Creamy chicken broccoli pasta dish served in a white bowl

Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Easy

This creamy chicken broccoli pasta is a delicious dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and flavorful pasta in a rich and creamy sauce. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a cozy meal any night of the week. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, letting you spend more time enjoying your meal. You may also find Creamy Vegan Southwest Pasta Salad useful.

Why Make This Recipe

  • It’s a one-pan meal that makes clean-up easy and fast.
  • The creamy sauce is made with simple ingredients that pack a lot of flavor.
  • This dish is versatile; you can swap in different veggies or pastas based on what you have.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Making creamy chicken broccoli pasta is a straightforward process. You will cook the pasta, sauté the chicken, and then mix everything with a luscious cream sauce. It comes together quickly, making it great for busy days. You may also find 5 Ingredient Chicken Recipes useful.

Ingredients

  • 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne)
  • 1 lb chicken breast, diced
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook until golden brown.
  3. Add minced garlic and broccoli florets, and sauté for about 5 minutes until broccoli is tender.
  4. Pour in the heavy cream, and add grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce thickens.
  5. Toss in the cooked pasta and mix until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta

This dish can be served with a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese on top. For a refreshing touch, pair it with a side salad or some garlic bread. You could also enjoy it with a glass of white wine for a special dinner.

How to Store Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a pan over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to help bring back the creamy texture.

Tips to Make Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta

  • For extra flavor, try adding some red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
  • Mix in other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for variety.
  • If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
  • For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu.

Variations

  • Try using different pasta shapes like bowtie or macaroni.
  • Add cooked bacon or sausage for a meaty twist.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen broccoli? Yes, frozen broccoli can be used; just add it to the pan while cooking the chicken.
  • What pasta works best for this recipe? Fettuccine or penne are great choices, but feel free to use any pasta you prefer.
  • Can this recipe be made in advance? Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time and reheat when ready to serve, though fresh is best.

Conclusion

This creamy chicken broccoli pasta is not only easy to make but also delicious and satisfying. For another great recipe, check out this Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake option. If you’re looking for more ideas, you might enjoy the Creamy Chicken Broccoli Stuffed Shells recipe as well!

Creamy chicken broccoli pasta dish served in a white bowl

Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta

This creamy chicken broccoli pasta combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and flavorful pasta in a rich and creamy sauce, perfect for a quick and satisfying family dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne)
  • 1 lb chicken breast, diced
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 cups heavy cream can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  3. Add diced chicken and cook until golden brown.
  4. Add minced garlic and broccoli florets, and sauté for about 5 minutes until broccoli is tender.
Cooking
  1. Pour in the heavy cream, and add grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce thickens.
  2. Toss in the cooked pasta and mix until well combined.
  3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

Notes

For extra flavor, you may add red pepper flakes for a hint of spice. This dish can be served with additional Parmesan cheese on top, paired with a side salad or garlic bread.

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