Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and rich creamy sauce with pasta. It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and satisfaction to any table. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this dish is sure to impress.
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Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a great choice for several reasons. First, it’s simple to make, which makes it perfect for a weeknight dinner. Second, it combines protein and vegetables, making it a balanced meal. Finally, it’s creamy and delicious, appealing to both kids and adults. You can whip it up in under 30 minutes, making it a quick and tasty option for busy days!
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
Making Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is straightforward. Just follow these steps to create a mouthwatering dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts, diced (or ~3 cups cooked chicken such as rotisserie)
- 2 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or unsalted butter)
- 8 ounces pasta (such as penne or fettuccine)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Garlic powder to taste
Directions:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Add broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
This dish is best served warm. You can plate it up generously and sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor. It pairs nicely with a simple green salad or toasted garlic bread for a complete meal.
How to Store Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove. You may need to add a splash of cream or milk if it seems a bit thick.
Tips to Make Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in your favorite spices before cooking.
- Don’t overcook the broccoli; it should be tender but still bright green.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best taste.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or peas to the pasta.
Variation
You can make this dish vegetarian by replacing the chicken with extra veggies or mushrooms. You can also try using different types of pasta, like whole wheat or gluten-free, based on your preference.
FAQs
1. Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Using leftover or rotisserie chicken can save you time and make this dish even easier to prepare.
2. Is there a gluten-free option for the pasta?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free pasta to enjoy this dish without gluten.
3. Can I freeze Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta?
While it’s best fresh, you can freeze the dish. However, the texture may change when reheated. Store it in an airtight container and consume within a month for the best quality.
Enjoy making and sharing this delightful Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta at your next meal!
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 2 pieces chicken breasts, diced or ~3 cups cooked chicken such as rotisserie
- 2 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
- 8 ounces pasta such as penne or fettuccine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Use freshly grated for best taste.
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
- to taste Garlic powder
Instructions
Cooking
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Add broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
