Creаmy chicken and broccоli pasta is a tasty dinner you can make any night . It mixes soft chіcken, green broccоli , and pasta in a thick sauce that feels rich and filling . Kids and grown ups both love it even when you are busy . It’s simple but still kinda fancy , so it works for quick meals and family dinners .
Life is fast , and cooking meals that are easy , taste good , and healthy can be hard . This chicken and broccоli pasta fix that since you cook most things in just one pot . It’s quick to make , and you can swap ingredients if you need . In this post , I’ll show you how to make it step by step , give tips for best results , and share some fun changes to try . You don’t have to be a chef to make this ; anyone can do it .
1. Why You’ll Love This Dish
It’s comfort food at its best , mixing smooth sauce and savory chicken with a little crunch from broccоli . It fills you up and still gives you veggies and protein .
1.1 Flavors
The sauce is smooth and coats each pasta piece , while the chicken and garlic add a punch of flavor . Broccоli gives a fresh snap that stops it from being too heavy .
1.2 Good Stuff Inside
Chicken brеаst is lean protein which help your muscles . Broccоli has vitamins and fiber that keep you healthy and help digestion . This meal tastes great and does your body good .
1.3 Works for Many Meals
It is great for a quick weeknight supper or a slow weekend cook up . It also makes good leftovers so you can eat it again for lunch .
2. What You Need
2.1 Main Items
- Chicken brеаst : boneless , skinless .
- Broccоli : fresh or frozen .
- Pasta : penne , fettuccine , or rotini .
2.2 For the Sauce
- Heavy cream : makes it rich .
- Garlic : minced .
- Chicken broth : adds depth .
- Parmesan cheese : grated .
2.3 Optional Extras
- Herbs : parsley or basil .
- Lemon zest : for brightness .
- Red pepper flakes : if you like heat .
3. Gear You Need
- Big pot : for boiling pasta .
- Skillet : to cook chicken and veggies .
- Saucepan : for the creаmy sauce .
- Utensils : spatula , knife , cutting board .
- Colander and measuring cups .
4. Step-by-Step Recipe
4.1 Prep Time
Get everything ready first . Total time is 30–40 minutes .
4.2 How to Do It
Step 1 : Cut chicken into bite sizes , mince garlic , chop broccоli .
Step 2 : Boil pasta in salted water until it’s al dente . Drain and set aside .
Step 3 : In skillet , heat oil , cook chicken until golden and done , 5–7 mins . Take it out .
Step 4 : In same pan , add garlic and broccоli , cook 3–4 mins until crisp-tender .
Step 5 : Lower heat , add cream and broth , stir and simmer . Mix in Parmesan until smooth .
Step 6 : Put chicken and pasta back in , toss to coat with sauce .
Step 7 : Serve with extra cheese and herbs on top .
4.3 Make It Look Good
Serve in shallow bowls , sprinkle cheese , crack some black pepper , add parsley sprig .
5. Tricks for Best Results
5.1 Pasta Texture
Cook pasta until it has a little bite so it doesn’t get mushy later .
5.2 Picking Chicken
Use fresh chіcken brеаst ; you can marinate in oil and lemon juice for more flavor .
5.3 Season Well
Add salt and pepper ; try Italian seasoning , paprika , or even soy sauce for a twist .
5.4 Dietary Swaps
For gluten-free , use GF pasta . For dairy-free , try coconut cream instead of heavy cream .
6. Cool Variations
6.1 Protein Swaps
Try turkey , shrimp , or tofu to change it up .
6.2 Sauce Swaps
Use Greek yogurt or vegan cream for fewer calories .
6.3 Mix-Ins
Add sun-dried tomates , spinach , or artichokes for color and taste .
7. Storing & Reheating
Let cool , put in airtight box . Fridge for 3 days . Reheat on stove with splash of broth or cream , stir till hot .
8. Watch Out for These Mistakes
- Overcooking pasta : taste test early .
- Burning garlic : keep it moving and watch it close .
- Underseasoning : taste and add salt / pepper before you eat .
9. FAQs
Can I use frozen broccоli ?
Yes , just thaw and drain it well .
What instead of heavy cream ?
Use half-and-half , Greek yogurt , or coconut cream .
How to make it gluten-free ?
Pick gluten-free pasta and check labels on broth .
Can I make ahead ?
Sure , cook sauce and pasta then mix later . Good for meal prep .
Is there a vegan version ?
Yes , use plant protein , vegan cream , and extra veggies .
Conclusion
Creаmy chicken and broccоli pasta is easy , filling , and tasty . With some simple steps and your own twists , it can become a go-to meal for any night .
More Tips & Links
Serve with green salad or garlic bread for a full meal . Check out other food blogs for more ideas .
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 skillet
- 1 colander
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta penne, fettuccine, or your choice.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast diced.
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced.
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- fresh parsley for garnishing (optional).
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Drain the pasta and broccoli in a colander and set aside.
- In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Reduce the heat to low, then add the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta and broccoli into the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and broccoli are well coated with the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
