Introduction
Ever wished you could whip up a restaurant-quality pasta dish without spending hours in the kitchen? This Creamy Dreamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta is your answer! We’re taking simple, everyday ingredients and transforming them into a comforting, cheesy, and utterly delicious meal the whole family will adore. Get ready for a flavor explosion that’s as easy as it is satisfying!
Why This Works
This recipe is a winner because it’s incredibly versatile, uses pantry staples, and comes together quickly. The creamy sauce is rich and flavorful, perfectly complementing the tender chicken and crisp-tender broccoli. It’s the kind of recipe that’s perfect for a busy weeknight, yet impressive enough for a family gathering. Plus, cleanup is a breeze!
Key Ingredients
- 🐔 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 🥦 2 large heads of broccoli, cut into florets
- 🍝 1 lb pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- 🧈 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 🧄 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 🧀 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 🥛 1 cup heavy cream
- 🥣 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 🌿 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 🧂 Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ 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.
2️⃣ Cook the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, melt the butter 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.
3️⃣ Sauté the Broccoli and Garlic: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, until slightly tender-crisp. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
4️⃣ Make the Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5️⃣ Combine Everything: Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat everything evenly in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
6️⃣ Garnish and Serve: Stir in the fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Handy Tips
- For extra flavor, use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own. Just shred it and add it in step 5.
- Don’t overcook the broccoli! You want it to be tender-crisp, not mushy.
- If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can use dried parsley instead (use about 1 tablespoon).
Heat Control
Medium-high heat is ideal for browning the chicken quickly and evenly. Lowering the heat to medium when you add the broccoli prevents burning and ensures it cooks through without losing its vibrant green color and crisp texture. The sauce simmers gently over low heat to thicken properly without scorching.
Crunch Factor
The key to the perfect crunch in this recipe is achieving that tender-crisp broccoli. Don’t overcook it! A slight bite is what you’re aiming for. The contrasting textures of the creamy sauce, tender chicken, and slightly crunchy broccoli create a delightful eating experience.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of white wine to the sauce.
- A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens up the sauce beautifully.
- To make it a complete meal, add a handful of sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms to the skillet with the broccoli.
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This dish is perfect for potlucks or taking to a friend’s house! Package it in a beautiful disposable aluminum container, or even a cute reusable glass container. A simple ribbon and a handwritten tag make it extra special.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick.
🌟 Cheesy: Increase the Parmesan cheese to 1 1/2 cups for an extra cheesy delight.
🌟 Herby: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil.
🌟 Creamy Alfredo: Substitute the heavy cream with an Alfredo sauce for a richer, creamier experience.
Troubleshooting
- Sauce too thin: Simmer the sauce for a few more minutes, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to thicken it.
- Chicken dry: Make sure you don’t overcook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Broccoli mushy: Don’t overcook the broccoli. Cook just until tender-crisp.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen broccoli? Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely before adding it to the skillet.
- Can I use different types of pasta? Absolutely! Any pasta shape will work.
- Can I make this ahead of time? You can cook the chicken and broccoli ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Assemble the dish just before serving.
- What kind of chicken broth should I use? Low-sodium chicken broth is recommended to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Can I add other vegetables? Yes! Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers.
Conclusion
This Creamy Dreamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a family gathering. We hope you love it as much as we do! Don’t forget to share your photos and reviews on RateMyRecipes.com – we can’t wait to see your creations!
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta the Whole Family Will Love
A creamy and cheesy pasta dish packed with tender chicken and nutritious broccoli, perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until chicken is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add broccoli florets to the skillet and sautu00e9 for an additional 3-4 minutes until bright green.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the cooked pasta and shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet, stirring until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
- If desired, add red pepper flakes for a little heat. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips
- For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk.
- You can add more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.