Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta: A Quick & Healthy Weeknight Dinner

Looking for a delicious, easy, and healthy weeknight meal? This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta is the perfect solution! It’s packed with protein, veggies, and flavor, and it comes together in under 30 minutes. This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite pasta shape, cheese, and spices. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Broccoli Pasta Recipe

* **Quick and Easy:** Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Packed with protein, vegetables, and essential nutrients.
* **Delicious and Flavorful:** Creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked broccoli create a satisfying and delicious meal.
* **Versatile and Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your liking with different pasta shapes, cheeses, and seasonings.
* **Family-Friendly:** A crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will enjoy.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to make this delectable Chicken Broccoli Pasta:

* **Pasta:** 1 pound of your favorite pasta shape (penne, rotini, farfalle, or fusilli work well).
* **Chicken:** 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces.
* **Broccoli:** 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons.
* **Garlic:** 2-3 cloves, minced.
* **Onion:** 1/2 medium onion, chopped.
* **Chicken Broth:** 1 cup.
* **Heavy Cream:** 1/2 cup (or half-and-half for a lighter option).
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/2 cup, grated (plus extra for serving).
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste.
* **Optional:** Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, lemon zest for brightness, fresh parsley for garnish.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a restaurant-quality Chicken Broccoli Pasta at home:

**Step 1: Cook the Pasta**

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
3. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
4. Drain the pasta and set aside.

**Step 2: Cook the Chicken**

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes), stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

**Step 3: Cook the Broccoli**

1. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened (about 3-5 minutes).
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Cook the broccoli until tender-crisp (about 5-7 minutes), stirring occasionally. You can add a splash of water to the skillet and cover it with a lid to help steam the broccoli if needed.

**Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce**

1. Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
2. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half).
3. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.

**Step 5: Combine Everything**

1. Add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet with the creamy broccoli sauce.
2. Toss everything together until well combined and coated in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

**Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!**

1. Serve the Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta immediately.
2. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.

## Tips and Variations

* **Use different vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or asparagus to the pasta dish.
* **Try different cheeses:** Instead of Parmesan cheese, you can use other cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, or cheddar.
* **Add some spice:** If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or use a spicy sausage instead of chicken.
* **Make it lighter:** Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream to reduce the fat content.
* **Add lemon:** A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or some lemon zest can brighten up the flavor of the dish.
* **Make it gluten-free:** Use gluten-free pasta.
* **Add sun-dried tomatoes:** Adds a burst of intense flavor. Use about 1/4 cup, chopped, added along with the broccoli.
* **Use different herbs:** Experiment with different herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme for a different flavor profile. Fresh herbs are best, but dried herbs work well too (use about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs). Add them to the sauce along with the Parmesan cheese.
* **Add a protein boost:** Include white beans or chickpeas for extra protein and fiber. Add about 1 cup of drained and rinsed beans to the skillet along with the pasta and chicken.
* **Make it ahead:** You can cook the pasta, chicken, and broccoli separately and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the ingredients and combine them with the creamy sauce.
* **Bake it:** Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

## Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with:

* **Garlic bread or crusty bread:** For soaking up the delicious sauce.
* **A simple salad:** To add some freshness and balance to the meal.
* **Roasted vegetables:** Such as asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots.
* **A glass of white wine:** Such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerator:** Store leftover Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
* **Freezer:** Freezing this dish is not recommended, as the sauce may separate and the pasta may become mushy upon thawing.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Based on a serving size of 1/6 of the recipe. Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

* **Calories:** 450-550
* **Protein:** 30-40g
* **Fat:** 20-30g
* **Carbohydrates:** 40-50g
* **Fiber:** 5-7g

## FAQs

* **Can I use frozen broccoli?**

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Thaw it before adding it to the skillet.

* **Can I use rotisserie chicken?**

Yes, using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the pasta.

* **Can I make this recipe vegetarian?**

Yes, simply omit the chicken or substitute it with tofu or tempeh.

* **Can I use a different type of pasta?**

Yes, feel free to use any type of pasta you like. Penne, rotini, farfalle, and fusilli are all good options.

* **How can I prevent the pasta from sticking together?**

Be sure to cook the pasta al dente and toss it with the sauce immediately after draining. Adding a little olive oil to the cooked pasta can also help prevent sticking.

* **The sauce is too thick, what do I do?**

Add a little of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

* **The sauce is too thin, what do I do?**

Simmer the sauce over low heat for a few minutes to allow it to thicken. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to thicken the sauce quickly.

## Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a winning recipe that combines simplicity, health, and delicious flavor. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that the whole family will love. So, gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed! Enjoy!