Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe: A Cozy Family Favorite

Crafting a delectable chicken and broccoli pasta always sparks culinary excitement in my kitchen.

Comfort meets elegance through this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Weeknight dinners demand quick solutions that don’t compromise flavor or nutrition.

Tender chicken pieces nestle perfectly among broccoli florets and smooth pasta strands.

Creamy sauce binds ingredients with rich, velvety complexity that satisfies deep hunger.

Each forkful promises a harmonious blend of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates.

Your taste buds will dance with pure delight as this meal comes together effortlessly.

Let’s make magic happen with just a few fresh ingredients!

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

• Pasta: A classic base that provides a hearty foundation for the creamy chicken dish.
• Chicken: Protein-rich meat that adds substance and flavor to the recipe.
• Broccoli: Nutritious green vegetable that brings color and texture to the meal.

• Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Create a rich and smooth sauce that coats the pasta and chicken with a luxurious texture.

• Garlic, Dried Basil, Salt, Black Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that add depth and complexity to the overall dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps to cook the chicken and prevent sticking while adding a subtle flavor to the recipe.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain and set the pasta aside, keeping it ready for the creamy masterpiece you’re about to create.

Step 2: Sizzle and Brown Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in diced chicken and cook until it develops a beautiful golden-brown exterior and is completely cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Awaken the Aromatics

In the same skillet, introduce minced garlic and let it dance for a minute, releasing its irresistible fragrance. Add broccoli florets and cook until they’re vibrant green and tender-crisp.

Step 4: Create the Luxurious Sauce

• Parmesan cheese
• Dried basil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir until the sauce is velvety smooth and the cheese melts completely.

Step 5: Combine and Warm

Reunite the cooked chicken and pasta with the creamy sauce. Gently toss everything together, ensuring each piece is lavishly coated. Warm for a few minutes to marry all the flavors.

Step 6: Serve with Flair

Plate the pasta immediately, showering with extra Parmesan cheese if you’re feeling indulgent. Enjoy your restaurant-worthy meal!

Pro Tips for Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

• Optimize Pasta Texture: Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness when mixed with sauce.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Sear chicken at high heat to develop a golden-brown crust, enhancing overall dish taste.
• Prevent Sauce Separation: Keep heat low when adding cream to avoid curdling and maintain smooth, creamy consistency.
• Enhance Vegetable Crunch: Cook broccoli briefly to retain vibrant color and slight crispness for better texture contrast.
• Quick Meal Prep: Make this dish in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners with minimal cleanup.

Variation Ideas for Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

• Veggie Delight Pasta: Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh, use plant-based cream for a vegetarian version. Perfect for those avoiding meat.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Lighter Alfredo Style: Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or low-fat milk. Add a splash of chicken broth for extra flavor while reducing calories.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Incorporate red pepper flakes, add sun-dried tomatoes, and sprinkle with feta cheese for a zesty Mediterranean-inspired variation.

Pairing Suggestions for Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

• Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: A buttery, medium-bodied white wine complements the creamy sauce and cuts through the richness with its subtle oak and citrus notes.
• Serve with Garlic Parmesan Bread: Crusty, warm bread with garlic and Parmesan creates the perfect side to soak up the delicious sauce and adds a delightful textural contrast.
• Match with Fresh Arugula Salad: A light, peppery salad with lemon vinaigrette helps balance the heavy cream sauce and provides a refreshing counterpoint to the rich pasta dish.
• Complement with Roasted Asparagus: Tender, slightly charred asparagus spears add a green vegetable element that enhances the broccoli and provides a simple, elegant side.

Storage Advice for Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken remains safe and the pasta stays fresh.
• Transfer the pasta to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Seal tightly, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months, preserving the dish's flavor and texture.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Pour pasta into a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of cream or chicken broth to restore moisture.

FAQs About Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Thaw and drain it completely before adding to the skillet to prevent excess water in the sauce.

• Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, and use Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-rich version. You can also use less cheese to reduce calories.

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs are ideal. Ensure the chicken is cut into uniform pieces for even cooking.

• Can I make this pasta dish ahead of time?

Prepare the components separately and combine just before serving. The sauce can separate if reheated, so it’s best served fresh.

Why Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Is Comfort Food

• Craft a Speedy Meal: Dive into a delightful dish that comes together in minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when hunger strikes and time is short.
• Satisfy Picky Eaters: Packed with familiar ingredients like chicken, pasta, and cheese, this recipe wins over both kids and adults with its crowd-pleasing flavors.
• Minimal Cleanup Hero: Using just one skillet means less washing up, giving you more time to enjoy your delicious meal and less time scrubbing dishes.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add extra veggies to make this recipe your own, turning it into a flexible go-to meal that adapts to your pantry and preferences.

Creamy Chicken And Broccoli Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 20-23 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets elegance in this luscious Chicken and Broccoli Pasta, blending tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a silky parmesan sauce. Hearty ingredients dance together, creating a satisfying meal that promises warmth and flavor in every delightful bite you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken breast, diced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 2 cups pasta (penne or rotini)

Dairy and Cream:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Oils:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente, then drain and reserve.
2. Sear chicken pieces in a hot skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat until golden and thoroughly cooked, approximately 6-8 minutes. Transfer protein to a separate plate.
3. Lower skillet temperature and sauté minced garlic until aromatic, roughly 30-45 seconds.
4. Introduce broccoli florets to the skillet, cooking until vibrant green and slightly tender, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Reduce heat to low and pour heavy cream into the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously.
6. Incorporate Parmesan cheese, dried basil, salt, and black pepper into the cream sauce, whisking until smooth and cheese melts completely.
7. Return cooked chicken to the skillet and fold in reserved pasta, ensuring every ingredient is generously coated with the creamy sauce.
8. Simmer the entire mixture for 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and ingredients to reach a consistent temperature.
9. Transfer to serving plates immediately, optionally garnishing with additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness.

Notes

• Choose whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to make the dish more diet-friendly for those with specific nutritional needs.
• Cut broccoli into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for a lighter, lower-calorie version that still maintains a creamy consistency.
• Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for extra heat if you enjoy a spicier pasta experience, allowing personalization of flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 490 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 370 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg