Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a creamy, garlicky, and comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a rich parmesan sauce come together in a flavorful pasta dish that the whole family will love. Quick to make and full of satisfying ingredients, this recipe will quickly become a go-to for easy, delicious meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting pasta dish that’s both creamy and packed with flavor, this Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is the answer. The garlic-infused sauce adds depth, while the parmesan cheese brings a delicious richness. The combination of tender chicken and bright, crisp broccoli creates a satisfying balance of protein and veggies. With the pasta, it’s a complete and hearty meal that’s simple enough to prepare on a busy night but delicious enough to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 8 ounces penne pasta

• 2 cups broccoli, cut into small florets

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 small onion, diced

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 cups whole milk

• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese

• 2 chicken breasts, cooked and cut into small cubes

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta and Broccoli

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water with the pasta.
Drain the pasta and broccoli in a colander and set aside.

2. Prepare the Sauce

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
Add the minced garlic, salt, and pepper, and cook for an additional 1 minute.

3. Thicken the Sauce

Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring constantly, and cook for 1-2 minutes.
Gradually whisk in the whole milk, stirring until smooth.
Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens.

4. Add the Cheese and Chicken

Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and diced chicken breasts to the pot with the parmesan sauce.
Stir until everything is well coated and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.

5. Serve

Transfer the Chicken and Broccoli Pasta to a serving bowl. Garnish with additional grated parmesan cheese if desired.
Season to taste and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

• Servings: 4

• Calories: 480 kcal per serving

Variations

• Make it lighter: Use skim milk or a plant-based milk alternative to reduce the fat content.

• Add extra vegetables: You can include other veggies like spinach, peas, or zucchini for added color and nutrition.

• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a bit of heat.

• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free.

• Different cheese: You can mix up the cheeses—try adding mozzarella, cheddar, or goat cheese for a unique flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, warm the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little milk to loosen up the sauce if it has thickened too much.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the pasta.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This dish is best served fresh, but you can make the sauce and cook the chicken and vegetables ahead of time. Simply reheat and combine with the pasta when ready to serve.

3. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, if you have leftover cooked chicken, you can simply dice it and add it to the skillet with the sauce.

4. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! You can swap penne for any pasta shape you prefer, such as fusilli, farfalle, or spaghetti.

5. How can I make this dish more flavorful?

You can add fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or parsley to the sauce or sprinkle some grated parmesan on top for extra flavor.

6. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, simply skip the chicken and add extra vegetables, or you can substitute with plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh.

7. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! You can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or even a little bit of cream cheese for a creamier texture.

8. How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and ensure that your flour is gluten-free as well. You may need to substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

9. Can I make this dish spicy?

To add some heat, try mixing in red pepper flakes, a diced chili pepper, or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.

10. Can I freeze this dish?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the pasta and sauce separately. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and heat in a skillet, adding extra milk or cream to loosen the sauce.

Conclusion

This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is an easy, creamy, and comforting dish that the whole family will love. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a rich parmesan sauce makes it a hearty and satisfying meal, perfect for busy weeknights. With its simple ingredients and quick prep time, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation!

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