Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a hearty, creamy, and flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta in a rich, savory sauce. This dish is a family favorite because it’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and packed with protein and nutrients. Whether you prefer a creamy Alfredo-style sauce, a garlic butter glaze, or a light lemon-infused dressing, this pasta is versatile enough to suit your taste.

Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, meal prep, or even a cozy dinner party, this dish balances the richness of the sauce with the freshness of the broccoli, making it a well-rounded meal. Plus, it’s a great way to get kids (and adults) to eat their greens without complaint!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Nutritious & Balanced: Loaded with protein from the chicken and fiber from the broccoli.
• Customizable: Choose from different pasta types, sauces, and seasonings to suit your taste.
• One-Pot Option: Can be made in a single pot for easy cleanup.
• Great for Meal Prep: Stores well and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 ½ cups)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 480
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 4g

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz (340g) penne, fettuccine, or bowtie pasta
• 2 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), cut into bite-sized cubes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Zest of ½ a lemon (optional, for a fresh flavor boost)

Garnishes (Optional):

• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
• About 2 minutes before the pasta is done, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water. This will soften them while keeping them bright green.
• Drain the pasta and broccoli, reserving ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

• While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
• Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
• Add the chicken to the pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

• In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat.
• Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.
• Add the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let it cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 4: Combine Everything

• Return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir to coat it in the sauce.
• Add the drained pasta and broccoli, tossing everything together until well combined.
• If needed, add more pasta water to create the perfect consistency.
• Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon zest if desired.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

• Plate the pasta and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
• Serve warm and enjoy!

Ingredient Background

• Broccoli: A powerhouse vegetable rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that adds texture and nutrition.
• Chicken: A lean protein source that makes the dish hearty and filling.
• Pasta: Can be made with whole wheat, gluten-free, or chickpea pasta for dietary preferences.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, umami-rich depth to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Provides richness and creaminess to the sauce. Can be substituted with milk for a lighter option.

Technique Tips

• Use Fresh or Frozen Broccoli: Fresh broccoli gives the best texture, but frozen broccoli works if needed—just add it a minute earlier to the pasta water.
• Cook the Pasta Al Dente: This helps the pasta hold up better when tossed in the sauce.
• Deglaze the Pan: When making the sauce, scrape the pan to incorporate all the flavorful bits left from cooking the chicken.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Baked Chicken and Broccoli Pasta: After combining everything, transfer to a baking dish, top with mozzarella cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
• One-Pot Version: Cook the pasta directly in the sauce by adding extra broth and simmering until tender.
• Spaghetti Squash or Zoodles: Swap pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a low-carb option.

Additional Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: It should be bright green and slightly crisp.
• Reserve Pasta Water: This helps loosen the sauce without diluting flavor.
• Let the Chicken Rest: Allowing the cooked chicken to sit for a few minutes before adding it back ensures it stays juicy.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Version: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Garlic Butter Sauce: Replace cream with extra butter and a bit of olive oil for a lighter dish.
• Pesto Chicken and Broccoli Pasta: Stir in a few tablespoons of basil pesto for a fresh twist.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk to keep the sauce creamy.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Use Whole Wheat or Chickpea Pasta: Adds more fiber and protein.
• Substitute Half-and-Half for Cream: Reduces fat content while keeping the sauce rich.
• Add More Veggies: Mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach are great additions.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Dinner Party: Serve with garlic bread and a side salad.
• Meal Prep: Divide into meal prep containers for quick weekday lunches.
• Kid-Friendly Dinner: Serve with a sprinkle of cheese to make it extra appealing.

Special Equipment

• Large skillet
• Pot for boiling pasta
• Wooden spoon for stirring
• Sharp knife for cutting chicken

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes! This recipe works with various pasta shapes, so you can use whatever you have on hand. Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or bowtie (farfalle) is great because it holds onto the creamy sauce well. If you prefer long pasta, fettuccine, spaghetti, or linguine also work beautifully. If you’re looking for a fun twist, try rotini or cavatappi, as their spiral shape helps trap extra sauce for a flavorful bite every time.

2. Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely! To make this recipe dairy-free, swap out the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or an unsweetened dairy-free creamer. Instead of Parmesan cheese, use nutritional yeast for a cheesy, umami-rich flavor. If you want a creamy sauce without dairy, you can also blend soaked cashews with a little vegetable broth to create a smooth and velvety alternative.

3. How do I keep the sauce from separating?

Sauces with cream and cheese can sometimes separate if they are overheated or not combined properly. To prevent this:

• Keep the heat at a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil.
• Add cheese gradually, stirring constantly so it melts evenly.
• If the sauce looks too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to help emulsify it.
• If reheating, warm it slowly over low heat while stirring to maintain the creamy texture.

4. Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut to save time. Simply shred or dice the cooked chicken and add it to the sauce when you combine the pasta and broccoli. This is a great option if you have leftover chicken from another meal or need a quick weeknight dinner solution.

5. How do I add more vegetables?

This dish is already packed with broccoli, but you can easily incorporate more vegetables for extra flavor and nutrition. Some great additions include:

• Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms add a meaty, umami-rich taste.
• Bell Peppers: Thinly sliced red, yellow, or orange bell peppers add sweetness and color.
• Spinach or Kale: Stir in fresh spinach or kale at the end for a boost of greens.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Halved cherry tomatoes add a fresh, juicy contrast to the creamy sauce.

6. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is great for meal prep. If you plan to make it ahead:

• Cook everything as directed but store the sauce separately from the pasta to prevent it from drying out.
• When ready to eat, reheat the sauce on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen it up.
• Add the pasta and broccoli to warm through before serving.

7. What’s the best way to reheat it?

Reheating pasta dishes can sometimes result in dry or clumpy textures, but you can prevent that with these methods:

• Stovetop Method (Best Option): Place the pasta in a skillet over low heat, add a little broth, milk, or water, and stir gently until heated through.
• Microwave Method: Add a splash of liquid to the pasta before microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to keep it creamy.
• Oven Method: Place the pasta in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

8. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. Chickpea, lentil, or brown rice pasta are great alternatives that hold up well in creamy sauces. Also, double-check that your chicken broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free, as some brands may contain traces of gluten.

Conclusion

Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a wholesome, comforting, and versatile meal that can be customized to fit different tastes and dietary needs. Whether you prefer a creamy Parmesan sauce, a light garlic butter drizzle, or a tangy lemon-infused version, this dish is adaptable and always delicious.

This recipe is also a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals while still enjoying a rich, satisfying plate of pasta. The tender chicken adds a boost of protein, and the broccoli brings fiber and essential nutrients, making this a well-balanced dish for the whole family.

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