Let me tell you, there’s just something magical about how to make chicken and broccoli pasta. It’s one of those dishes that’s both simple and utterly delicious, perfect for any night of the week. I remember the first time I made it; I was a bit nervous, but it turned out to be a hit! My family devoured it, and it quickly became a staple in our home. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta tossed in olive oil and Parmesan is not only satisfying but also nutritious. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, which makes it a go-to when I’m short on time but still want to impress. You’ll find that this dish is not just loved by family; friends rave about it too! Trust me, once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to create this scrumptious chicken and broccoli pasta. Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be well on your way to a delightful dish!

8 oz pasta: You can use any type you like—spaghetti, penne, or even whole wheat for a healthier twist.
2 cups broccoli florets: Fresh is best for vibrant color and crunch, but frozen works in a pinch!
1 lb chicken breast, diced: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe; they cook quickly and stay juicy.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds a wonderful aroma and flavor, but feel free to adjust the amount to your taste.
1/4 cup olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil gives a rich, fruity flavor that enhances the dish beautifully.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: This adds a savory, cheesy depth—don’t skimp on it!
Salt and pepper: These simple seasonings will elevate all the flavors—add to taste!

Once you have everything ready, you’re set to dive into the cooking process. Let’s make some magic happen!

How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Alright, let’s get cooking! This part is where the magic really happens. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious chicken and broccoli pasta dish ready in no time!

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

First things first, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. You’ll want about 4 to 6 quarts of water for 8 ounces of pasta. Once it’s bubbling away, add your pasta and cook it according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 8 to 12 minutes, depending on the type you choose. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking. You want it al dente, so don’t overdo it!

Step 2: Add Broccoli

Now, here’s a little secret: add your broccoli florets to the pot during the last 2 minutes of the pasta cooking time. This way, they’ll cook perfectly—tender but still bright and crunchy. Trust me; it makes all the difference!

Step 3: Prepare Chicken

While your pasta and broccoli are cooking, grab a skillet and heat up 1/4 cup of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds—just until it’s fragrant. Then, add your diced chicken breast. Cook it for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. You want it juicy but not pink in the middle!

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

When your pasta and broccoli are ready, drain them well, but don’t rinse! Rinsing washes away the starch that helps the sauce cling. Now, add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet with the chicken. Sprinkle in that delicious grated Parmesan cheese, along with salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a good toss to combine—make sure the cheese melts beautifully into the dish!

Step 5: Serve

Now for the fun part: serving it up! Plate your chicken and broccoli pasta while it’s hot, and maybe add a little extra Parmesan on top for good measure. I like to garnish with a sprinkle of cracked pepper or some fresh herbs if I have them on hand. Enjoy this delightful dish with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal that’ll impress everyone!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy—ready in just 30 minutes!
Packed with protein and veggies for a balanced meal.
Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Customizable—add your favorite veggies or spices!
Deliciously satisfying with creamy Parmesan goodness.

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your chicken and broccoli pasta turns out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips to help you avoid common pitfalls:

Don’t overcook your pasta! Aim for al dente; it should have a slight bite. Remember, it’ll continue to cook a bit when you combine it with the hot chicken.
Season as you go. Taste your chicken as it cooks and adjust salt and pepper. This will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
Use fresh ingredients. Fresh broccoli and garlic will bring brightness and depth to the dish. If you can, avoid frozen broccoli for this recipe.
Save a bit of pasta water. If your dish needs a little extra moisture, a splash of the starchy pasta water can help create a lovely sauce.
Experiment with flavors! Don’t hesitate to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat or lemon zest for brightness. Make it your own!

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making a fantastic chicken and broccoli pasta that everyone will rave about!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk about the goodness packed into this chicken and broccoli pasta. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per serving, so you can see just how wholesome this dish can be!

Calories: Approximately 450
Protein: About 30g
Fat: Roughly 15g
Carbohydrates: Around 55g
Fiber: Roughly 4g
Sodium: Estimated at 400mg

Keep in mind, these values can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes, but it’s a deliciously balanced meal that fits nicely into a healthy diet!

FAQ Section

Got questions about how to make chicken and broccoli pasta? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear:

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli is a great option if you’re short on time. Just toss it in during the last couple of minutes of cooking, just like fresh!

What pasta works best for this dish?
You can use any pasta you love! I often choose penne or rotini because they hold onto the sauce well, but spaghetti or fettuccine are fantastic too!

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the ingredients earlier in the day. Just cook everything right before serving for that delicious, fresh taste!

What can I add for extra flavor?
Experiment with herbs like basil or thyme, or add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick too!

Is this recipe easy to double?
Definitely! Just double the ingredients and use a larger pot and skillet. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just let the pasta cool completely before sealing it up. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, here’s how to reheat it without losing that delicious flavor and texture:

For the best results, warm it up on the stovetop. Just add a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil to a skillet and heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally until heated through. This helps to revive the pasta and keep it from drying out. If you’re in a hurry, you can also use the microwave—just cover it and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.

And there you go! Easy storage and reheating so you can savor every bite of your chicken and broccoli pasta even days later!

How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Pasta: 5 Tips for Success

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Low Calorie

Print Recipe

Description

A simple and delicious chicken and broccoli pasta dish.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz pasta
2 cups broccoli florets
1 lb chicken breast, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package instructions.
Add broccoli to the pasta during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add garlic and chicken, cooking until chicken is browned and cooked through.
Drain pasta and broccoli, then combine with chicken in the skillet.
Add Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine.
Serve hot.

Notes

Adjust the amount of garlic to your taste.
Use whole grain pasta for a healthier option.
Feel free to add other vegetables.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: chicken and broccoli pasta, pasta recipes, easy dinner recipes

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