Delicious Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This delicious chicken and broccoli pasta is a quick and satisfying meal perfect for any weeknight. Tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and savory Parmesan come together in a flavorful sauce that’s simple to prepare and sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne or fusilli pasta
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Boil a large pot of salted water and add the pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers gently.
- Step 3: Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then place it in the skillet. Cook for 5–7 minutes on each side until cooked through and golden brown.
- Step 4: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
- Step 5: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and golden.
- Step 6: Add the broccoli florets and pour in the chicken broth. Cover and steam for 3–4 minutes until the broccoli is vibrant green and tender.
- Step 7: Return the sliced chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese, then gently toss everything to combine.
- Step 8: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed, then serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly option.
- Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper, saltier flavor.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving for brightness.
- Include toasted pine nuts or chopped almonds for added crunch.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to restore moisture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well; just add it a little earlier in the cooking process to ensure it cooks through and becomes tender.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a dairy-free cheese alternative. Nutritional yeast is also a great option to add a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Print
Delicious Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Delicious Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a perfect weeknight meal combining tender chicken breasts, vibrant broccoli florets, and perfectly cooked pasta all tossed in a light garlic and Parmesan sauce. The dish offers a balanced mix of protein, vegetables, and comforting carbs, enhanced by a subtle touch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces penne or fusilli pasta
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Seasonings and Sauce
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then place them in the skillet.
- Cook the chicken: Sauté the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
- Rest and slice chicken: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes to retain juices, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté garlic and spices: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing until fragrant and lightly golden, approximately 1 minute.
- Steam broccoli: Add the broccoli florets and pour in the chicken broth. Cover the skillet and steam the broccoli for 3-4 minutes until it turns vibrant green and becomes tender.
- Combine all ingredients: Return the sliced chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and grated Parmesan cheese, tossing gently to combine and coat everything evenly.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the dish and adjust with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot for a comforting and nutritious meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your heat preference or omit for no spice.
- For a creamier sauce, add a splash of cream or milk with the Parmesan cheese.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Freshly grated Parmesan enhances flavor better than pre-grated cheese.
- Letting the chicken rest before slicing helps keep it juicy and tender.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: chicken broccoli pasta, easy pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, pasta with chicken, healthy pasta, garlic parmesan pasta
