Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

🍝 Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Description

Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is the ultimate weeknight comfort dish — tender chicken breast, fresh broccoli florets, and perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a rich, velvety garlic cream sauce. It’s a wholesome, one-pan meal that brings together protein, veggies, and carbs in the most delicious way possible. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy nights when you crave something homemade and satisfying.

📝 Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

• 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

• 3 cups pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rotini)

• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)

• 1 cup chicken broth

• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)

• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Add broccoli florets during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken
   In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil or butter. Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until golden brown and cooked through (about 6–7 minutes). Remove from skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Cream Sauce
   In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.

4. Combine Everything
   Add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Return chicken, broccoli, and pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly.

5. Serve
   Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot!

🍽️ Servings

Serves 4 people

💪 Nutritional Information (per serving)

(Values may vary depending on ingredients and portion size.)

🌿 Benefits

• High in Protein: Chicken provides lean protein to support muscle repair and energy.

• Rich in Vitamins: Broccoli adds vitamin C, K, and fiber for digestive and immune health.

• Balanced Meal: Includes carbs, protein, and vegetables for a complete, filling dish.

• Comforting & Quick: Creamy, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes.

• Kid-Friendly: A delicious way to sneak in veggies for picky eaters.

🧠 Notes

• For extra creaminess, add 2 oz of cream cheese to the sauce.

• Substitute broccoli with spinach, asparagus, or peas for variety.

• You can use cooked rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.

• For a lighter version, use milk instead of heavy cream and reduce cheese slightly.

💡 Tips

• Don’t overcook broccoli — it should be bright green and tender-crisp.

• Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if it thickens too much.

• Use freshly grated Parmesan — it melts better than pre-shredded cheese.

• Add lemon zest or juice for a touch of brightness in the sauce.

❓ Q&A

Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.

Q2: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Absolutely — just thaw and drain before adding to the pasta.

Q3: What pasta works best?
A: Short pasta like penne, rotini, or farfalle works best for even sauce coating.

Q4: Can I make it gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your broth and cheese are gluten-free certified.

Q5: How can I add more flavor?
A: Try sautéing onions before adding garlic, or sprinkle crushed red pepper and lemon juice at the end.