Craving a delicious and healthy dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This Chicken Pasta Broccoli recipe is a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest. It's a simple yet satisfying dish perfect for busy weeknights, offering a delightful blend of tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and vibrant broccoli florets all swimming in a creamy, flavorful sauce. It's one of those easy recipes that the whole family will love, making it a true winner in the world of quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a little heat
Instructions:
-
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
-
Cook the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
-
Sauté the Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the same skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Stir in the minced garlic during the last minute of cooking.
-
Create the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce slightly thickens. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
-
Combine Everything: Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat evenly in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
-
Serve: Serve immediately. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, if desired.
Cooking Tips for a Perfect Dish:
- Don't overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Cook it until it's no longer pink inside.
- Don't overcook the broccoli: Overcooked broccoli will become mushy. Aim for tender-crisp florets.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: Feel free to add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to suit your preference.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions to this recipe.
Variations:
- Lemon Chicken Pasta Broccoli: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the sauce for a bright and zesty twist.
- Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Broccoli: Stir in 1/2 cup of your favorite tomato sauce along with the heavy cream for a richer flavor.
- Spicy Chicken Pasta Broccoli: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is based on using 1 pound of pasta and is an estimate and will vary depending on specific ingredients and serving sizes.
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 50-60g
This easy chicken pasta broccoli recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of healthy meals and best recipes. It’s quick, delicious, and a perfect example of how simple homemade cooking can be incredibly satisfying. Enjoy!