Have you ever found yourself craving a dish that combines heartiness with healthiness? Picture a plate filled with perfectly cooked pasta entwined with tender pieces of chicken and vibrant green broccoli, all enveloped in a creamy sauce that tantalizes your taste buds. The aroma wafting from the kitchen invites everyone to gather around the table, eager to dig into this comforting meal.

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Chicken broccoli pasta is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings warmth and satisfaction on any night of the week. This dish is ideal for busy families looking for a quick yet nutritious option that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Whether you’re hosting friends for dinner or enjoying a quiet evening at home, chicken broccoli pasta will surely impress with its delightful blend of textures and tastes.

Why You’ll Love This chicken broccoli pasta

• Quick and Easy to Prepare: This recipe allows you to whip up a tasty dinner in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic weeknights when time is tight.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with lean protein from chicken and essential vitamins from broccoli, this dish ensures you enjoy both flavor and nutrition in every bite.
• Versatile Meal Option: You can easily customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables or substituting different proteins, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Ingredients for chicken broccoli pasta

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Pasta: Use your favorite type of pasta such as penne or fusilli; cook according to package instructions until al dente.
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts are ideal; they should be cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
• Fresh Broccoli: One head of fresh broccoli works best; chop into florets for a vibrant addition.
• Garlic Cloves: Mince about three cloves to infuse the dish with rich flavor.

For the Sauce:

• Cream: Use heavy cream or half-and-half for a rich, creamy texture that binds everything together wonderfully.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan adds depth; use about one cup for optimal flavor.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make chicken broccoli pasta

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and allow it to heat up. Add the diced chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, roughly about 6-8 minutes.

Step 3: Add Broccoli

Once the chicken is cooked through, add the chopped broccoli florets to the skillet. Sauté together for about another 3-4 minutes until the broccoli becomes tender but still vibrant green.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat slightly and pour in the cream. Stir well while scraping any bits off the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer gently for around two minutes before adding minced garlic.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Add in your drained pasta along with freshly grated parmesan cheese into the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined and heated through.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Transfer your delightful creation onto plates or bowls. Garnish as desired and serve hot for an amazing meal experience!

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables like broccoli not only enhance flavor but also improve nutritional value tremendously.
• Don’t Overcook Pasta: Aim for al dente texture since it will continue cooking slightly when mixed with hot ingredients later.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to incorporate other vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach based on personal preference for added nutrients.

Serving Suggestions

This chicken broccoli pasta is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

• A light salad: A simple green salad with vinaigrette complements this dish perfectly.
• Garlic bread: Serve alongside warm garlic bread for a satisfying meal.
• Wine pairing: A glass of white wine enhances the flavors beautifully.

FAQs

What variations can I make to chicken broccoli pasta?

You can customize your chicken broccoli pasta by adding vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition. If you prefer a different protein, try using shrimp or tofu instead of chicken. For a lighter dish, consider substituting heavy cream with Greek yogurt or low-fat milk to maintain creaminess without excess calories.

Can I make chicken broccoli pasta ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta and chicken as instructed, but store them separately from the sauce to prevent sogginess. When ready to serve, reheat everything together on low heat until warmed through. This allows you to enjoy your meal without much hassle on busy days.

Is chicken broccoli pasta suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Chicken broccoli pasta is ideal for meal prep as it stores well in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days. Portion out servings for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just reheat before serving, and it will taste freshly made.

What can I substitute if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?

If you don’t have Parmesan cheese on hand, you can use Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option that adds flavor without compromising texture. Both alternatives provide a similar cheesy taste that complements your chicken broccoli pasta nicely.

Conclusion for chicken broccoli pasta

In summary, this chicken broccoli pasta is not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor and nutrients. Using simple ingredients like tender chicken breast, fresh broccoli, and creamy Parmesan sauce makes this dish a family favorite.

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Easy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Recipe

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• Author: Sofia
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a creamy, satisfying dish that beautifully combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta in a luscious garlic-Parmesan sauce.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups penne or fusilli pasta
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Add broccoli for the last three minutes of cooking, then drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper; cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked. Remove from skillet and let rest.
3. Sauté minced garlic in the same skillet until fragrant (about 1 minute).
4. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a simmer; add Parmesan cheese until melted.
5. Slice chicken into bite-sized pieces, return to skillet with drained pasta and broccoli. Toss to coat evenly with sauce.
6. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through. Serve hot.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 320g)
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 860mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: For added flavor, sprinkle with red pepper flakes or Italian herbs. Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or low-fat milk for a lighter version. Incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.