The Best Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe for Cozy Weeknights

Crafting a delightful chicken and broccoli pasta recipe sparks joy in every home cook’s heart.

Comfort meets nutrition in this simple yet satisfying meal.

Fresh ingredients dance together, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that will make you smile.

Tender chicken pieces nestled among vibrant green broccoli florets promise a wholesome dining experience.

Creamy sauce envelops perfectly cooked pasta, turning an ordinary dinner into something extraordinary.

Weeknight meals never looked so appealing or tasted this good.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe and make it a regular in your culinary rotation.

FAQs About Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Any pasta with good sauce-holding capabilities like penne, fettuccine, or rotini will work perfectly. Shorter pastas tend to blend better with the creamy chicken and broccoli mixture.

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli is a convenient alternative. Just thaw and drain excess moisture before adding to the skillet to prevent watering down the sauce.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt, use whole wheat pasta, and add extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to increase nutritional value.

Why Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Is A Weeknight Favorite

• Craft Quick Culinary Magic: Master a restaurant-quality meal with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques that make cooking feel like an exciting adventure.
• Nourish Busy Lifestyles: Perfect for professionals and families seeking a delicious, balanced dinner that comes together faster than ordering takeout, packed with protein and vegetables.
• Customize Your Comfort: Adaptable recipe allows personalization with different protein options, spice levels, and vegetable variations to match individual taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Elevate Weeknight Dining: Transform an ordinary meal into a special experience with creamy sauce, golden chicken, and vibrant broccoli that looks and tastes like a gourmet restaurant creation.

Key Ingredients For Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that serves as the primary source of meat in this creamy pasta dish.
• Pasta: The foundational carbohydrate that provides a perfect base for the creamy sauce and other ingredients.
• Broccoli: A nutritious green vegetable that adds color, texture, and health benefits to the recipe.

• Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream: These ingredients combine to create a rich and velvety sauce that coats the pasta and chicken.
• Garlic: A flavor-enhancing ingredient that adds depth and aromatic complexity to the dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: These seasonings provide a balanced and slightly spicy flavor profile.
• Parmesan Cheese: A savory cheese that adds a creamy, nutty finish and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and creating a non-stick surface in the cooking process.

Simple Steps For Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the pasta until it reaches that perfect al dente texture, typically taking 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, ready to be transformed into a delicious masterpiece.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Slice chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes, making sure each piece is roughly the same size. This ensures every morsel cooks evenly and delivers maximum flavor.

Step 3: Chop the Broccoli

Break down the broccoli into small, manageable florets. Toss out the thick, woody stems and aim for consistent piece sizes that’ll cook beautifully and blend seamlessly with the other ingredients.

Step 4: Mince the Garlic

Finely chop garlic cloves into tiny pieces. This helps release those incredible aromatic flavors that will make your dish absolutely irresistible.

Step 5: Heat the Skillet

Fire up a large skillet over medium-high heat. Splash in some olive oil to create a sizzling hot cooking surface that’ll bring out the best in your ingredients.

Step 6: Cook the Chicken

Toss in the chicken cubes and sauté them, stirring occasionally. Watch for that gorgeous golden-brown color and ensure they’re completely cooked through with zero pink remaining.

Step 7: Bloom the Garlic

Drop in the minced garlic and let it dance in the pan for about 30 seconds. You want those amazing aromas to fill your kitchen without burning the delicate garlic.

Step 8: Add the Broccoli

Introduce the broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes until they turn a vibrant green and become slightly tender.

Step 9: Create the Sauce

Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream to build a luxurious, velvety sauce that’ll coat every inch of your pasta.

Step 10: Season the Dish

Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir thoroughly to distribute these flavor-boosting seasonings evenly.

Step 11: Simmer and Develop Flavors

Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes. This magical moment allows all the flavors to mingle and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 12: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Gently fold the cooked pasta into the skillet, ensuring every strand gets completely embraced by the creamy sauce.

Step 13: Finish with Cheese

Generously rain down parmesan cheese over the dish. Stir to create a melted, cheesy coating that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 14: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from heat immediately and plate up. Feel free to sprinkle some extra parmesan on top for those cheese lovers out there. Bon appétit!

Tips To Make Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Even Better

• Slice Chicken Precisely: Cut chicken into uniform bite-sized cubes for consistent cooking and attractive presentation.
• Control Garlic Intensity: Mince garlic finely and add briefly to prevent burning while releasing maximum flavor.
• Broccoli Texture Mastery: Cook broccoli just until bright green and slightly tender to maintain crisp texture and nutritional value.
• Sauce Thickness Trick: Simmer sauce on low heat to allow natural thickening and deeper flavor development.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Sprinkle parmesan generously and stir immediately to create a smooth, luxurious coating on pasta and chicken.

Easy Swaps For Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a creamy, plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, maintaining protein content while creating a meat-free alternative.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced bell peppers, use chili powder instead of red pepper flakes, and incorporate a splash of lime juice for a zesty flavor profile.

Top Pairings For Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

• Savor Complementary Wine Pairing: Select a crisp, medium-bodied Chardonnay with buttery undertones to harmonize with the creamy sauce and complement the chicken's richness.
• Enhance Flavor with Herb Bread: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread sprinkled with fresh parsley to provide a delightful textural contrast and absorb the luxurious sauce.
• Craft a Fresh Side Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the dish's creaminess and add a zesty, refreshing element.
• Balance with Crisp Beverage: Choose a cold, light pilsner beer that will cleanse the palate and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, creamy pasta dish.

Storage Made Simple For Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the dish fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers, sealing tightly and storing for up to 2 months, ensuring minimal freezer burn.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons water, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute warmth evenly.
• Warm pasta in skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent dryness, stirring gently until heated through.

Snuggly Chicken And Broccoli Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken and broccoli pasta delivers comfort wrapped in a delightful Italian-inspired embrace. Cheesy sauce, tender chicken, and crisp broccoli create a perfect balance that will satisfy your dinner cravings with pure homemade goodness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta:

• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne or fettuccine)

Protein and Vegetables:

• 2 lbs (907 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 2 heads broccoli
• 4 cloves garlic

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth
• 1/2 cup (50 g) parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Heat a large pot of salted water to boiling and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes, then drain and set aside.
2. Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes, ensuring uniform pieces for even cooking.
3. Chop broccoli into small florets, discarding thick stems and maintaining consistent size for balanced cooking.
4. Mince garlic cloves finely to release their aromatic flavors and ensure even distribution in the dish.
5. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat, adding olive oil to create a hot cooking surface.
6. Sauté chicken cubes for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked through with no pink interior.
7. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds, releasing its fragrant notes without burning.
8. Introduce broccoli florets to the skillet, stirring and cooking for 3-4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
9. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, creating a rich, velvety sauce base.
10. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, stirring to incorporate and develop layered seasonings.
11. Reduce heat to low and simmer sauce for 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to slightly thicken.
12. Gently fold cooked pasta into the skillet, ensuring complete coating with creamy sauce.
13. Finish by generously sprinkling parmesan cheese, stirring to create a luxurious, melted coating.
14. Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnishing with additional parmesan if desired.

Notes

• Prep ingredients uniformly to ensure consistent cooking and balanced texture throughout the dish.
• Use high-quality, fresh chicken and crisp broccoli for maximum flavor and nutritional value.
• Control skillet temperature carefully to prevent burning garlic and achieve perfect golden-brown chicken.
• Adjust cream sauce consistency by adding more broth if too thick or simmering longer to reduce and thicken.
• Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for lighter, lower-calorie options.
• Include red pepper flakes cautiously, gradually adding to control spice level for different heat preferences.
• Allow pasta to rest briefly after mixing to help sauce fully absorb and coat each noodle.
• Store leftovers in airtight container, reheating gently with splash of broth to maintain sauce’s creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 578
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 51 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 44 g
• Cholesterol: 142 mg