This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a quick and yummy meal! It’s packed with juicy chicken, fresh broccoli, and a light sauce that ties everything together perfectly.
I love how this dish comes together in no time—perfect for busy nights when I want something hearty. Plus, the colors make it look fancy, even if it’s super easy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This tubular pasta is great for holding onto the sauce. If you don’t have penne, you can easily swap it for rotini, bowtie, or even farfalle for fun shapes and textures.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are ideal for their crunch and flavor. If fresh isn’t available, frozen broccoli works too. Just thaw and drain it before adding to the pasta.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook quickly and stay juicy. For a leaner option, you can use turkey breast or even cooked shredded rotisserie chicken to save time.
Heavy Cream: This adds richness to the sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter version, half-and-half or whole milk can work, but might result in a less creamy texture. A dairy-free alternative is coconut milk, though it will change the flavor profile.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds great flavor. If it’s not available, Pecorino Romano makes a nice substitute. Nutritional yeast can be a good dairy-free choice for a cheesy flavor too!
How Can I Perfectly Cook the Chicken?
Cooking chicken to the right doneness is key. To get it golden and delicious without being dry, follow these steps:
- Cut the chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Season well before cooking for flavor.
- Use medium-high heat in the skillet, which allows for a nice sear.
- Cook until no longer pink inside, about 5-7 minutes, but avoid overcooking.
- Let the chicken rest for a minute before returning it to the dish, it helps keep it juicy.
How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pasta:
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
For The Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian herbs (optional)
For The Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chicken and Broccoli Pasta takes about 25 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll quickly have a flavorful and creamy dish ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta and Broccoli:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which usually takes about 10-12 minutes. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, toss in the broccoli florets. After everything is cooked, drain the pasta and broccoli together, but save 1/2 cup of that pasta water for the sauce later!
2. Sauté the Chicken:
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs if you’re using them. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s golden and cooked through. After that, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, turn down the heat to medium. Add the butter and minced garlic, sautéing it for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant—be careful not to let it burn! Then, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Allow this mixture to come to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.
4. Add Cheese and Combine:
Now it’s time for the cheesy goodness! Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and makes the sauce nice and smooth. If your sauce feels too thick, just add a little bit of that reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
5. Bring It All Together:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add in the drained pasta and broccoli, tossing everything together to coat each piece evenly with that creamy sauce. Taste and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish up the pasta hot, and don’t forget to garnish it with freshly chopped parsley and lemon wedges for a bright flavor! Enjoy your delicious Chicken and Broccoli Pasta!
Can I Use Different Pasta Shapes?
Absolutely! While penne is great for this dish, you can use any pasta shape you have on hand, like rigatoni, rotini, or even spaghetti. Just keep an eye on the cooking time to ensure it’s cooked to al dente!
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
If you’re out of heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or whole milk as a substitute. Just be aware that the sauce may be slightly less creamy. Alternatively, coconut milk or a plant-based cream could work for a dairy-free option.
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftover Chicken and Broccoli Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce and avoid dryness.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! This recipe is flexible. You can include other veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or carrots. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly based on the type and size of the vegetables you choose.
