7 Easy Steps to Delicious Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Perfection!

Okay, let me tell you about this.Chicken Broccoli Pasta: WhatIs it the kind of dish that wraps you in a warm hug from the inside out? I always think of it as the cooler, more sophisticated cousin of mac and cheese. Think creamy, cheesy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked broccoli all twirled together with a little bit of lemon. What is your favorite pasta dish? What is the best recipe for a picky eater? What is comfort food?

What is Chicken Broccoli Pasta?

What is a good way to break it down.?Chicken Broccoli Pasta: Howis basically a pasta dish where the star players are, you guessed it, chicken and broccoli. What’s so much more than just throwing together some noodles? We’re talking about a Creamy sauce, usually made with cheese (cheddar, parmesan, or blend)—I’ll get the recipe. To my favorite later), that coats everything in deliciousness. Think of it as a grown-up mac and cheese, but with added protein and veggies. What is essentially a complete meal in one bowl? I remember the first time I had a similar dish in ‘an Italian restaurant’ and thought, “I can’t wait to try it.” How can I make this even better at home? So, this recipe was born.

How do I make chicken broccoli pasta?

Quick Overview

This Chicken Broccoli Pasta: WhatWhat are some easy recipes to make for pasta and chicken? While those are cooking, you’ll whip up the creamy cheese sauce. What is the best way to eat broccoli? How do you cook broccoli? What is the best advice you have ever received from a doctor?

Ingredients

For the Pasta:
* 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape) – I usually use a pasta because it holds the pasta together.
* Water
* Salt

For the Chicken:
* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces – I like to buy the pre-cut. How do you save time by cooking chicken?
* 1 tablespoon olive oil – Adds a nice richness and helps the chicken brown.
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder – A little goes a long way!

For the Broccoli: What are
* 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets – Fresh broccoli is best, but you can use frozen in a blender.
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon pepper

What is the Creamy Cheese Sauce?
* 4 tablespoons butter
* 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour – This helps thicken the sauce.
* 3 cups milk (I use whole milk for extra creaminess, but 2% works too) – You can even use half and half.
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/4 teaspoon paprika
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and parmesan) – I like sharp cheddar for the flavor.

How do I follow step

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. Make sure to save about 1/2 cup of pasta water – you might need it to adjust the sauce consistency.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until tender. Add the chicken and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until the chicken is cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Broccoli

In the same skillet, add broccoli florets, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until broccoli is tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. You want it to still have a little bite!

Step 4: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Remove from heat and set aside. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This creates a roux, which will thicken the sauce. Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to smooth out any lumps. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and paprika. Stir in the cheddar cheese (or cheese blend) and cook until the cheese is melted and the sauce is thick. What is the best way to make it creamy and smooth, about 2-3 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. What is the desired consistency

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add cooked pasta, chicken, and broccoli to the cheese sauce. Toss to combine, making sure everything is evenly coated in sauce.

Step 6: Serve

Serve immediately and enjoy! Garnish with extra cheese if desired.

What to Serve It With

This Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but if you’re looking to round it out, here are some ideas:

For a Simple Side: A side salad with a light vinaigrette is always a great option. The acidity of the vinaigrette will cut through the richness of the pasta.

For a Hearty Meal: Some crusty bread or garlic bread would be perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce.

For a Veggie Boost: Steamed Green Beans or roasted asparagus would add some extra nutrients.

For a Special Occasion: A glass of crisp white wine, like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, would pair beautifully with This Dish.

My family loves it with a simple garlic bread, and sometimes I’ll add a sprinkle of Red Pepper flakes for a little kick. It really is up to you! It’s super versatile.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Okay, so after making this Chicken Broccoli Pasta countless times, I’ve learned a few tricks that I want to share with you:

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta is key! Overcooked pasta will get mushy in the sauce.

Use Good Quality Cheese: The better the cheese, the better the sauce will taste. I highly recommend using a sharp cheddar or a mix of cheddar and parmesan.

Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: You want the broccoli to be tender-crisp, not mushy. I like to add it to the skillet towards the end of the chicken cooking time.

Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to thicken it up.

Season Generously: Don’t be afraid to season the chicken, broccoli, and sauce generously. Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika are all your friends!

Customize the Recipe: Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking. You can add different veggies, use different cheeses, or even add some spice with a pinch of Red Pepper flakes.

I remember one time I accidentally used skim milk instead of whole milk for the sauce, and it was a total disaster! The sauce was thin and watery. Lesson learned: use good quality milk for the best results!

Storing and Reheating Tips

This Chicken Broccoli Pasta is even better the next day! Here’s how to store and reheat it:

Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat. If reheating in the microwave, add a splash of milk or water to prevent it from drying out. If reheating in a skillet, add a little bit of olive oil or butter.

Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the sauce may separate upon thawing. However, if you must freeze it, store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

The most important tip? Make sure it’s in a sealed container. Nothing worse than lingering broccoli cheese smells in the fridge!

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Broccoli Pasta is truly one of my all-time favorite recipes. It’s quick, easy, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s a great way to get some extra veggies into your diet. If you’re looking for a comforting and satisfying meal, this is it! It’s the sort of dish that feels like a warm hug. It’s one of my family’s staples for a reason. And I’ve shared it with friends more times than I can count! If you enjoy this recipe, be sure to check out my other pasta dishes! Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions, or if you tried your own spin on it! I’d love to hear!

Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Creamy and delicious Chicken Broccoli Pasta. Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal!

Prep : 10 Total : 25 minutes

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Ingredients

  

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Main Ingredients

• 1 lb Boneless, skinless chicken breasts Cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 lb Broccoli florets Fresh or frozen
• 1 lb Penne pasta
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 cloves Garlic Minced
• Salt and pepper To taste

Instructions

 

Preparation Steps

• Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
• While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
• Add garlic and broccoli to the skillet and cook until broccoli is tender-crisp.
• Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.