Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Introduction

Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a creamy, comforting, and hearty dish that brings together tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta, all tossed in a rich, flavorful sauce. The combination of flavors and textures makes this dish a true family favorite, offering a perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and carbs in every bite.

I remember the first time I made this for a cozy weeknight dinner, and the whole family couldn’t stop going back for seconds. The creamy sauce, with its subtle hints of garlic and cheese, coats the pasta beautifully, while the chicken adds a satisfying protein boost and the broccoli provides a delightful crunch.

What I love about this recipe is how simple it is to prepare while still feeling indulgent. It’s the perfect one-pot meal for busy evenings or when you want to feed a crowd without a lot of fuss. Whether you’re serving it on a busy night or for a family gathering, Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is sure to please every palate, making dinner a comforting, satisfying experience.

Perfect for:

• Quick weeknight dinners
• Meal prepping for the week
• Family gatherings
• A balanced, nutritious meal
• Pasta lovers looking for a healthier twist

Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Here’s why Chicken and Broccoli Pasta will become a favorite in your household:

• Easy and Quick to Make: The recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy days.
• Nutritionally Balanced: Packed with protein, fiber, and healthy carbs, this dish is both wholesome and filling.
• Creamy and Comforting: The sauce is rich and velvety, coating every piece of chicken, broccoli, and pasta.
• Customizable: You can easily tweak the recipe by adding other vegetables or substituting ingredients based on your preferences.
• Kid-Friendly: The creamy sauce and tender pasta make it a hit with kids and adults alike.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4-6
• Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Chicken and Broccoli Pasta:

• 8 ounces (225g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or bow tie pasta work well)
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

Ingredient Highlights

• Chicken Breast: Lean and high in protein, chicken breast is perfect for this dish.
• Broccoli: Provides fiber, vitamins, and a bright green contrast to the creamy sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty depth of flavor to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: The base of the creamy sauce, ensuring richness in every bite.
• Pasta: Choose a pasta shape that holds sauce well, like penne or bow ties.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Chicken and Broccoli Pasta:

Cook the Pasta and Broccoli:

1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
2. Blanch the Broccoli: During the last 2 minutes of cooking the pasta, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water. This ensures the broccoli is tender-crisp and bright green.
3. Drain and Set Aside: Drain the pasta and broccoli together, reserving ½ cup of pasta water, and set them aside.

Cook the Chicken:

4. Season the Chicken: Toss the chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Sauté the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Prepare the Sauce:

6. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
7. Make the Sauce Base: Stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
8. Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Combine Everything:

9. Add the Chicken, Pasta, and Broccoli: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and broccoli, tossing everything to coat evenly in the sauce.
10. Serve: Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

How to Serve Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is versatile and can be served in many ways:

• Family Dinner: Serve it straight from the skillet for a cozy, family-style meal.
• Meal Prep: Divide into containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
• With Bread: Pair with garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up the creamy sauce.
• With Salad: Serve alongside a fresh green salad or Caesar salad for a balanced meal.
• For Guests: Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for an elevated presentation.

Additional Tips FOR Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Here are some tips to ensure your Chicken and Broccoli Pasta turns out perfect every time:

• Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Blanching the broccoli for just 2 minutes keeps it bright and crisp.
• Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water helps thin out the sauce while making it cling to the pasta.
• Use Fresh Parmesan: Grating Parmesan from a block ensures a smooth and flavorful sauce.
• Cut Chicken Evenly: Cutting the chicken into uniform pieces ensures even cooking.
• Adjust the Creaminess: For a lighter sauce, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
• Reheat Gently: Reheat leftovers on low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to refresh the sauce.

Recipe Variations FOR Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Here are 10 ways to customize your Chicken and Broccoli Pasta:

1. Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta: Substitute chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist.
2. Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and add mushrooms or cherry tomatoes.
3. Cheesy Bake: Transfer the pasta to a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and broil for 3-5 minutes.
4. Whole Wheat Pasta: Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber and a nutty flavor.
5. Low-Carb Option: Replace the pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
6. Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for more heat.
7. Lemon Chicken Pasta: Add fresh lemon juice and zest to the sauce for a bright, citrusy flavor.
8. Alfredo-Style: Use more Parmesan and omit the chicken broth for a richer Alfredo-like sauce.
9. Pesto Variation: Stir in a spoonful of basil pesto to the sauce for a herbaceous twist.
10. Add Bacon: Crumble crispy bacon on top for added crunch and smoky flavor.

Freezing and Storage FOR Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

• Freezing: Freeze any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the sauce.

Special Equipment FOR Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Here are some kitchen tools that make preparing Chicken and Broccoli Pasta even easier:

• Large Skillet: A wide, deep skillet is ideal for cooking the sauce and combining all the ingredients.
• Pasta Pot: A large pot with a strainer insert simplifies boiling and draining pasta and broccoli.
• Garlic Press: Mince garlic quickly and evenly with a garlic press.
• Grater: Use a fine grater for freshly shredded Parmesan cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions FOR Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

1. Can I use frozen broccoli?
   Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Simply steam or microwave it before adding it to the dish.
2. Can I make this gluten-free?
   Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
3. What other pasta shapes work best?
   Penne, rigatoni, and farfalle are great options because they hold the sauce well.
4. Can I make the sauce lighter?
   Yes, substitute half-and-half or milk for heavy cream for a lighter version.
5. How do I keep the chicken tender?
   Avoid overcooking the chicken by searing it quickly over medium-high heat and removing it as soon as it’s done.

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Conclusion

Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a comforting, creamy dish that brings together tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a rich Parmesan sauce in every bite. The combination of flavors and textures makes this meal both hearty and satisfying, while the creamy sauce adds a luxurious touch to the pasta. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or preparing meals ahead of time, this recipe is versatile and quick to prepare.

With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that’s both nutritious and indulgent. It’s the kind of meal that everyone in the family will love, and it’s easy to customize with your favorite veggies or pasta shapes. Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is sure to be a staple in your dinner rotation for years to come.

I’d love to see how your Chicken and Broccoli Pasta turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!