Chicken Broccoli Pasta: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Chicken Broccoli Pasta: the ultimate weeknight dinner champion! Are you tired of the same old boring meals? Craving something comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to whip up? Then look no further! This recipe is about to become your new go-to, transforming simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that the whole family will adore.

While the exact origins of Chicken Broccoli Pasta are a bit hazy, its popularity likely stems from the rise of Italian-American cuisine, where classic pasta dishes were often adapted to incorporate readily available ingredients. Broccoli, a nutritional powerhouse, found its way into creamy pasta sauces, creating a balanced and satisfying meal. Chicken, of course, adds a protein punch, making it a complete and fulfilling dish.

What’s not to love? The tender chicken, the slightly crisp broccoli florets, and the perfectly cooked pasta, all coated in a luscious, creamy sauce – it’s a symphony of textures and flavors! People adore this dish because it’s incredibly versatile. You can customize it with different cheeses, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a kick, or even throw in some sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth. Plus, it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in under 30 minutes. Get ready to experience the magic of this classic comfort food!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• For the Broccoli:
• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Pasta:
• 1 lb pasta (penne, rotini, farfalle, or your favorite shape)
• 8 cups water
• 1 tablespoon salt
• For the Creamy Sauce:
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk (whole milk or 2% recommended for richness)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste (remember Parmesan is salty!)
• Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat

Preparing the Chicken

1. First, let’s get the chicken ready. In a medium bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Make sure each piece is nicely coated.
2. Now, add the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt to the chicken. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly seasoned. I like to use my hands for this to really get the spices worked in, but a spoon or spatula works just fine too!
3. Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the seasoned chicken. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; you might need to cook the chicken in batches to ensure it browns properly.
4. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and no longer pink inside. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to prevent burning. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. We’ll add it back in later.

Preparing the Broccoli

1. Next up, let’s prepare the broccoli. In the same skillet (or a clean one if you prefer), add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Heat it over medium heat.
2. Add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Cook the broccoli for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s tender-crisp. You want it to be slightly softened but still have a bit of a bite to it. If the broccoli starts to brown too quickly, you can add a tablespoon or two of water to the pan and cover it for a minute or two to steam it.
4. Once the broccoli is cooked to your liking, remove it from the skillet and set it aside with the cooked chicken.

Cooking the Pasta

1. Now, let’s get the pasta cooking. In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the boiling water. This seasons the pasta as it cooks.
2. Add the pasta to the boiling water. Cook according to the package directions, usually around 8-10 minutes, or until it’s al dente (firm to the bite).
3. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander. Don’t rinse the pasta unless you’re not using it immediately; the starch on the pasta helps the sauce cling to it.

Making the Creamy Sauce

1. This is where the magic happens! In the same pot you used to cook the pasta (or a clean saucepan), melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Once the butter is melted, add 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Whisk constantly for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux. This will help thicken the sauce. Be careful not to burn the flour; you want it to be a light golden color.
3. Slowly pour in 3 cups of milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. It’s important to add the milk gradually and whisk continuously to ensure a smooth sauce.
4. Add 1 cup of chicken broth to the sauce, continuing to whisk.
5. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
6. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
7. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt to the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Remember that Parmesan cheese is salty, so you might not need much additional salt. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Assembling the Chicken Broccoli Pasta

1. Now for the best part – putting it all together! Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and broccoli to the pot with the creamy sauce.
2. Gently toss everything together until the pasta, chicken, and broccoli are evenly coated in the sauce.
3. Serve immediately. You can garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired.

Conclusion:

This Chicken Broccoli Pasta isn’t just another weeknight meal; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! From the tender chicken and perfectly cooked broccoli to the creamy, comforting sauce that coats every strand of pasta, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I truly believe this recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation. It’s quick, easy, and satisfying – everything you could want in a home-cooked meal.

But what truly makes this recipe a must-try is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta. Penne, rotini, or even farfalle would work beautifully. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the chicken and add more broccoli or other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* For a complete meal: Serve with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad.
* Spice it up: Add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of chili flakes.
* Make it cheesy: Top with extra Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of mozzarella before serving.
* Add some crunch: Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs over the top for added texture.
* Make it ahead: Prepare the pasta and sauce separately and combine them just before serving. This is a great option for meal prepping.
* Leftovers: Leftovers are delicious reheated for lunch the next day.

I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s the perfect balance of comfort food and healthy ingredients, making it a guilt-free indulgence. The creamy sauce is rich and flavorful, but not too heavy, and the broccoli adds a touch of freshness and nutrients. Plus, the chicken provides a good source of protein, making it a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and customize the recipe to your liking. That’s the beauty of cooking – it’s all about experimenting and finding what works best for you. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is easy enough for anyone to master.

I’m so excited for you to try this Chicken Broccoli Pasta! I truly believe it will become a family favorite. Once you’ve given it a go, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications? What did your family think? Share your photos and comments in the section below. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to continue creating recipes that you’ll love. Happy cooking, and bon appétit! I can’t wait to see your culinary creations! Let me know if you have any questions, I’m here to help!