Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a warm and creamy dish that brings the flavors of tender chicken and fresh broccoli together with delicious pasta. It’s a favorite in many homes because it’s simple to make and tastes amazing!
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress your family without too much fuss. It takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, making it an ideal meal to whip up after a long day. Plus, it’s a great way to get some veggies into your meal!
How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces pasta (like fettuccine or penne)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Add the broccoli during the last 3 minutes of cooking.
- Drain the pasta, making sure to save a little pasta water for later. Set both the pasta and broccoli aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken strips and cook until they are browned and no longer pink inside. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing it all to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts into a creamy sauce.
- Add the chicken back to the skillet along with the cooked pasta and broccoli. Toss everything together, using a bit of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve warm.
How to Serve Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
Serve this delicious pasta in bowls with some extra grated Parmesan cheese on top. It pairs nicely with a crisp salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal.
How to Store Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to bring back its creamy texture.
Tips to Make Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
- Make sure to not overcook the broccoli; it should be bright green and tender.
- For extra flavor, you can add some red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning to the sauce.
- If you want to make it even creamier, add a little more heavy cream or a splash of milk when tossing everything together.
Variation
You can easily switch up this recipe by using different types of pasta or adding other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. Adding a splash of lemon juice can also brighten up the dish!
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli! Just add it to the pasta during the last couple of minutes of cooking.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
Absolutely! You can use whole grain pasta and reduce the amount of heavy cream by substituting it with low-fat milk or a dairy-free alternative.
How do I make this dish vegetarian?
You can leave out the chicken and add extra veggies like mushrooms and bell peppers. You might also want to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for flavor.
Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Pot
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces pasta (like fettuccine or penne)
Chicken
- 1 pound chicken breasts, sliced into strips
Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Add the broccoli during the last 3 minutes of cooking.
- Drain the pasta, making sure to save a little pasta water for later. Set both the pasta and broccoli aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken strips and cook until they are browned and no longer pink inside. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing it all to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts into a creamy sauce.
- Add the chicken back to the skillet along with the cooked pasta and broccoli. Toss everything together, using a bit of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve warm.