The Heartiest Chicken Broccoli Pasta Recipe for Cozy Nights

Crispy, golden chicken broccoli pasta promises a delightful meal that will make your taste buds dance with joy.

Vibrant green florets and tender chicken pieces create a perfect harmony on your plate.

creamy sauce brings everything together in a comforting embrace.

Fresh ingredients combine to craft a simple yet sophisticated dinner solution.

Quick preparation means you can whip up this satisfying dish in less than thirty minutes.

Home cooking becomes an adventure with this flavorful combination of protein and vegetables.

Let’s dive into a recipe that turns an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration.

Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta For Easy Dinners

• Whip Up a Quick Comfort Meal: This pasta dish combines tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and creamy sauce for a satisfying dinner that comes together faster than ordering takeout.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like using different cheeses, adding extra vegetables, or switching protein types to match your family's taste preferences and what's in your pantry.
• Pack in Nutritious Flavors: Loaded with protein from chicken, vitamins from broccoli, and a balanced sauce, this recipe delivers a wholesome meal that feels indulgent yet provides essential nutrients.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal dishes and straightforward cooking steps make this recipe perfect for busy weeknights when you want delicious food without complicated cleanup.

All The Ingredients Needed For Chicken Broccoli Pasta

• Chicken: Tender protein that provides a hearty base for the pasta dish.

• Pasta, Broccoli: Pasta serves as the main carbohydrate, while broccoli adds nutritious green vegetables to the meal.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Provide rich flavor and help cook ingredients.
• Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic base that adds depth to the sauce.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a creamy texture.
• Broth, Cream: Create a smooth and flavorful sauce base.
• Cheese, Lemon Juice: Add tanginess and richness to the sauce.
• Pine Nuts: Provide a nutty crunch and additional texture to the dish.

Steps For Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Magic

Step 1: Slice and Season Chicken

Cut chicken into small, uniform pieces.

Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the flavorful blend.

Step 2: Sizzle Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer, allowing each side to develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until chicken is fully cooked and juicy.

Step 3: Create Aromatic Base

Melt butter in the same skillet.

Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic, stirring until they become translucent and release their fragrant aroma.

Sprinkle flour over the mixture and cook, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

Step 4: Craft Velvety Sauce

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Seasonings

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Let it thicken for about 5 minutes.

Stir in shredded cheese and a splash of fresh lemon juice, creating a smooth and tangy sauce.

Step 5: Prepare Pasta and Broccoli

Boil pasta in salted water until it reaches al dente texture.

During the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets.

Before draining, set aside one cup of pasta water to help adjust sauce consistency if needed.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

• Cooked pasta
• Broccoli
• Seared chicken
• Creamy sauce
• Toasted pine nuts

If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water to reach desired creaminess.

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors.

Pro Tips For Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Every Time

• Save the starchy pasta water to thin out the sauce and create a silky, smooth texture that helps ingredients cling perfectly.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F, preventing dryness while guaranteeing safe, juicy protein.
• Remove sauce from heat before adding cheese to prevent separation and achieve a creamy, smooth consistency.
• Blanch broccoli briefly to maintain vibrant green color and crisp-tender texture, avoiding mushy vegetables.
• Build flavor by seasoning each component separately – chicken, sauce, and pasta – for a more complex and rich final dish.

Flavor Variations For Chicken Broccoli Pasta Nights

• Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, cubed and pan-fried with same seasonings for protein-packed alternative.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap regular pasta with chickpea or brown rice pasta, use cornstarch instead of flour for sauce thickening, ensuring celiac-safe meal.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk, use nutritional yeast instead of cheese, maintaining creamy texture with plant-based ingredients.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Version: Spiralize zucchini as pasta replacement, keep chicken and sauce components identical for lighter, lower-carbohydrate meal option.

How To Serve Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Best

• Rustic Family Dinner: Serve this pasta in large, warm bowls with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a homey, comforting meal that brings everyone together at the table.
• Weekend Dinner Party Delight: Pair with a crisp white wine and crusty garlic bread to elevate this dish for a sophisticated yet easy gathering with friends.
• Healthy Lunch Prep: Pack individual portions in meal prep containers for a delicious and nutritious work or school lunch that stays creamy and flavorful.
• Gourmet Garnish Option: Top with extra toasted pine nuts, a drizzle of olive oil, and fresh cracked black pepper to add texture and enhance the dish's elegant flavors.

Storing Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Freshly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Let the dish cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons of water or extra broth. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Pour pasta into skillet, add splash of broth or cream. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring gently to prevent sticking. Add extra cheese if sauce seems dry.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just thaw and drain it completely before adding to the pasta to prevent excess water in the sauce.

• What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

Mix dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary as a quick substitute. You can also use pre-mixed Italian herb blends from the spice aisle.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of pasta water to restore sauce consistency.

• Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Replace regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend when making the sauce. Use gluten-free pasta to complete the adaptation.

Chicken Broccoli Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken broccoli pasta brings comfort and flavor to weeknight dinner tables with its irresistible blend of tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and perfectly cooked noodles. Hearty ingredients and simple preparation make this dish a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein and Pasta:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8–12 ounces dried penne pasta

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Vegetables and Flavor Enhancers:

• 3 cups broccoli florets (about 1 pound)
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/3 cup toasted pine nuts (optional)

Cooking Fats and Liquids:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup milk

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Instructions

1. Slice chicken into uniform bite-sized morsels and coat with a blend of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for enhanced flavor profile.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear chicken pieces for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and thoroughly cooked, ensuring no pink remains.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, approximately 2-3 minutes.
4. Sprinkle flour over the aromatics and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux, which will help thicken the sauce.
5. Gradually pour in broth and cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Add selected seasonings and simmer for 5 minutes until sauce slightly thickens.
6. Incorporate shredded cheese and fresh lemon juice into the sauce, stirring until cheese melts completely and creates a smooth consistency.
7. Simultaneously, boil pasta in salted water until almost al dente, then introduce broccoli florets during the final 2-3 minutes of cooking.
8. Drain pasta and broccoli, reserving one cup of starchy cooking liquid for potential sauce adjustment.
9. Combine cooked chicken, pasta, broccoli, and creamy sauce in a large serving dish, gently folding ingredients together.
10. Sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top and adjust sauce consistency using reserved pasta water if needed, ensuring every ingredient is evenly coated.

Notes

• Customize seasoning by experimenting with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano for a unique flavor profile.
• Toast pine nuts beforehand to enhance their nutty richness and prevent burning during final mixing.
• Use gluten-free pasta and replace flour with cornstarch for a celiac-friendly version without compromising creamy texture.
• Keep extra pasta water as a secret weapon to rescue dry sauce and create silky, perfectly coated pasta with minimal effort.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 495 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg