Description:
This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for a weeknight meal. Tender chicken and vibrant broccoli are tossed in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, all served over your favorite pasta. It’s quick, easy to make, and customizable to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly dinner or a simple yet elegant dish for company, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch pieces
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen), steamed or blanched until tender-crisp
- 3 cups cooked pasta (penne, rotini, farfalle, or spaghetti work well)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Preparation:
step 1: Prepare the Pasta and Broccoli:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (slightly firm to the bite). This usually takes about 8-10 minutes, depending on the shape and brand of pasta.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the broccoli. You can steam it in a steamer basket over boiling water for 5-7 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Alternatively, blanch the broccoli by plunging it into the boiling pasta water for 2-3 minutes, then immediately transferring it to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This helps retain its vibrant green color. Drain the pasta and broccoli thoroughly, and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken:
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Season the diced chicken with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Ensure the chicken pieces are evenly seasoned for optimal flavor.
- Add the chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding will cause the chicken to steam instead of sear, resulting in less browning.
- Cook the chicken for approximately 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until it is browned on all sides and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) on a meat thermometer.
- Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
- Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
- Pour in the heavy cream (or half-and-half) and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to the cream sauce. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a splash of pasta water to thin it out and achieve your desired consistency. The starchy pasta water will also help the sauce cling to the pasta.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients:
- Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and broccoli to the skillet with the creamy Parmesan sauce.
- Toss everything together gently but thoroughly until the pasta, chicken, and broccoli are evenly coated with the sauce. Ensure all the ingredients are well-combined.
- If desired, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or Parmesan cheese to your preference.
Step 5: Serve:
- Serve the Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta immediately while it is hot and flavorful.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, chopped, if desired.
- Offer extra Parmesan cheese at the table for those who like to add more.
Why you will love this recipe:
This recipe is a winner for so many reasons! First and foremost, it’s incredibly quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights. It requires minimal ingredients and can be on the table in under 30 minutes. The creamy Parmesan sauce is rich and decadent, coating every strand of pasta and piece of chicken and broccoli for a truly satisfying bite. It’s also highly customizable. You can easily swap out the chicken for shrimp or sausage, add different vegetables, or adjust the level of spice to your liking. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies for picky eaters! Finally, the leftovers are just as delicious, making it a great meal prep option for lunch the next day.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side salad of mixed greens and a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta.
- Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs adds a nice textural element.
- Pair it with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
- For a more complete meal, serve with a side of roasted asparagus or green beans.
- Add some lemon juice at the end to brighten up the taste
Tips:
- Don’t overcook the pasta! Al dente pasta holds its shape better and absorbs the sauce more effectively.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic when sautéing. Keep the heat at medium and stir frequently.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to thin it out and help it cling to the pasta.
- For a richer flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated.
- To save time, use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta and vegetables.
- If you are using frozen broccoli, make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before adding it to the skillet.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add more vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Estimated, per serving)
- Calories: Approximately 600-700
- Protein: 35-45 grams
- Sodium: 500-700 mg
Conclusion:
This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its simplicity and versatility make it a go-to dish for any occasion. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a creamy Parmesan sauce is simply irresistible. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Questions and Answers:
- Can I use a different type of cheese in the sauce?
- Absolutely! While Parmesan cheese is classic, you can experiment with other cheeses like Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or even a blend of Italian cheeses. Just be mindful of the salt content of the cheese, as some varieties may require you to adjust the amount of salt you add to the sauce.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- While it’s best served fresh, you can definitely prepare components of the recipe ahead of time. You can cook the pasta and broccoli in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. You can also cook the chicken and make the sauce ahead of time, storing them separately as well. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken and sauce, then toss everything together with the pasta and broccoli. Keep in mind that the sauce may thicken as it sits, so you might need to add a splash of pasta water or cream to thin it out.
- I don’t have heavy cream. Can I use something else?
- Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version. You can also use whole milk, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. For a dairy-free option, try using coconut cream or cashew cream, but be aware that these may alter the flavor slightly.
- How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- Simply use gluten-free pasta! There are many excellent gluten-free pasta options available in most grocery stores. The sauce is naturally gluten-free, so no other modifications are necessary.
- Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
- Definitely! This recipe is very versatile. Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or peas. Add them to the skillet along with the garlic and sauté until tender-crisp before adding the cream and cheese. The possibilities are endless!
