BEST Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, delicious, and easy-to-make dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a hearty family meal, Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is your go-to recipe. Packed with protein, vegetables, and a creamy, flavorful sauce, this dish combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and nutritious broccoli, all brought together with a rich and creamy sauce that’ll make your taste buds sing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want a homemade meal without the hassle.
• Comforting and Creamy: The creamy garlic Parmesan sauce coats the chicken, pasta, and broccoli perfectly, making it indulgent yet balanced.
• Healthy: The addition of broccoli adds a boost of vitamins and fiber, and the lean chicken breast provides a good source of protein.
• Customizable: You can adjust the recipe to your tastes by swapping in different vegetables, adding spices, or even choosing a different pasta shape.
• Family-Friendly: With familiar flavors and ingredients, this recipe is a hit with both kids and adults.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This will help the seasoning stick and create a nice sear. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli

1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. During the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot to blanch them. This will cook the broccoli while you cook the pasta.
2. Drain and Set Aside: Once the pasta and broccoli are cooked, drain them in a colander and set them aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

1. Melt the Butter: In the same skillet you used to cook the chicken, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
2. Add the Cream and Broth: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until it begins to thicken slightly.
3. Add the Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Continue to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Slice the Chicken: While the sauce is simmering, slice the cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces.
2. Add the Pasta and Chicken to the Sauce: Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and broccoli are well-coated with the sauce. Add the sliced chicken on top and give everything a final toss.
3. Simmer Together: Let the pasta, chicken, and sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes to ensure everything is heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Serve: Spoon the creamy chicken and broccoli pasta onto plates or into bowls.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh Parmesan: For the creamiest and most flavorful sauce, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated versions. Freshly grated cheese melts better and adds more flavor.
2. Customize the Vegetables: While broccoli is the classic choice, you can swap in other vegetables like spinach, zucchini, asparagus, or mushrooms for a different twist.
3. Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch or flour to the butter and garlic in the skillet. Stir it into the melted butter and garlic, cooking for 1-2 minutes before adding the cream and broth.
4. Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for some heat and extra flavor.
5. Chicken Options: You can also use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a juicier, more flavorful alternative. Just be sure to cook them thoroughly.

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is hearty on its own, but it pairs well with a variety of side dishes to complete the meal. Here are a few ideas:

• Garlic Bread: A side of warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta and adds freshness.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts make a wonderful side to add more veggies to the meal.
• Steamed Asparagus: A light and flavorful side dish that complements the pasta without overwhelming it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the pasta. You can also steam it slightly in the microwave if you prefer it softer.

Q: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, to make it dairy-free, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative. Replace the Parmesan cheese with a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.

Q: How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply simmer the sauce for a few extra minutes to allow it to reduce. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water) to the sauce while it’s simmering to thicken it up.

Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a simple, comforting, and delicious recipe that will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation. With its creamy sauce, juicy chicken, and healthy vegetables, it’s a complete meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to impress everyone at the table!

Yield: 4

BEST Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe

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If you’re looking for a comforting, delicious, and easy-to-make dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a hearty family meal, Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is your go-to recipe. Packed with protein, vegetables, and a creamy, flavorful sauce, this dish combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and nutritious broccoli, all brought together with a rich and creamy sauce that’ll make your taste buds sing.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 oz penne pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta and Broccoli

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package directions, usually about 9-11 minutes.
• In the last 3 minutes of cooking the pasta, add the broccoli florets to the pot with the pasta to blanch. Drain the pasta and broccoli together, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water for later use.

2. Cook the Chicken

• While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
• Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce

• In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
• Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
• Add the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes to thicken.
• Stir in the Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.

4. Combine the Pasta and Chicken

• Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken back into the skillet with the sauce.
• Toss everything together until well-coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

5. Serve and Garnish

• Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
• Serve the pasta on plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for an added burst of freshness.

Notes

Add More Veggies: You can also add other vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.

Grilled Chicken: For a smoky flavor, grill the chicken instead of cooking it in the pan.

Cheese Variation: For a different cheese flavor, swap out the mozzarella for some provolone or gouda.

Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.