this dish spicier?

A3: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or top the dish with some sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.

Q4: Can I use a different type of pasta?

A4: Yes! Any type of pasta will work. Penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti will all be great choices.

Q5: Can I make this dish vegetarian?

A5: Yes! Simply swap the chicken for extra veggies or a vegetarian protein like tofu or chickpeas.

Q6: Can I freeze leftovers?

A6: Yes, you can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. When reheating, you may need to add a bit of extra cream or broth to restore the sauce’s creamy texture.

Q7: Can I use a different cheese in the sauce?

A7: Yes! You can use mozzarella, Gouda, or even a tangy goat cheese for a different flavor profile.

Q8: How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

A8: Use dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk for the cream and a dairy-free cheese substitute.

Q9: What can I serve this with?

A9: A simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables would all complement this dish perfectly.

Q10: How do I keep the pasta from getting too dry?

A10: If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of pasta water or more cream to keep it creamy and saucy.

Conclusion

This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is the kind of meal that checks all the boxes: creamy, comforting, and loaded with flavor. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that everyone will love. The best part? It’s easy to make and can be customized to your tastes. So go ahead, give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it! Enjoy!

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