Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
Description:
Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a creamy, comforting, and satisfying dish made with tender chicken breast, fresh broccoli florets, and your choice of pasta, all tossed in a delicious garlic Parmesan cream sauce. It’s a perfect family dinner that’s hearty and nutritious, balancing lean protein, vegetables, and carbs.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or fettuccine)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless, diced
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tsp Italian seasoning
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 cup pasta water (reserved)
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water before draining.
Cook the Chicken:
While pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes, until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Steam the Broccoli:
Add broccoli to the same boiling water for the last 2–3 minutes of pasta cooking, or steam separately until tender-crisp.
Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet used for the chicken, add 1 tbsp olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds.
Pour in the cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Stir in Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes. Mix until the sauce thickens (2–3 minutes).
If needed, add a bit of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Combine:
chicken and broccoli to the skillet. Add cooked pasta
Toss everything together over low heat until well coated in the sauce.
Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve:
Plate and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, if desired.
Total Time:
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate):
Nutrient Amount
Calories 580 kcal
Protein 35 g
Carbohydrates 45 g
Fat 30 g
Saturated Fat 12 g
Fiber 4 g
Sugar 3 g
Sodium 320 mg
Cholesterol 110 mg
Note: These values may vary depending on ingredients used and portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Yes, just steam or microwave it before adding it to the pasta.
Q2: Can I make it gluten-free?
A: Absolutely—just use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients (like cheese) are certified gluten-free.
Q3: Can I substitute the cream with milk?
A: You can use whole milk or half-and-half, but the sauce will be thinner. Add a bit of cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) to help thicken.
Q4: What pasta works best for this recipe?
A: Short pastas like penne, rotini, or bowties work great, but fettuccine or linguine also pair well with the creamy sauce.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or water to bring back creaminess.
Q6: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: Yes, but for best texture, keep pasta and sauce separa