Name: Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound); 2 cups fresh broccoli florets; 8 oz penne or fettuccine pasta; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Juice of half a lemon (optional)

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Indulging in a plate of creamy chicken and broccoli pasta is like wrapping yourself in a warm, comforting hug after a long day. Imagine tender chicken mingling with crunchy broccoli, all enveloped in a velvety sauce that dances on your taste buds. Creamy Zucchini Noodle Chicken Alfredo It’s the kind of dish that makes you forget all your worries and transports you to a cozy Italian trattoria, even if you’re just wearing pajamas at home.

This recipe isn’t just about satisfying your cravings; it’s about creating moments. I remember the first time I made creamy chicken and broccoli pasta for my family. Their delighted faces said it all as they dug into their plates, and suddenly, I was not just a cook but a culinary hero in my household. This dish is perfect for those busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours slaving away in the kitchen. For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta recipe.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This creamy chicken and broccoli pasta is quick to prepare and full of flavor, making it ideal for busy weeknights
The vibrant colors of the dish make it visually appealing for any dinner table
Versatile enough to customize with seasonal veggies or different proteins
Its rich, creamy texture will have everyone asking for seconds!

I still chuckle when I think back to the time my son asked if we could have this pasta every night. His wide-eyed wonder at how something so delicious could come from our kitchen made my heart swell with joy. delicious Turkey Panini Who knew that a simple recipe could turn me into such a rockstar?

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I use about 3-4 chicken breasts, depending on how many people I’m feeding. Tender and juicy, they soak up all the flavors beautifully.
Fresh Broccoli: Choose bright green florets; they add a lovely crunch and vibrant color to your pasta dish.
Pasta of Your Choice: I prefer penne or fettuccine for this recipe because they hold onto the sauce perfectly.
Heavy Cream: For that luscious creaminess! You can substitute half-and-half if you’re looking to lighten things up.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best; it melts beautifully and adds rich flavor.
Garlic: Use fresh cloves for maximum flavor; nothing beats that aromatic goodness sizzling away!
Olive Oil: A splash of good quality extra virgin olive oil brings everything together beautifully.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate the flavors of your dish.
Lemon Juice (optional): A dash of lemon juice brightens the entire dish, balancing out the creaminess nicely.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.

Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and let it heat up before adding diced chicken breasts. Cook until golden brown on all sides and fully cooked through—around 6-8 minutes should do it!

Add Garlic and Broccoli: Toss in minced garlic and fresh broccoli florets into the skillet with the chicken. Sauté until fragrant—about 2 minutes—and you can see that beautiful green color brightening up.

Create the Sauce: Pour in heavy cream while stirring well to combine all ingredients. Let it simmer gently until thickened slightly—about 5 minutes—and then stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

Toss Everything Together: Add cooked pasta to the sauce mixture in the skillet, ensuring every piece gets coated evenly in that heavenly creamy goodness. Orecchiette with Mushroom Thyme Sauce Season with salt, pepper, and optional lemon juice for an extra zing!

Serve It Up!: Plate your creamy chicken and broccoli pasta with additional Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top if desired. Cottage Cheese Orzo Serve immediately while it’s hot—because who can resist creamy goodness straight from the pan?

And there you have it! An easy-to-make creamy chicken and broccoli pasta that’s sure to impress anyone at your dinner table while also giving you major cooking cred!

You Must Know

Mastering creamy chicken and broccoli pasta means balancing flavors and textures
The chicken should be juicy, the pasta perfectly al dente, and the sauce rich yet not overpowering
This dish is a comforting hug in a bowl, perfect for any weeknight dinner

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken until golden, then set it aside. Cook the pasta in salted water while you prepare the creamy sauce with garlic, cheese, and broccoli. Combine everything for a delicious finish.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your creamy chicken and broccoli pasta! Swap out broccoli for spinach or peas, use different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda, or add spices like red pepper flakes for a kick. Make it your own masterpiece.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover creamy chicken and broccoli pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk to revive that creamy texture.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Properly season your water when cooking pasta; it should taste like the sea
Always let your chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy
For a richer sauce, don’t skimp on the cream or cheese!

There’s nothing quite like that moment when you pull this dish from the stove and hear that delightful bubbling sound, reminding you how good home-cooked meals can be!

FAQs

FAQ

Can I make creamy chicken and broccoli pasta ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare this dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat gently to avoid overcooking the chicken or making the pasta mushy.

What can I substitute for heavy cream in this recipe?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter option. Just keep in mind that it may alter the richness slightly.

How do I know when my chicken is fully cooked?

The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (75°C) at its thickest part. Alternatively, cut into it—juices should run clear without pinkness.