Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe: Family Favorite Magic

Crafting a delightful chicken and broccoli pasta recipe sparks joy in home kitchens everywhere.

Pasta lovers understand the magic of simple, wholesome ingredients combined with care.

Home cooks can whip up this comforting dish in under thirty minutes.

Fresh broccoli adds a vibrant green crunch that complements tender chicken pieces perfectly.

Creamy sauce binds the elements together, creating a meal everyone will devour.

Nutritious and satisfying, this recipe proves that weeknight dinners can be both easy and delicious.

Let’s dive into a culinary adventure that will make you the star of mealtime.

Pro Tips For Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Lovers

• Boost Pasta Texture: Cook pasta just until al dente to maintain a perfect firm bite and prevent mushiness.
• Quick Chicken Tip: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure better browning and crispier exterior.
• Sauce Smoothness Hack: Whisk continuously when adding flour and liquids to prevent lumps and create a silky, even sauce.
• Broccoli Brightness Trick: Cook broccoli briefly to retain vibrant green color and crisp-tender texture, avoiding overcooking.
• Flavor Layering Secret: Use the same skillet for chicken and sauce to capture delicious browned bits and maximize flavor depth.

Flavor Ideas For Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

• Vegetarian Pasta Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives, maintaining the same cooking technique for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta and use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the sauce, ensuring celiac-friendly preparation.
• Seafood Transformation: Substitute chicken with shrimp or scallops, adjusting cooking time to prevent overcooking and maintain tender seafood texture.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of traditional pasta, reducing carbohydrate content while preserving the creamy sauce's rich flavor.

What Pairs Well With Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

• Savor Creamy Chicken Pasta Pairings
• Enhance Wine Selection: Choose a crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio that complements the creamy sauce's richness and cuts through the chicken's savory flavor.
• Balance Vegetable Side: Serve a light Mediterranean-style salad with fresh arugula, cherry tomatoes, and lemon vinaigrette to add brightness and contrast to the hearty pasta dish.
• Introduce Textural Crunch: Add toasted garlic breadcrumbs or pine nuts sprinkled on top to provide a delightful crispy element that elevates the creamy pasta's smooth texture.
• Refresh with Beverage: Pair with sparkling water infused with lemon or a crisp apple cider to cleanse the palate between bites and enhance the overall dining experience.

How To Store Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Properly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer pasta to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring sauce and ingredients are well-covered.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Pour pasta into a skillet, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring gently until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Q&A

• What ingredients make this chicken pasta dish creamy?

The creamy texture comes from a combination of heavy cream, chicken broth, and butter, which are whisked together to create a smooth, rich sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.

• Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While the recipe works great with classic pasta shapes, you can easily substitute with penne, fusilli, or rotini to match your preference or what you have in your pantry.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this chicken pasta dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it an excellent option for preparing meals in advance for busy weekdays.

Why Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Is A Go-To Favorite

• Boost Nutrition Easily: Packed with lean protein from chicken and vibrant green broccoli, this dish delivers a powerhouse of essential nutrients in one delightful meal.
• Customize Like a Pro: Switch up ingredients based on preference – swap chicken for shrimp, use different vegetables, or adjust spice levels to match your family's taste buds.
• Master One-Pan Magic: Create a complete dinner using just one skillet, minimizing kitchen cleanup and saving precious time after a busy day.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe comes together rapidly and satisfies everyone from kids to adults with its creamy, comforting flavors.

Ingredients For Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

• Pasta: A classic base for this creamy chicken dish that provides hearty texture and substance.

• Chicken Breasts: Lean meat that adds protein and delicious flavor to the recipe.

• Olive Oil, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that create a rich and flavorful foundation for the sauce.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the chicken and dish.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth, velvety texture.
• Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream: Liquid ingredients that form a creamy and luxurious sauce.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a silky sauce consistency.

• Broccoli Florets: Fresh green vegetable that provides nutritional value and vibrant color.

• Parmesan Cheese, Fresh Parsley: Classic toppings that add depth of flavor and fresh herbal notes.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for those who enjoy a touch of spicy heat.

Simple Instructions For Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Step 1: Boiling Pasta And Preparing Base

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt. Cook pasta until perfectly tender, usually taking about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Searing Chicken Pieces

Pat chicken breasts completely dry. Cut into bite-sized chunks. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken pieces until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked, approximately 6-7 minutes. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Creating Creamy Sauce

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream

Whisk continuously to create a silky smooth sauce. Add butter and stir until fully melted and blended. Let sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens.

Step 4: Adding Vegetables And Protein

Toss broccoli florets into the sauce. Cook for 3-4 minutes until they become bright green and tender-crisp. Return cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat everything with the creamy sauce.

Step 5: Combining And Serving

• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley
• Optional red pepper flakes

Serve immediately while piping hot.

Home-Style Chicken And Broccoli Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets elegance in this delightful chicken and broccoli pasta that blends creamy textures with hearty protein. Crisp broccoli florets and tender chicken pieces mingle with perfectly al dente pasta, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 454 g (1 lb) penne pasta or fettuccine
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Proteins

• 680 g (1.5 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Vegetables and Seasonings

• 340 g (12 oz) fresh broccoli florets
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Sauce

• 240 ml (1 cup) heavy cream
• 120 ml (1/2 cup) chicken broth
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour

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Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
2. While pasta cooks, pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and slice into bite-sized pieces. Season chicken with salt and black pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté chicken pieces until golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 6-7 minutes. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate.
4. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Reduce heat to medium.
5. Sprinkle flour into the skillet and stir quickly to prevent burning. Gradually pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking continuously to create a smooth sauce.
6. Add butter to the sauce, stirring until completely melted and incorporated. Simmer sauce for 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens.
7. Add broccoli florets to the sauce and cook for 3-4 minutes until they become bright green and tender-crisp.
8. Return cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat with sauce and reheat thoroughly.
9. Drain pasta and add directly into the skillet with chicken, broccoli, and sauce. Gently toss everything together to ensure even coating.
10. Sprinkle parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and optional red pepper flakes over the pasta. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Maximize flavor by seasoning chicken generously with herbs like thyme or rosemary for an extra aromatic touch.
• Keep broccoli crisp-tender by avoiding overcooking, which can make it mushy and lose nutritional value.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular flour with cornstarch or almond flour and using gluten-free pasta.
• Boost protein content by adding additional lean protein sources like Greek yogurt or extra chicken for a more substantial meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 37 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg