Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Introduction

Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy sauce over your favorite pasta. It’s the perfect comfort food that comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is a great way to enjoy a balanced meal with protein, veggies, and carbs all in one bowl. Not only is it tasty, but it’s also simple enough for anyone to make. Plus, your family will love the rich, creamy flavor! It’s a dish you’ll want to make over and over again.

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Ingredients:

12 oz rigatoni or pasta of choice
2 tbsp olive oil
2 chicken breasts, cubed
2 cups broccoli florets
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions:

Cook Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook rigatoni according to package instructions. Add broccoli during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the cubed chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté the chicken for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and let the sauce thicken for about 3-4 minutes.
Combine: Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated in the creamy sauce.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and more Parmesan if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Serve this dish warm in a large bowl. You can add extra Parmesan or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat. It pairs well with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal.

How to Store Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

If you have leftovers, let the pasta cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Tips to Make Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Make sure to cook the pasta al dente so it holds up well in the sauce.
You can substitute any pasta shape you like; penne or farfalle work great too!
For added flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or some lemon juice to the sauce.

Variation

Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to the dish. You can also use rotisserie chicken to save time!

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! You can replace the chicken with tofu or omit it entirely and add more veggies.

2. Can I freeze Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta?
It’s best to enjoy it fresh, but you can freeze it. Just make sure to reheat gently to avoid the sauce splitting.

3. Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or even coconut cream for a lighter version, but keep in mind it will change the flavor slightly.