How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a classic, comforting dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or a satisfying meal on a cozy evening. This recipe combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy pasta for a flavorful and balanced meal. With a rich, cheesy sauce made from Parmesan and heavy cream, every bite is packed with savory goodness. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this easy-to-make pasta dish is sure to become a go-to favorite. Plus, with the option to add more vegetables or swap out ingredients for lighter alternatives, it’s easy to make this recipe work for your preferences.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy

This dish comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for a busy weeknight dinner. Simple steps and minimal prep make this a hassle-free meal.

2. Comforting and Creamy

The combination of heavy cream and Parmesan creates a luscious, creamy sauce that coats the pasta and chicken perfectly, giving you a rich, satisfying bite with every forkful.

3. Nutritious and Balanced

Packed with lean chicken and nutritious broccoli, this dish is both hearty and wholesome, offering a good balance of protein and vegetables to fuel your day.

4. Customizable

You can add your favorite vegetables, adjust the spice level with red pepper flakes, or swap ingredients like heavy cream for lighter options. The flexibility of this recipe makes it suitable for everyone.

5. Family-Friendly

With its mild flavors and creamy texture, Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a dish that both kids and adults will enjoy, making it a perfect family meal option.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
• Broccoli florets, steamed or blanched
• Cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or spaghetti)
• Olive oil
• Garlic, minced
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Heavy cream or half and half (for a lighter version)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Variations

• Add More Veggies: Consider adding bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for more color and nutrients.
• Lighten It Up: For a lighter version, swap heavy cream for low-fat milk or a dairy-free alternative like almond milk or coconut milk.
• Extra Protein: Use leftover rotisserie chicken or swap chicken for grilled shrimp or turkey.
• Add Spice: For those who enjoy heat, sprinkle extra red pepper flakes or drizzle some hot sauce to kick up the flavor.
• Vegan Version: Use plant-based chicken or tofu, and swap dairy-based ingredients for vegan-friendly alternatives like cashew cream and nutritional yeast.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside. While the pasta cooks, steam or blanch the broccoli until tender but still vibrant, about 3-4 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce thickens slightly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 4: Combine the Dish

Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and broccoli to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until well coated and heated through. If desired, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of spice and garnish with fresh parsley.

Step 5: Serve

Serve the Chicken and Broccoli Pasta warm with extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Leftover Chicken: To save time, you can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep.
• Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Steam or blanch the broccoli just until tender, maintaining its vibrant green color and nutritional value.
• Adjust the Sauce Thickness: If the sauce gets too thick, add some pasta cooking water or a splash of milk to adjust the consistency.
• Season to Taste: Taste the sauce before combining everything, and adjust the salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes for the right balance of flavor.
• Fresh Garlic for Best Flavor: Mince fresh garlic for the best aromatic flavor. Avoid using garlic powder, as fresh garlic brings more depth to the dish.

How to Serve

Chicken and Broccoli Pasta makes a fantastic standalone dish, but it can also be paired with:

• Garlic Bread – Perfect for mopping up the creamy sauce.
• Side Salad – A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables – Roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts add an extra layer of flavor and texture to your meal.
• Grilled Chicken or Shrimp – If you want extra protein, serve it with grilled chicken or shrimp for an elevated dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Chicken and Broccoli Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a bit of extra cream or pasta water to bring the sauce back to life.

Freezing

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the pasta (without the broccoli) for up to 1 month. Reheat gently, adding a little extra liquid to maintain the creamy texture.

Reheating

To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over low heat and add a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as spaghetti, rotini, or penne.

2. How can I make this dish lighter?

For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for low-fat milk or a dairy-free option like almond milk.

3. Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, frozen broccoli can be used, but make sure to cook it until just tender to maintain its flavor and texture.

4. How can I add more protein?

You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu to increase the protein content of the dish.

5. How do I prevent the sauce from being too thick?

If the sauce thickens too much, simply add a little pasta water or milk to thin it out to your desired consistency.

6. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken, pasta, and broccoli ahead of time and store them separately. When ready to serve, simply heat them up and combine them with the sauce.

7. Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or any of your favorite vegetables to the dish.

8. Can I use dairy-free cheese?

Yes, if you’re avoiding dairy, you can substitute with dairy-free Parmesan cheese and use a non-dairy cream alternative.

9. How can I make the sauce spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to give the dish some heat.

10. Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, using rotisserie chicken is a great way to save time and add extra flavor to the dish.

Conclusion

Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a flavorful, creamy, and satisfying dish that brings together tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. This easy-to-make meal is perfect for busy weeknights, but it’s also hearty enough for special occasions. With its customizable flavors and quick prep time, it’s a meal the whole family will love. Add your favorite vegetables, adjust the spice level, or use lighter alternatives to make this recipe fit your preferences. Whether served on its own or with a side of garlic bread, this pasta is sure to become a go-to favorite!

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