Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Let me tell you, in the whirlwind of busy weeknights, finding a meal that’s both satisfying and quick to prepare can feel like striking gold. Chicken and Broccoli Pasta has become that golden recipe in our household. It’s one of those dishes that everyone, from the pickiest eater to the most discerning palate, genuinely enjoys. My kids, who sometimes view vegetables with suspicion, gobble up the broccoli in this pasta like it’s candy! And honestly, I can’t blame them. The combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked broccoli, and creamy pasta is simply irresistible. What I love most about this recipe, besides the smiles around the dinner table, is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to your preferences – add a little spice, swap out the cheese, or use different types of pasta. It’s a forgiving recipe, perfect for those evenings when you need a delicious, comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. So, if you’re looking for a new family favorite that’s both easy to make and incredibly tasty, look no further. This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is about to become your new weeknight hero.

Ingredients

• Chicken Breast: 1.5 lbs, boneless, skinless chicken breasts, provides lean protein and a hearty base for the dish.
• Broccoli Florets: 1 large head (about 6 cups), fresh broccoli florets, adds vibrant color, essential vitamins, and a slightly crunchy texture.
• Pasta: 1 lb, penne or your preferred pasta shape, forms the starchy foundation of the meal, absorbing the delicious sauce.
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup, creates a rich and creamy sauce that coats the pasta and vegetables beautifully.
• Chicken Broth: 1 cup, low sodium chicken broth, adds depth of flavor and helps to thin the sauce to the perfect consistency.
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced garlic, infuses the sauce with aromatic and savory notes.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, grated Parmesan cheese, provides a salty, nutty flavor and enhances the creamy texture of the sauce.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, extra virgin olive oil, used for sautéing the chicken and garlic, adding healthy fats and flavor.
• Butter: 2 tablespoons, unsalted butter, contributes to the richness and velvety texture of the sauce.
• Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon, fresh lemon juice, brightens the flavors and adds a touch of acidity to balance the richness.
• Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): ½ teaspoon, adds a subtle kick of heat for those who enjoy a bit of spice.
• Salt: To taste, enhances the flavors of all ingredients.
• Black Pepper: To taste, freshly ground black pepper, adds a subtle spice and depth of flavor.
• Fresh Parsley (Optional): ¼ cup, chopped fresh parsley, for garnish and a fresh, herbaceous touch.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. This ensures even cooking and makes it easier to incorporate into the pasta. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – it’s the foundation of flavor for the chicken.
2. Cook the Pasta: While preparing the chicken, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. “Al dente” means “to the tooth” in Italian; the pasta should be firm to the bite, not mushy. Cooking pasta al dente ensures it holds its shape and texture in the sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water. The starchy pasta water is a secret weapon for creating a silky smooth sauce.
3. Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning. Properly browned chicken adds a depth of flavor that simply sautéing doesn’t achieve. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté Garlic and Broccoli: In the same skillet, add butter and melt over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. Fragrant garlic is key to a flavorful sauce base. Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until they are bright green and slightly tender-crisp. You want the broccoli to retain a bit of bite; overcooked broccoli can become mushy.
5. Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet with the broccoli. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it gently simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly thicken. Simmering helps the flavors meld together and the sauce to reduce slightly, creating a richer consistency.
6. Add Parmesan and Lemon: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. The Parmesan adds saltiness and umami, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Squeeze in the fresh lemon juice. The lemon juice brightens the sauce and cuts through the richness of the cream and cheese, creating a balanced flavor.
7. Combine and Finish: Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy broccoli sauce. Toss everything together gently to ensure the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Pasta water helps to emulsify the sauce and create a silky texture.
8. Season and Serve: Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, if needed. Taste and adjust seasonings at this stage to ensure the dish is perfectly balanced to your liking. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting and flavorful Chicken and Broccoli Pasta!

Nutrition Facts

(Per Serving, approximate values)

• Serving Size: 1.5 cups (approximate)
• Calories: 650 kcal (Provides energy for daily activities)
• Protein: 45g (Essential for muscle building and repair)
• Fat: 35g (Includes healthy fats from olive oil and dairy, contributing to satiety)
• Carbohydrates: 50g (Provides fiber and sustained energy from pasta and vegetables)
• Calcium: 300mg (Important for bone health, provided by dairy in the sauce and Parmesan cheese)

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. For precise values, use a nutrition calculator with specific brands and measurements.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (Includes chopping vegetables, cutting chicken, and gathering ingredients – quick and efficient preparation)
• Cook Time: 25 minutes (From cooking pasta and chicken to simmering sauce – a relatively fast cooking process)
• Total Time: 40 minutes (From start to finish, a wholesome meal ready in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights)

How to Serve

• Classic Bowl: Serve in a classic pasta bowl as a comforting and satisfying main course.
• Side Salad: Pair with a fresh side salad with a light vinaigrette to add extra vegetables and balance the richness of the pasta. A simple green salad or a Caesar salad would complement the dish well.
• Garlic Bread: Serve alongside crusty garlic bread or breadsticks for dipping into the creamy sauce. Garlic bread adds a delightful textural contrast and extra flavor.
• Roasted Vegetables: For a heartier meal, serve with a side of roasted vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini. Roasted vegetables enhance the nutritional profile and add variety.
• Wine Pairing: Enjoy with a glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. The acidity of the white wine cuts through the creaminess of the pasta and complements the chicken and broccoli.

Additional Tips for Perfect Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

1. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta al dente. Overcooked pasta will become mushy and less appealing in the sauce. Test for doneness a minute or two before the package directions suggest.
2. Roast or Grill the Chicken: For a deeper flavor, consider roasting or grilling the chicken instead of sautéing. Roasted chicken will have a slightly smoky and caramelized flavor that enhances the dish. Grilled chicken adds a wonderful char and smoky taste.
3. Toast the Broccoli: Roasting the broccoli florets before adding them to the sauce brings out their natural sweetness and adds a slightly crispy texture. Toss broccoli with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes.
4. Add Some Spice: If you like a little heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. You can also add a dash of hot sauce at the end for an extra kick.
5. Use Fresh Herbs: In addition to parsley, try adding other fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme to the sauce for different flavor profiles. Fresh herbs elevate the dish with their bright and aromatic notes.
6. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses! Fontina, mozzarella, or a blend of Italian cheeses would all be delicious in this pasta. Each cheese will bring a unique flavor and melting quality to the sauce.
7. Make it Lighter: To reduce calories, use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream. You can also increase the amount of chicken broth to thin the sauce. Using lighter dairy options will significantly reduce the fat content.
8. Make it Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and broccoli sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, cook the pasta and combine with the reheated sauce. This is a great time-saving tip for meal prepping.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Q1: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

A: Yes, you can definitely use frozen broccoli. There’s no need to thaw it before cooking. Simply add the frozen broccoli to the skillet and cook a bit longer until heated through and tender-crisp. Frozen broccoli is a convenient and nutritious alternative when fresh isn’t available.

Q2: Can I substitute the heavy cream for something lighter?

A: Absolutely! For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half, milk, or even evaporated milk instead of heavy cream. These substitutions will still provide creaminess but with fewer calories and fat. You can also use a cashew cream for a dairy-free option.

Q3: What kind of pasta works best for this recipe?

A: Penne is a classic choice because its shape holds the creamy sauce well. However, you can use other pasta shapes like farfalle (bow-tie), rotini, fusilli, or even fettuccine. Choose a pasta shape with ridges or curves to best capture the sauce.

Q4: Can I add other vegetables to this pasta dish?

A: Yes, feel free to get creative with vegetables! Mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes would all be delicious additions. Add them along with the broccoli or towards the end of cooking.

Q5: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta. There are many excellent gluten-free pasta options available made from rice, corn, quinoa, or blends of these. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free, although most naturally are.

Q6: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

A: Yes, to make it vegetarian, simply omit the chicken. You can add more broccoli or other vegetables to make it a heartier vegetarian meal. Consider adding white beans or chickpeas for protein.

Q7: How long does leftover Chicken and Broccoli Pasta last in the refrigerator?

A: Leftover Chicken and Broccoli Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Add a splash of milk or broth if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.

Q8: Can I freeze Chicken and Broccoli Pasta?

A: While you can freeze this pasta, the creamy sauce may slightly change texture upon thawing and reheating. For best results, it’s generally recommended to enjoy it fresh or within a few days of making. If you do freeze it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently. Be aware that the broccoli may become softer after freezing and thawing.

This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta recipe is truly a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or anytime you crave a comforting and delicious meal. Enjoy the process of cooking and, more importantly, the joy of sharing this delightful dish with those you love!

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