Introduction
Transform humble chicken and broccoli into a restaurant-worthy pasta dish in just 30 minutes! This recipe is your ultimate weeknight weapon, proving that delicious doesn’t have to mean difficult. Get ready to conquer dinner time with ease and impress yourself (and maybe your family) with this simple yet satisfying meal.
Why This Works
This Chicken Broccoli Pasta recipe is a winner because it’s incredibly quick, uses readily available ingredients, and delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. The creamy sauce coats the pasta perfectly, and the combination of chicken and broccoli offers a balanced and healthy meal. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a delicious dinner on the table fast.
Key Ingredients
- 🐔 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
*🥦 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets
*🍝 1 lb pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape) - 🧄 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 🧈 2 tablespoons butter
- 🧀 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 🥛 1 cup heavy cream
- 🌿 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
*🧂 Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2️⃣ Cook the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3️⃣ Sauté the Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet with the chicken. Cook for 3-5 minutes, until the broccoli is tender-crisp.
4️⃣ Make the Sauce: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
5️⃣ Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the chicken and broccoli. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Add a little of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Serve immediately.
Handy Tips
- Use pre-cut broccoli florets to save even more time.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried parsley works well too (use about 1 tablespoon).
Heat Control
Medium-high heat is ideal for cooking the chicken quickly and ensuring it browns nicely. Lowering the heat to low for the sauce prevents scorching and allows the cream to thicken gently. Always monitor the heat to avoid burning the ingredients.
Crunch Factor
This recipe delivers a delightful balance of textures. The pasta is perfectly al dente, the chicken is tender yet slightly firm, and the broccoli retains a pleasant crunch.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for a bright, fresh flavor.
- Use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker meal prep. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the skillet with the broccoli and sauce.
- For a richer flavor, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Storage Tips
Store leftover Chicken Broccoli Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This dish isn’t typically gifted, but if you’re inclined, package individual portions in attractive disposable containers for a thoughtful meal gift for a busy friend or neighbor.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce.
🌟 Creamy Pesto: Stir in 1/4 cup of pesto along with the Parmesan cheese.
🌟 Lemon Herb: Add the zest and juice of 1 lemon along with fresh herbs like thyme or oregano.
🌟 Garlic Parmesan: Increase the garlic to 6 cloves and add an extra 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese.
Troubleshooting
- Sauce too thin: Simmer the sauce for a longer time, or stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water to thicken.
- Chicken dry: Ensure the chicken is cooked through but not overcooked. If it’s already dry, add a little more heavy cream to the sauce.
- Broccoli overcooked: Don’t overcook the broccoli, aim for tender-crisp. Remove it from the skillet slightly earlier if it begins to get mushy.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen broccoli? Yes, but you may need to cook it slightly longer.
- Can I use different pasta? Absolutely! Any pasta shape will work.
- Can I make this ahead of time? It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the chicken and broccoli ahead of time and assemble it just before serving.
- Can I add other vegetables? Yes! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini would be delicious additions.
- Is this recipe healthy? It’s a relatively healthy meal, but portion control is always key.
Conclusion
This 30-Minute Chicken Broccoli Pasta is your new go-to weeknight dinner solution. It’s quick, easy, delicious, and perfect for busy lives. Share this recipe with your friends, and let us know how you enjoyed it in the comments below! Happy cooking!
30-Minute Chicken Broccoli Pasta: Weeknight Dinner Winner
A quick and delicious pasta dish featuring tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a creamy sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta of choice
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions, adding the broccoli florets in the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sautu00e9 for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet, tossing everything together until well combined. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
Tips
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken in Italian seasoning before cooking.
- You can substitute heavy cream with a lighter option like half-and-half for a healthier version.