Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is the perfect comforting dish for any night of the week. Tender pieces of chicken breast are cooked to perfection, paired with crisp broccoli florets, and tossed in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. It’s a satisfying meal that’s quick to make, providing both hearty protein and fresh vegetables in one delicious pasta dish.

Ingredients

• 2 cups pasta (penne or rotini)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound chicken breast, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
4. Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Continue cooking until the sauce is heated through and the cheese is melted.
5. Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together to ensure it’s evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Let it heat through for 2-3 minutes.
6. Serve immediately, with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and add more vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian version.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Cheese Variety: Try adding shredded mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses to make the sauce even creamier.
• Add Bacon: For extra flavor, crumble crispy bacon over the top of the pasta before serving.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to keep the sauce from drying out. You can also reheat in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
   Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as fettuccine, farfalle, or rigatoni.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, you can make this dish ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
3. Can I freeze this pasta?
   Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well, so it’s best to enjoy this dish fresh or store it in the refrigerator.
4. Can I substitute the heavy cream?
   Yes, you can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream if you want a lighter sauce.
5. Can I use frozen broccoli?
   Yes, frozen broccoli can be used, just cook it according to the package instructions before adding it to the sauce.
6. What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
   Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are great substitutes for Parmesan.
7. Is this dish gluten-free?
   You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free.
8. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
   Yes, chicken thighs work well and add a bit more flavor due to their higher fat content.
9. How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
   Keep the heat low when adding the cream and cheese to prevent curdling.
10. Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
    Absolutely! Spinach, peas, or zucchini would make great additions to the dish.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a delightful and comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend dinner. The combination of tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a luscious Parmesan sauce makes this dish both nutritious and satisfying. With easy customization options and quick preparation, this is a go-to recipe that you can enjoy in a variety of ways.

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