Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and your favorite pasta, all wrapped in a creamy sauce that’s simply irresistible. Picture this: after a busy day, you want something comforting yet quick to prepare. This dish checks all the boxes. The creamy sauce is infused with garlic, thyme, and just a sprinkle of red chili flakes for that perfect punch. Plus, it doesn’t take hours to make, allowing you to spend more time enjoying dinner and less time in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for family or just treating yourself, Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a satisfying option that everyone will love. So, let’s get started and whip up this delicious meal together!

What is Chicken And Broccoli Pasta

Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a delightful culinary creation that combines tender pieces of chicken breast with fresh broccoli florets, all enveloped in a creamy sauce. This comforting dish is typically served with pasta, creating a well-rounded meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken And Broccoli Pasta

This dish stands out for its light yet satisfying profile. It offers a balance of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates. The creamy sauce, flavored with garlic, thyme, and a hint of spice, makes it irresistible. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also quick to prepare, making it a go-to for those looking to deliver a wholesome meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Chicken And Broccoli Pasta

• 8 oz (250 g) rigatoni (or another type of short pasta)
• 1 lb (450 g) broccoli florets
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
• ⅓ cup (75 ml) dry white wine
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
• ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
• 1 cup (250 ml) half and half (single cream)
• ⅓ cup (40 g) grated Parmesan
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions for Chicken And Broccoli Pasta

Boil the Pasta and Broccoli

First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once bubbling, add the rigatoni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Now, here’s a little trick: in the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot to steam them. Don’t forget to reserve 1-2 cups of pasta water before draining!

Sauté the Chicken

In a large, deep pan over medium heat, heat the olive oil and butter. Then, add the chicken pieces, sprinkling them with salt and black pepper. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Your kitchen should be smelling pretty good by now!

Cook the Onions and Garlic

Next, use the same pan to cook the onions. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they soften and turn translucent. Now, stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, but be careful not to let it burn.

Add Wine and Simmer

Pour the dry white wine into the skillet, scraping up any tasty browned bits from the bottom. It’s these little bits that add flavor! Allow the wine to simmer until it’s mostly reduced, leaving you with a concentrated taste.

Incorporate Thyme and Half and Half

Now we’re getting to the creamy part! Stir in the fresh thyme and red chili flakes, then add the half and half. Bring it to a gentle simmer and reduce the heat. Let it thicken slightly for about 5 minutes, and enjoy the creamy aroma filling your kitchen.

Mix in Pasta and Broccoli

Add the cooked rigatoni and broccoli to the skillet. Gently toss everything together so every piece gets coated in that delicious sauce. If it looks a little thick, you can use some of that reserved pasta water to loosen things up a bit.

Finish with Parmesan

Lastly, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and taste it! Adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper to make it just right.

Serve

Serve the Chicken and Broccoli Pasta immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh thyme for a little extra flair.

Tips for Success

• To ensure the chicken cooks evenly, cut it into uniform pieces.
• Always reserve some pasta water; it’s a lifesaver for adjusting your sauce’s consistency.

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous, try out these variations:

• Swap out chicken for shrimp for a fresh seafood twist.
• Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
• Toss in cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for a pop of color and extra veggies.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat gently on the stovetop. Adding a splash of water or cream can really refresh the sauce!

Serving Suggestions

Enhance your Chicken and Broccoli Pasta experience by pairing it with a simple side salad or some warm garlic bread. A chilled glass of white wine can also complement this dish beautifully.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well too. Just add it to the pasta during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking.

2. What can I substitute for half and half?
You can use heavy cream or a mix of milk and cream if that’s what you have.

3. Is there a gluten-free option?
Certainly! Use gluten-free pasta and check that your other ingredients are gluten-free.

4. How can I make this dish spicier?
To spice things up, increase the amount of red chili flakes or toss in a dash of hot sauce.

5. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! You can make the sauce and cook the pasta separately. Just combine them before serving to maintain the best texture.

Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is not only a nourishing and flavorful dish but also a wonderful way to gather friends and family around the dinner table. Whether enjoyed on a busy weeknight or at a cozy Sunday dinner, its delightful taste and simple ingredients are sure to please. Give it a try and discover the magic in making it your own!

More Easy Salads & Side Dishes Recipes:

• TikTok Green Goddess Salad
• Spinach Strawberry Salad
• Greek Salad
• Eggplant Pizza

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

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This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken and fresh broccoli in a creamy sauce, ideal for quick weeknight dinners.

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz (250 g) rigatoni (or another type of short pasta)
• 1 lb (450 g) broccoli florets
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
• ⅓ cup (75 ml) dry white wine
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
• ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
• 1 cup (250 ml) half and half (single cream)
• ⅓ cup (40 g) grated Parmesan
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

• Boil salted water, cook rigatoni until al dente and steam broccoli in the last few minutes.
• Sauté chicken in olive oil and butter until cooked through.
• Cook onions until translucent, add garlic and cook briefly.
• Pour in white wine, scraping up browned bits, and reduce.
• Stir in thyme, red chili flakes, and half and half; let it thicken.
• Add pasta and broccoli, tossing gently to coat.
• Stir in Parmesan, adjust seasoning, and serve immediately.

Notes

Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking.
Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.

• Author: Rachael
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2
• Sodium: 600
• Fat: 16
• Saturated Fat: 8
• Unsaturated Fat: 6
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 52
• Fiber: 3
• Protein: 27
• Cholesterol: 75