Savory Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe That Kids Adore

Weeknight dinners demand a quick and satisfying solution with this delectable chicken and broccoli pasta recipe that promises robust flavors and minimal fuss.

Tender chicken pieces nestle perfectly among crisp broccoli florets, creating a harmonious blend of protein and vegetables.

Creamy sauce coats each pasta strand, delivering a comforting meal in under 30 minutes.

Packed with nutritious ingredients, this dish brings together simple components for an extraordinary dining experience.

The recipe works magic for busy households seeking delicious and balanced meals.

Versatile and adaptable, you can easily customize the seasonings to match your taste preferences.

Dive into this mouthwatering pasta that will become your new weeknight staple.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 540 kcal

Servings: 3

What Ingredients Make Chicken And Broccoli Pasta So Good

• Pasta: Hearty base that provides satisfying texture and energy, choose high-quality semolina or whole wheat varieties for robust flavor.
• Broccoli Florets: Vibrant green vegetable adding nutritional punch and crisp texture, select fresh, bright green florets with tight clusters.

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that makes the dish filling and nutritious, pick fresh, boneless pieces with minimal visible fat.

• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking fat that enhances flavor and prevents sticking, select extra virgin for richer taste.
• Butter: Creamy element creating silky sauce texture, use unsalted for better control of dish's saltiness.
• Milk: Liquid base for creating smooth, luxurious sauce, whole milk provides richer consistency.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that adds depth and creaminess, freshly grated offers superior melting quality.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient delivering intense flavor, choose fresh cloves for maximum pungency.
• Flour: Thickening agent for sauce, all-purpose works perfectly for creating smooth consistency.
• Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Spice blend providing balanced seasoning, use freshly ground black pepper for best taste.
• Nutmeg: Optional warm spice adding subtle complexity, use sparingly for gentle background note.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy garnish for heat lovers, sprinkle to personal preference.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional bright garnish adding color and fresh herb notes, chop finely for best presentation.

Basic Kitchen Items For Chicken And Broccoli Pasta

• Large pot: For boiling pasta and broccoli.
• Large skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and preparing sauce.
• Colander: To drain pasta and broccoli.
• Whisk: Perfect for smoothly blending sauce ingredients.
• Cutting board: For chopping garlic and parsley.
• Sharp knife: To prepare ingredients precisely.
• Measuring spoons: For accurate seasoning.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: To stir and mix ingredients.

How Chicken And Broccoli Pasta Comes Together

• Boiling Time for Pasta and Broccoli

Fill a pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Let the water reach a rolling boil. Drop pasta into bubbling water and cook until nearly done. Toss broccoli florets into the same pot during the final moments of cooking. Drain everything together in a colander.

• Chicken Preparation

Warm a skillet with a splash of olive oil. Sprinkle chicken pieces with a blend of seasonings. Place chicken in the hot pan and cook until edges turn golden and center becomes completely white. Transfer cooked chicken to a waiting plate.

• Creamy Sauce Creation

Melt butter in the same skillet. Scatter minced garlic and let it dance around for a moment. Dust flour over melted butter and stir quickly. Pour milk slowly while whisking to create a silky smooth sauce. Let the mixture bubble gently until it thickens. Stir in cheese for extra richness.

• Final Mixture

Combine pasta, broccoli, and chicken in the skillet. Gently fold everything together until each piece gets coated with the velvety sauce.

• Serving Moment

Scoop the delicious mixture into warm bowls. Sprinkle with fresh herbs or extra cheese if you’re feeling fancy.

Smart Fixes For Chicken And Broccoli Pasta Mistakes

• Pro Roux-Making Tip: Always whisk continuously when adding flour to prevent lumps from forming, ensuring a smooth, silky sauce that coats every pasta strand perfectly.
• Low-Carb Swap: Replace traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter, vegetable-forward version that keeps all the delicious flavors intact.
• Protein Power Boost: Experiment with different proteins like turkey, shrimp, or tofu as substitutes for chicken, allowing flexible meal preparation for various dietary preferences and nutritional needs.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute dairy milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to create a creamy sauce that's completely lactose-free while maintaining rich, satisfying taste profiles.
• Meal Prep Magic: This dish stores wonderfully in airtight containers for 34 days in the refrigerator, making it an excellent option for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week – just gently reheat and enjoy!

Dinner Table Ideas For Chicken And Broccoli Pasta

• Creamy Comfort Companion: Pair this dish with a crisp green salad topped with light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy pasta.
• Garden Fresh Boost: Sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds on top to add delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the chicken and broccoli.
• Wine Weekend Upgrade: Pour a chilled glass of dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, which beautifully balances the creamy sauce and enhances the meal's overall taste profile.
• Weeknight Wellness Trick: Pack any leftovers in meal prep containers for a delicious lunch, ensuring the sauce stays creamy by storing pasta and sauce separately until ready to reheat.

How To Keep Chicken And Broccoli Pasta From Drying Out

• Fridge-Fresh Tactics: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the meal fresh for 34 days in the refrigerator.
• Smart Reheating Strategy: Warm pasta gently in a skillet with a splash of milk or broth to restore moisture and prevent drying, ensuring creamy texture remains intact.
• Freezer Friendly Approach: Separate sauce and pasta before freezing to maintain optimal quality. Seal in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months, labeling with date and contents.
• Prep-Ahead Performance: Chop broccoli and chicken in advance, storing separately in sealed containers. Cook ingredients right before serving to maximize flavor and texture freshness.

Creamy Chicken And Broccoli Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken and broccoli pasta delivers comfort on a plate with classic Italian-inspired flavors. Hearty ingredients combine for a satisfying meal that nourishes and delights you.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (453 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 12 oz (340 g) penne, fettuccine, or favorite pasta
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for creaminess)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Chopped parsley (optional)
• Additional Parmesan cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Boil salted water and cook pasta according to package instructions. During the final minute, add broccoli florets, then drain and set aside.
2. Chicken Searing: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook chicken for 6-8 minutes until golden brown, then transfer to a separate plate.
3. Sauce Creation: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic briefly. Dust with flour to create a roux, then gradually whisk in milk until the sauce thickens. Incorporate Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper, stirring until smooth.
4. Combining Elements: Merge cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken into the creamy sauce. Gently toss to ensure every component is evenly coated with the luxurious sauce.
5. Serving: Plate the dish in bowls, optionally garnishing with red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, or an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for enhanced flavor complexity.

Notes

• Optimize Pasta Texture: Ensure al dente perfection by monitoring pasta cooking time closely, removing just before fully soft to maintain a slight bite and prevent mushiness.
• Chicken Searing Technique: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture and enhances overall flavor profile.
• Sauce Smoothness Strategy: Whisk milk gradually and consistently to prevent lumpy sauce, creating a silky-smooth consistency that clings perfectly to pasta and chicken.
• Dietary Adaptation Hack: Swap regular milk with almond or oat milk for lactose-free version, use gluten-free flour for roux, and choose whole wheat pasta to accommodate different dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 65 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg