Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Delight Pasta Recipe
Okay, picture this: Is it if it’s a Tuesday night, you’re staring blankly into the fridge, and the only thing louder than your phone is your voice. What’s for dinner? Do you feel familiar with What are some of the best recipes for Chicken and Broccoli Pasta? Is it healthier than mac and cheese? What a comforting sauce, and the broccoli adds just the right amount of goodness to it. How do I balance out the richness of life? What is the same time it takes to order takeout? What are some of the best recipes for baked ziti?
What is a good recipe for Chicken and Broccoli Pasta?
Think of it as the ultimate comfort food remix. Is it essentially tender chicken and bright green broccoli florets tossed in a luscious, creamy sauce? All nestled together with your favorite pasta. What is the beauty of this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe? Is it fussy, complicated, and doesn’t require a million ingredients? Is it good food? I always feel good about serving this because it gets veggies into my kids without them even knowing it. Why do people complain so much? What makes this dish so delicious? What are some of the best savory, and slightly nutty flavors that come together in one satisfying bite? And let’s be honest, anything with “delight” in the name is bound to be a winner, right?
Why you will love this recipe?
Let’s be real, there are a million pasta recipes out there. So, why should you make this one? Here’s the deal: the flavor is out of this world. The creamy sauce is rich and decadent, but not heavy or greasy. The chicken is perfectly cooked and juicy, and the broccoli adds a nice fresh bite. But the real magic is in how quickly it all comes together. What I love most about this is that it’s a complete meal in one pot. Protein, veggies, and carbs all in one go! No need to worry about a million side dishes. This is a lifesaver on those nights when you just don’t have the energy to cook anything complicated. The cost-efficiency is another big win. The ingredients are all pretty affordable and easy to find. You can even use leftover cooked chicken to make it even easier! It’s definitely a more budget-friendly option than ordering pizza…again. Finally, the versatility is amazing. You can easily swap out the chicken for shrimp or sausage, or use different veggies like asparagus or peas. You can even add a little kick with some red pepper flakes. It’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity! It’s much simpler than a lasagna or baked casserole, and honestly, even more satisfying. My whole family gives this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Delight Pasta Recipe five stars!
How do I make a creamy chicken and broccoli pasta?
Quick Overview
How do I make a creamy chicken and broccoli pasta? You’ll start by cooking your pasta and steaming your broccoli. While that’s going on, you’ll sauté the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. How do you whip up a creamy sauce? Add milk and cheese. When you’re done, toss everything together and serve it up! What is the best thing about it? It all happens in 30 minutes. This recipe is special because it doesn’t require any fancy techniques or equipment. What are some easy meals that anyone can make? Even if you’re a total beginner in the kitchen, you can nail this!
Ingredients Notes:
For the Main Dish:
Pasta: I usually use penne or rotini, but any short pasta shape will work. Feel free to use gluten-free pasta if needed.
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the easiest, but you could also use chicken thighs.
Broccoli Florets: Fresh or frozen broccoli florets both work great. If using frozen, just make sure to thaw them first.
Butter: Unsalted butter is my preference, but you can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand.
Flour: All-purpose flour is what I usually use, but you can also use gluten-free all-purpose flour.
Milk: I usually use whole milk, but you can use 2% or even almond milk for a lighter version. I tested this with almond milk and it actually made it even creamier!
Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth is best, so you can control the saltiness of the dish.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is always best, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is a must! It adds so much flavor.
Salt and Pepper: To taste, of course!
What is Creamy Sauce?
Heavy Cream: This is what makes the sauce extra decadent. If you’re looking to lighten things up, you can substitute half and half. Nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg adds a subtle flavor that complements the creaminess of the sauce perfectly.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Steam the Broccoli
While pasta is cooking, steam the broccoli florets until they are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Can you use a steamer basket or just boil them in water? Drain the broccoli and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Chicken
Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a large skillet, heat the butter over medium-high heat. Add the chopped tomatoes, and stir to combine. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Add the flour to the skillet and whisk constantly for 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta, steamed broccoli, and sautéed chicken to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss everything together until well combined.
Step 6: Serve
Serve immediately and enjoy! What are some good garnishes to serve with Parmesan cheese?
What should I serve it with?
This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Delight Pasta Recipe is a complete meal on its own. What are some good ideas to round it out?
For a light lunch: How do you prepareWhat is a good side salad with lemon vinaigrette? How does the acidity of the dressing help to cut through the richness of pasta.
For a family dinner:What is the best garlic bread recipe? Is it good to serve this with roasted vegetables?
For a Special Occasion:What are some good white wines to pair with this dish? What are some good appetizers to start with?
What is your family tradition?What are some good ways to soak up that sauce on bread?
What are some of the best ways to prepare a creamy chicken and broccoli pasta recipe?
What are some great ways to take your Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta recipe to the next level? What are some tips for a beginner?
Don’t overcook the pasta. IsWhy is al dente pasta important? I always set a timer and check it 2 minutes before the recommended cooking time.
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese:Why doesn’t Parmesan cheese melt as well as other cheeses? Is it worth the effort to grate oneself?
Don’t be afraid to season: Season is the best.Salt and pepper are your best friends!
Add a Little Kick:Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. What’s the best way to give a kick to your music?
Customize the Veggies:Why don’t I like broccoli? Can you use any vegetable you like, such as asparagus, peas, or mushrooms?
How do I make it ahead of time?What is a good recipe for Chicken and Broccoli Pasta? Can you make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days? Just reheat it gently before serving.
What is your biggest lesson? Don’t add the pasta to the sauce until you’re ready to serve. Otherwise, it will absorb all the sauce and become mushy. Trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? Here’s how to store and reheat them:
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Delight Pasta Recipe at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s cooled down completely before refrigerating.
Freezer Instructions: You can freeze this dish, but the texture of the sauce may change slightly. To freeze, let it cool completely and then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Glaze Timing Advice: Since there is no glaze for this recipe there is no worry about that!
Reheating: To reheat, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to the pasta to help loosen up the sauce. You can reheat it in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat. Heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
Quality Indicators: If the pasta is dry or the sauce is separated, it’s probably not good anymore. Trust your senses!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it! My family’s go-to Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Delight Pasta Recipe. It’s quick, easy, delicious, and totally customizable. What’s not to love? It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need a comforting and satisfying meal on the table in a hurry. If you loved this one, be sure to check out my other pasta recipes, like my famous baked ziti and my creamy tomato pasta with sausage. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And don’t forget to rate this recipe! Happy cooking!
Remember it later
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Delight Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking
- 1 pound chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cups broccoli florets fresh or frozen
- 12 ounces pasta such as penne or fusilli
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 0.5 teaspoon salt to taste
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground, to taste
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sauté until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add the cooked pasta, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Toss everything to combine and heat through.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
