Are you craving a delicious, healthy, and easy dinner that the whole family will love? Look no further! This Chicken Pasta Broccoli recipe is your answer. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its best – quick, simple, and bursting with flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe provides a complete and satisfying meal, packed with protein and nutrients. Say goodbye to takeout and hello to a delicious and healthy dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes!
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
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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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.
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Sauté the Chicken and Garlic: 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. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Add Broccoli and Chicken Broth: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet with the chicken. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp.
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Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the chicken and broccoli. Toss to combine. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
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Stir in Parmesan and Parsley: Stir in the Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Tips for the Best Chicken Pasta Broccoli:
- Don't overcook the broccoli: You want it to be tender-crisp, not mushy. Start checking for doneness around 5 minutes.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor that elevates the dish.
- Add some spice: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the skillet with the garlic.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
Variations:
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- Use different protein: Substitute the chicken with shrimp, sausage, or tofu for a variation on this healthy meal.
- Lemon zest: Add a tablespoon of lemon zest for a burst of fresh citrus flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
This Chicken Pasta Broccoli recipe is a perfect example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor and nutrition. It's a great option for quick dinner ideas and a welcome addition to your collection of best recipes. Enjoy!