Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a comforting and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and pasta in a creamy sauce. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner, and the best part is, it only takes about 30 minutes to prepare! This dish is not only flavorful but also packed with protein and vegetables, making it a wholesome meal for the whole family.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 cups of pasta (penne or fettuccine work well)

• 2 cups of broccoli florets

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Optional: red pepper flakes for spice

Directions

1. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

2. Prepare the Pasta and Broccoli: While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions. In the last 3 minutes, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Drain both the pasta and broccoli, reserving a cup of pasta water.

3. Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Broccoli: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, then toss in the pasta and broccoli. Stir to combine over low heat.

4. Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce thickens.

5. Adjust the Sauce: If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

6. Serve: Plate the chicken and broccoli pasta, and sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese. If desired, add red pepper flakes for some heat.

Nutritional Value (Estimated per serving)

Although the specific nutritional information was not provided, here is an approximate breakdown based on the ingredients:

• Calories: 450-500 kcal (depending on portion size and specific brands used)

• Total Fat: 20-25g

  • Saturated Fat: 8-10g

• Cholesterol: 80-100mg

• Sodium: 600-800mg

• Carbohydrates: 40-45g

  • Fiber: 3-4g

  • Sugars: 3-5g

• Protein: 35-40g

These values are estimates and can vary based on the exact portions and any substitutions made. For precise details, it’s best to use a nutrition calculator or refer to packaging.

A Wholesome and Flavorful Combination

The key to a great Chicken and Broccoli Pasta lies in the balance of flavors and textures. The chicken, when cooked with Italian seasoning, adds savory depth to the dish. The broccoli, bright and crisp, offers a fresh contrast to the creamy sauce, while the pasta soaks up all the delicious flavors, making every bite indulgent. The creaminess of the sauce comes from a simple yet rich blend of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, creating a velvety coating that binds the ingredients together in perfect harmony.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. The ingredients are straightforward, but when combined, they create a meal that feels indulgent without being overly complicated. It’s the perfect dish for when you’re craving comfort food but don’t want to spend all night in the kitchen.

Cooking the Chicken: Simple and Flavorful

The chicken is the protein powerhouse of this dish. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a lean and healthy option that cook quickly and absorb the seasoning beautifully. Searing the chicken in olive oil until golden brown ensures a flavorful crust on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Seasoning the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning adds depth and enhances the natural flavors of the chicken, making it a satisfying main ingredient in this dish.

Once the chicken is cooked, it’s cut into pieces and combined with the pasta and broccoli. This allows the chicken to mingle with the other ingredients, further soaking up the creamy sauce. The result is a rich and flavorful bite every time, with the chicken providing a solid foundation for the rest of the dish.

Preparing the Pasta and Broccoli

While the chicken is cooking, the pasta and broccoli are prepared in parallel. Boiling the pasta until al dente ensures that it retains a firm texture, which holds up well when tossed with the creamy sauce. Adding the broccoli to the boiling water during the last three minutes of cooking helps the vegetable retain its bright green color and crispness, while also ensuring it’s tender enough to complement the other ingredients. This method not only saves time but also reduces the need for an additional pot, keeping things simple and efficient.

Once the pasta and broccoli are drained, it’s essential to reserve a bit of the pasta water. This starchy water can be added to the sauce later to help adjust the consistency and ensure that the sauce coats the pasta perfectly. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in the texture of the final dish.

Making the Creamy Sauce: Rich and Velvety

The sauce for this dish is a creamy masterpiece, made from just a few basic ingredients: heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and garlic. The garlic is sautéed until fragrant, adding a savory base note to the sauce. Then, the heavy cream is poured in and simmered gently, allowing it to thicken slightly before the Parmesan cheese is stirred in. As the cheese melts into the cream, it creates a velvety sauce that clings to the pasta and broccoli, making every bite rich and indulgent.

Adjusting the sauce to your desired consistency is easy. If the sauce becomes too thick, simply add some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. The starchy water not only helps thin the sauce but also allows it to better adhere to the pasta, creating a smoother, more cohesive dish.

Bringing Everything Together

Once the sauce has thickened and the Parmesan has melted into the cream, it’s time to combine everything. The cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli are added to the skillet, where they are tossed together with the creamy sauce. This allows all the ingredients to absorb the sauce and ensures that each bite is full of flavor. The dish is then cooked for just a few more minutes over low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together.

For an extra burst of flavor, the dish can be garnished with more Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, if you like a little heat. The cheese adds an additional layer of richness, while the red pepper flakes provide a kick that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.

Nutritional Benefits of Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates. Each serving contains approximately 35-40 grams of protein, primarily from the chicken, which helps with muscle repair and overall health. The broccoli provides a healthy dose of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, particularly vitamin C, which supports immune health, and vitamin K, which is essential for bone health.

The pasta provides carbohydrates, which serve as a quick source of energy, and the dish is relatively moderate in fat, with around 20-25 grams of total fat per serving. The heavy cream and Parmesan cheese contribute to the creamy richness of the sauce, while olive oil adds healthy monounsaturated fats. The dish also contains a small amount of fiber, which is beneficial for digestive health.

Although it’s indulgent in flavor, the dish is relatively light in terms of calories, with an estimated 450-500 calories per serving. This makes it a great option for those who want a satisfying meal without going overboard on calories.

Customizing the Dish

Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a versatile dish that can be easily customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. If you prefer a lighter version, you can swap out the heavy cream for a lighter cream or milk. You can also use a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream for a lactose-free option.

For those looking to add more vegetables, you can include additional greens like spinach, kale, or peas. These can be added to the dish in the final stages of cooking and will provide extra nutrients and color.

If you like a bit of heat, adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce will give the dish a spicy kick. You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as Asiago, Pecorino Romano, or even mozzarella for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is delicious on its own, but it can also be served with a variety of side dishes to round out the meal. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta, while crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.

For a low-carb option, consider serving the pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles, which will provide a similar texture without the carbs. You can also serve the dish with roasted vegetables, such as carrots, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts, for added flavor and nutrients.

Conclusion

Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a quick, satisfying, and wholesome meal that brings together tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and creamy pasta in a dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients and easy cooking method, it’s a great option for weeknight dinners when you’re short on time but still want something flavorful and comforting. The balance of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates makes it a well-rounded dish, while the creamy sauce adds a rich and indulgent touch. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a meal for yourself, Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.