One-Pot Chicken & Broccoli Pasta

It’s a weeknight, and the question of “What’s for dinner?” hangs heavy in the air. Sound familiar? For me, those evenings used to be filled with takeout menus and rushed, unsatisfying meals. That was until I discovered the magic of one-pot cooking, and more specifically, the sheer delight that is One-Pot Chicken & Broccoli Pasta. This recipe has become a true lifesaver in our household. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like a culinary superhero, effortlessly whipping up a flavorful and wholesome meal with minimal fuss and cleanup. My family, even the pickiest eaters, devours it with gusto, and honestly, I’m just as thrilled to eat it as they are. The creamy sauce, the tender chicken, the perfectly cooked broccoli, all mingling together in a symphony of flavors and textures – it’s pure comfort food magic. If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner champion that’s both incredibly easy and incredibly delicious, look no further. This One-Pot Chicken & Broccoli Pasta is about to become your new go-to recipe.

Ingredients for One-Pot Chicken & Broccoli Pasta

Here’s what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece in a single pot:

• Chicken Breast: 1.5 pounds, boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces. This provides the protein base of our dish, making it a satisfying and filling meal.
• Broccoli Florets: 1 large head, cut into bite-sized florets. Broccoli adds a vibrant green color, essential vitamins, and a slightly bitter note that balances the creamy sauce.
• Pasta: 1 pound, Penne or similar short pasta. Penne is excellent for holding the sauce, but you can use other short pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, or farfalle.
• Chicken Broth: 6 cups, low sodium. This is the cooking liquid for the pasta and the base for our flavorful sauce. Low sodium broth allows you to control the salt level.
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup. Heavy cream adds richness and creates that luscious, creamy sauce we all crave.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, grated, plus extra for serving. Parmesan cheese melts beautifully into the sauce, adding a salty, umami depth of flavor.
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced. Garlic provides a pungent and aromatic base flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Onion: 1 medium, diced. Onion adds sweetness and another layer of flavor to the sauce.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons. Olive oil is used to sauté the chicken and vegetables, adding healthy fats and preventing sticking.
• Italian Seasoning: 2 teaspoons. This blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme adds a classic Italian flavor profile.
• Salt: To taste. Salt enhances all the flavors and is crucial for seasoning the dish properly.
• Black Pepper: To taste. Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle spice and depth of flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional): 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste. For a touch of heat, red pepper flakes add a pleasant kick to the dish.
• Fresh Parsley (optional): For garnish, chopped. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous finish.

Instructions: Cooking Your One-Pot Chicken & Broccoli Pasta

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious and easy One-Pot Chicken & Broccoli Pasta:

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until softened and translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Sautéing the onion first releases its sweetness and mellows its flavor, creating a foundational flavor base for the entire dish. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. The aroma of sautéing garlic is a wonderful indication that you’re on the right track to a flavorful meal.
2. Brown the Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pot with the onions and garlic. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Increase the heat slightly to medium-high and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides. It doesn’t need to be cooked through at this point, as it will finish cooking in the pasta sauce. Browning the chicken adds depth of flavor through the Maillard reaction, which creates complex and savory notes. Make sure not to overcrowd the pot; if necessary, brown the chicken in batches to ensure even browning.
3. Add Broth and Pasta: Pour the chicken broth into the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These browned bits, known as fond, are packed with flavor and will enrich the sauce. Add the pasta to the pot, ensuring it is submerged in the broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot and to ensure even cooking. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the type of pasta used, so check for doneness around the 12-minute mark.
4. Incorporate Broccoli and Cream: Once the pasta is almost cooked, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Stir them in gently to distribute them evenly throughout the pasta. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Continue to simmer, uncovered, for another 3-5 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp and the sauce has thickened slightly. Cooking the broccoli towards the end ensures that it retains some texture and vibrant green color, preventing it from becoming mushy. The heavy cream adds richness and body to the sauce, creating that desirable creamy consistency.
5. Stir in Parmesan and Season: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it is melted and fully incorporated into the sauce. The Parmesan cheese adds saltiness, umami, and further thickens the sauce. Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to your preference. Remember that the cheese will add salt, so taste before adding more salt.
6. Serve and Garnish: Let the pasta rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken further and the flavors to meld together. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley, if desired, and extra grated Parmesan cheese on the side. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, while extra Parmesan allows everyone to customize their serving to their liking.

Nutrition Facts for One-Pot Chicken & Broccoli Pasta (per serving)

• Serving Size: Approximately 1.5 cups. This recipe typically yields about 6-8 servings, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prepping.
• Calories: Approximately 450-550 calories per serving. The calorie count can vary depending on portion size and specific ingredients used. This provides a substantial and satisfying meal.
• Protein: Approximately 35-45 grams per serving. Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle building and satiety.
• Fat: Approximately 20-30 grams per serving. This includes fats from olive oil, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. While some fats are saturated, they contribute to the richness and flavor of the dish.
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-50 grams per serving. Pasta provides carbohydrates, which are the body’s primary source of energy. Opting for whole wheat pasta can increase fiber content.

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with the specific brands and amounts of ingredients you use.

Preparation Time for One-Pot Chicken & Broccoli Pasta

• Prep Time: 15-20 minutes. This includes chopping the onion, garlic, broccoli, and chicken. Efficient prep work streamlines the cooking process, making it a truly quick weeknight meal.
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes. This encompasses sautéing, simmering, and sauce thickening. The one-pot method significantly reduces cooking and cleanup time compared to traditional pasta dishes.
• Total Time: Approximately 40-50 minutes. From start to finish, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights.

How to Serve One-Pot Chicken & Broccoli Pasta

This versatile dish can be served in numerous ways to create a complete and satisfying meal. Here are some serving suggestions:

• As a Standalone Meal: One-Pot Chicken & Broccoli Pasta is hearty enough to be enjoyed on its own. It provides a balanced combination of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables.
• With a Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing complements the richness of the pasta and adds extra vegetables and fiber to the meal. Consider a simple Caesar salad or a mixed greens salad with tomatoes and cucumbers.
• With Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: Serve with warm garlic bread, crusty Italian bread, or breadsticks for dipping into the creamy sauce. This is a classic pairing that adds a comforting carbohydrate element.
• With Roasted Vegetables: For an even more vegetable-packed meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini. The roasted vegetables add different textures and flavors that complement the pasta.
• Topped with Extra Parmesan and Herbs: Garnish each serving with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or oregano. This enhances the visual appeal and adds a fresh finish to the dish.
• Paired with a Light White Wine: If serving for a more special occasion, pair with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. The acidity of the wine cuts through the creaminess of the pasta.
• As Leftovers for Lunch: One-Pot Chicken & Broccoli Pasta makes excellent leftovers for lunch the next day. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

Additional Tips for Perfect One-Pot Chicken & Broccoli Pasta

Elevate your One-Pot Chicken & Broccoli Pasta with these helpful tips:

1. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep a close eye on the pasta while it’s simmering. Overcooked pasta can become mushy, which will affect the overall texture of the dish. Aim for al dente pasta, which will continue to cook slightly in the residual heat.
2. Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are recommended for the best flavor and texture. Frozen broccoli can be used in a pinch, but be sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the pot to avoid excess water in your sauce.
3. Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer the pasta uncovered for a few extra minutes at the end to allow more liquid to evaporate. For a thinner sauce, add a splash more chicken broth or milk.
4. Spice it Up: If you enjoy a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also use spicy Italian sausage instead of chicken for a different flavor profile and added heat.
5. Add Other Vegetables: Feel free to incorporate other vegetables into your pasta. Sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, peas, or spinach would all be delicious additions. Add heartier vegetables like peppers and mushrooms along with the onions, and leafy greens like spinach or peas towards the end of cooking.
6. Make it Cheesy-er: If you are a cheese lover, feel free to add more Parmesan cheese or incorporate other cheeses like Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or a blend of Italian cheeses. Adding cheese in stages can create a richer, more complex cheesy flavor.
7. Use Whole Wheat Pasta: For a healthier option, substitute whole wheat pasta for white pasta. Whole wheat pasta is higher in fiber and nutrients. Keep in mind that whole wheat pasta may require slightly longer cooking time.
8. Customize the Protein: While chicken breast is classic, you can easily substitute it with other proteins like Italian sausage (sweet or spicy), shrimp, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian version. Adjust cooking times accordingly depending on the protein you choose.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about One-Pot Chicken & Broccoli Pasta

Q1: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

A: Yes, you can substitute milk for heavy cream to lighten up the dish. However, the sauce will be less rich and creamy. For a slightly richer option than milk, you could use half-and-half or evaporated milk. Keep in mind that milk-based sauces may be thinner and less stable than cream-based sauces.

Q2: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

A: Absolutely! To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the chicken. To add protein, you can incorporate chickpeas, white beans, or cannellini beans. You can also add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to make it even more substantial and flavorful. Ensure you are using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully vegetarian dish.

Q3: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

A: Yes, frozen broccoli florets can be used. Thaw them completely and drain off any excess water before adding them to the pot. Frozen broccoli may be slightly softer in texture than fresh broccoli, so adjust cooking time accordingly and add them closer to the end of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?

A: Store leftover One-Pot Chicken & Broccoli Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the pasta is cooled down to room temperature before refrigerating to prevent bacterial growth.

Q5: How do I reheat leftovers?

A: Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the pasta seems dry. Stir occasionally while reheating to ensure even heating and prevent sticking. Avoid overheating, as this can make the pasta dry and the sauce separate.

Q6: Can I freeze this pasta dish?

A: While you can freeze One-Pot Chicken & Broccoli Pasta, the texture of the pasta and sauce may change slightly upon thawing. Cream-based sauces can sometimes separate when frozen and thawed. If you do freeze it, allow it to thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently. For best results, consume within 1-2 months of freezing.

Q7: Can I use a different type of pasta?

A: Yes, you can use other short pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, farfalle, or shells. Just ensure the pasta is a similar size and cooking time to penne. Longer pasta shapes are not recommended for this one-pot method as they may not cook evenly and can be more difficult to stir in a pot.

Q8: Is this recipe gluten-free?

A: No, this recipe is not traditionally gluten-free because it uses wheat-based pasta. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by substituting gluten-free pasta. Ensure all other ingredients, particularly the chicken broth, are also certified gluten-free if you have strict dietary requirements. Gluten-free pasta may have slightly different cooking times and textures, so follow package instructions and adjust cooking accordingly.

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