Delicious Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This Delicious Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe offers a comforting blend of creamy garlic sauce, tender chicken, and crisp broccoli. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that combines vibrant flavors with ease and nutrition.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne or fusilli pasta
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet.
- Step 3: Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let rest for a few minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
- Step 4: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic and red pepper flakes for about 1 minute until fragrant and golden.
- Step 5: Add broccoli florets and chicken broth to the skillet. Cover and steam for 3-4 minutes until broccoli is vibrant green and tender.
- Step 6: Return sliced chicken to the skillet, then add the drained pasta and grated Parmesan cheese. Gently toss to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
- Step 7: Taste, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, and serve hot. For extra creaminess, stir in a little reserved pasta water before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Cook pasta al dente to ensure it absorbs the sauce beautifully without becoming mushy.
- Let chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy and tender when sliced.
- Start with half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes and adjust according to your spice preference.
- Use fresh garlic minced for the best flavor; it makes a noticeable difference.
- Vegetarian option: replace chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh.
- Gluten-free option: use gluten-free pasta made from rice or quinoa.
- Add extra veggies such as bell peppers or snap peas for more color and crunch.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore creaminess. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months and thaw before reheating, adding extra sauce as needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
How long does Delicious Chicken and Broccoli Pasta last in the fridge?
It stays fresh for 3 to 4 days when stored in an airtight container, with flavors developing nicely over time.
Can I freeze Delicious Chicken and Broccoli Pasta?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Reheat gently and add a little chicken broth to revive the creamy texture.
Print
Delicious Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Delicious Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe is a creamy, comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken breasts and crisp broccoli florets are combined with penne or fusilli pasta, all enveloped in a savory garlic and Parmesan sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this meal offers balanced nutrition and vibrant flavors that will brighten your dinner table.
Ingredients
Pasta and Protein
- 8 ounces penne or fusilli pasta
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Fats
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
- 1 cup chicken broth
Cheese and Seasonings
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and add 8 ounces of pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat Oil and Cook Chicken: Warm 3 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet until shimmering. Season 1 pound of chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then place in skillet. Cook 5-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Rest and Slice Chicken: Remove chicken from skillet and let rest a few minutes to retain juices. Slice into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté about 1 minute until aromatic and lightly golden.
- Steam Broccoli: Add 2 cups broccoli florets and pour 1 cup chicken broth into the skillet. Cover and steam for 3-4 minutes until broccoli is vibrant green and tender.
- Combine Ingredients: Return sliced chicken to skillet, add drained pasta and ½ cup grated Parmesan. Gently toss everything to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot immediately, optionally stirring in reserved pasta water for extra creaminess.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, reserve some pasta cooking water and stir it in before serving.
- Allow the chicken to rest after cooking to keep it juicy and tender.
- Start with less red pepper flakes if sensitive to spice; adjust to taste.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor impact.
- Substitute chicken with grilled tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to restore sauce creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Chicken broccoli pasta, creamy chicken pasta, garlic Parmesan pasta, weeknight dinner, easy pasta recipe, chicken pasta skillet
