Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta – A Cozy Delight

Indulging in a steaming plate of chicken and broccoli pasta is like giving your taste buds a warm hug on a chilly evening. Picture this: tender chicken, vibrant green broccoli, and al dente pasta all wrapped up in a creamy sauce that sings with garlic and Parmesan. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, making everyone wonder when dinner will be served. Trust me, if you’re not drooling already, just wait until you take that first bite!

I remember the first time I tried making chicken and broccoli pasta. It was an adventurous Tuesday night, and I thought I could impress my friends with my culinary prowess. Spoiler alert: I definitely did! The laughter, the chatter, and the satisfied sighs around the table made it clear—this dish isn’t just food; it’s an experience that brings people together. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a feast for friends, this dish never disappoints.

Ingredients for chicken and broccoli pasta

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts will do nicely; feel free to adjust based on how hungry your crew is.
• Fresh Broccoli: Look for vibrant green florets; they should be firm and tightly closed for maximum crunch.
• Pasta: Use your favorite type—fettuccine or penne works great in soaking up that creamy sauce.
• Garlic: Fresh cloves are ideal; they add an aromatic punch that elevates this dish from good to unforgettable.
• Heavy Cream: This is what makes it creamy and dreamy; don’t skimp on this essential ingredient!
• Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh cheese for more depth of flavor; it’s worth every shred!
• Olive Oil: A drizzle will help sauté the garlic and chicken to golden perfection.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out all those delicious flavors.

For the Sauce:

• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed juice adds brightness that balances the creamy elements beautifully.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make chicken and broccoli pasta

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside while you whip up the rest of this culinary masterpiece.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, toss in your seasoned chicken breasts. Cook until golden brown on both sides—about six minutes per side—and ensure they’re cooked through (no one likes dry chicken).

Step 3: Add Broccoli

Remove the chicken from the skillet (don’t worry; we’ll get back to it). In the same skillet, add broccoli florets and sauté them for about five minutes until they’re bright green and tender-crisp. You want them to maintain that delightful crunch!

Step 4: Create the Sauce

Time for magic! In that same pan (let’s keep things simple), add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—around one minute should do it. Then pour in heavy cream along with lemon juice, salt, pepper, and half of your grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until it’s creamy goodness.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Slice up your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces (or keep them whole if you prefer). Toss in the cooked pasta along with broccoli into the skillet with that luscious sauce. Mix everything well so every noodle gets coated.

Step 6: Serve It Up

Transfer generous portions onto plates or bowls. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese on top for extra cheesy bliss! Serve immediately while hot.

And there you have it—a comforting plate of chicken and broccoli pasta ready to be devoured! Enjoy every rich bite as you reminisce about those shared laughs around your dinner table because good food is meant to be shared!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To nail this chicken and broccoli pasta, start by searing the chicken until golden brown. Then, boil your pasta while you whip up a creamy sauce. The chicken and broccoli can join the party near the end for an efficient cooking process.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your dish! Swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu, add garlic for extra zing, or toss in sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor. The possibilities are endless!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to keep everything nice and creamy.

My friend once exclaimed that this chicken and broccoli pasta was better than any restaurant she’d been to! That day, I realized that sometimes simplicity is key to delightful flavors.

FAQs:

What is chicken and broccoli pasta?

Chicken and broccoli pasta is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and pasta in a creamy sauce. The blend of flavors makes it a popular choice for family dinners. You can customize it with various seasonings or vegetables to suit your taste. This dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a great option for a balanced meal.

How long does it take to prepare chicken and broccoli pasta?

Preparing chicken and broccoli pasta typically takes about 30 to 40 minutes. This includes the time needed to cook the pasta, sauté the chicken, and steam the broccoli. If you’re using leftover chicken or pre-cooked pasta, you can cut down on preparation time significantly. Overall, it’s an efficient meal for busy weeknights.

Can I use other vegetables in chicken and broccoli pasta?

Absolutely! While the classic version features broccoli, you can easily incorporate other vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, or carrots. This flexibility allows you to create a unique twist on this dish while boosting its nutritional value. Feel free to experiment with different combinations based on what’s in your fridge.

Is chicken and broccoli pasta healthy?

Yes, chicken and broccoli pasta can be a healthy meal choice. It’s rich in protein from the chicken, along with vitamins and minerals from the broccoli. Using whole grain or vegetable-based pasta can further enhance its health benefits. Just be mindful of portion sizes and the type of sauce you choose to keep it balanced.

Planning your weekly menu? Browse these dinner recipe ideas for more delicious inspiration.

Conclusion for chicken and broccoli pasta:

In summary, chicken and broccoli pasta is a nutritious and satisfying dish that’s easy to make at home. With minimal prep time and endless customization options, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners. By using fresh ingredients like chicken and broccoli, you ensure a balance of flavors and nutrients that everyone will enjoy. Give this recipe a try; it might just become your new favorite!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4 people

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savor the comfort of chicken and broccoli pasta, a creamy delight that brings joy to your dinner table in just 30 minutes.

---

Ingredients

• – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: 3-4 breasts
• – Fresh broccoli: 2 cups, cut into florets
• – Pasta (fettuccine or penne): 8 oz
• – Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
• – Heavy cream: 1 cup
• – Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup, grated
• – Olive oil: 2 tbsp
• – Salt: to taste
• – Pepper: to taste
• – Lemon juice: from 1 lemon

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. 1. Cook the Pasta
2. – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
3. – Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
4. 2. Sauté the Chicken
5. – In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil.
6. – Once hot, add seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
7. – Remove chicken from the skillet and slice into bite-sized pieces.
8. 3. Sauté the Broccoli
9. – In the same skillet, add broccoli florets and sauté for about 5 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp.
10. 4. Create the Sauce
11. – Add minced garlic to the skillet with broccoli and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
12. – Pour in heavy cream, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until well combined.
13. 5. Combine Everything
14. – Return sliced chicken to the skillet along with the cooked pasta.
15. – Toss everything together so that every piece is coated in the creamy sauce.
16. 6. Serve It Up
17. – Transfer portions onto plates or bowls.
18. – Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese and serve immediately while hot.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (250g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 85mg