Delicious Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This Delicious Chicken and Broccoli Pasta recipe is a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Creamy garlic sauce, tender chicken, and crisp broccoli combine for a satisfying dish that’s ready in just 20 minutes. Enjoy a vibrant and nourishing dinner the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne or fusilli pasta
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
- Step 3: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook in the skillet for 5-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and let rest before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
- Step 4: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 5: Add broccoli florets and chicken broth; cover and steam for 3-4 minutes until broccoli is bright green and tender.
- Step 6: Return sliced chicken to the skillet. Add drained pasta and grated Parmesan cheese, gently tossing to combine.
- Step 7: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot and enjoy.
Tips & Variations
- Reserve some pasta water and stir it in before serving for extra creaminess and silky texture.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- Add bell peppers or snap peas for extra veggies and crunch.
- For more heat, increase red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños.
- Swap half the Parmesan with ricotta cheese for a richer sauce.
Storage
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore creaminess. You can also freeze the dish for up to 2 months; thaw and reheat with additional sauce as needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
How long does Delicious Chicken and Broccoli Pasta last in the fridge?
It stays fresh in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. The flavors may deepen as it sits.
Can I freeze Delicious Chicken and Broccoli Pasta?
Yes, store it in airtight containers for up to 2 months. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to bring back the creamy texture.
Print
Delicious Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Delicious Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe is a comforting and creamy Italian-inspired dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken breasts and crisp broccoli florets are enveloped in a flavorful garlic and Parmesan sauce, served over your choice of penne or fusilli pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, it offers a balanced meal full of vibrant colors, robust aromas, and rich textures that will delight your entire family.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces penne or fusilli pasta
Protein
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Others
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
- 1 cup chicken broth (vegetable broth as a lighter alternative)
Seasonings and Cheese
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and add the 8 ounces of penne or fusilli pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 3 tablespoons of olive oil until it shimmers gently.
- Season and Cook Chicken: Sprinkle 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place them in the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until cooked through and golden brown.
- Rest and Slice Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes to lock in the juices. Then slice into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: In the same skillet, add the minced 2 garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Steam Broccoli: Add 2 cups of broccoli florets to the skillet and pour in 1 cup of chicken broth. Cover and let steam for 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is vibrant green and tender.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the sliced chicken to the skillet with the broccoli. Add the drained pasta and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Gently toss everything together to evenly coat with the sauce.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Cook pasta al dente to best absorb the sauce without becoming mushy.
- Resting chicken after cooking ensures tender and juicy pieces.
- Adjust red pepper flakes based on desired spice level; start with half for milder heat.
- Reserve some pasta water to add for extra creaminess before serving, if desired.
- Freshly minced garlic is recommended to enhance aroma and flavor over pre-minced versions.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh.
- Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Chicken pasta recipe, Broccoli pasta, Creamy chicken pasta, Weeknight dinner, Italian pasta dish, Garlic Parmesan pasta
