Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Balanced Meal: Packed with protein from the chicken, fiber from the broccoli, and carbohydrates from the pasta.
One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup required since everything is cooked in a single pot.
Customizable: Easily adaptable with your favorite pasta shapes or additional vegetables.
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 cups broccoli florets
8 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or spaghetti)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth or heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Cook the Pasta and Broccoli:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions.
In the last 3–4 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot.
Drain the pasta and broccoli together and set them aside.
Cook the Chicken:
While the pasta and broccoli are cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides and fully cooked through, about 6–7 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil if necessary, then sauté the minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth (or heavy cream for a creamier version) and stir, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan.
Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
Combine Everything:
Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet with the chicken and sauce.
Toss everything together until well combined.
If desired, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese to make the sauce extra creamy and flavorful.
Serve and Enjoy:
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with extra salt, pepper, or Parmesan.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
Add More Veggies: Incorporate bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for added nutrition and color.
Switch the Protein: Substitute the chicken with turkey, shrimp, or tofu for a different twist.
Use Different Pasta: Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can be used to cater to dietary preferences.
Make It Cheesy: Add mozzarella or cheddar cheese for a richer flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep the pasta from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes! Frozen broccoli works just as well. Be sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the dish.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This is a great dish for meal prep! Cook everything ahead of time and store it in the fridge for easy reheating during the week.
What kind of pasta is best for this recipe?
Any short pasta works well, but penne, rotini, or farfalle are great choices. You can also use spaghetti if you prefer.
Can I make it creamy without heavy cream?
Yes, you can use a little milk or add cream cheese for a creamy texture without the heaviness of cream.
How can I add more flavor to the dish?
Consider adding red pepper flakes for heat, lemon zest for brightness, or fresh herbs like basil or parsley for freshness.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure that your chicken broth is gluten-free.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can save time. Just shred it and add it to the skillet with the sauce.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free cream or milk alternative and omit the Parmesan cheese, or use a dairy-free cheese substitute.
What can I serve with this pasta?
Pair it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a quick, one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and pasta come together in a light yet flavorful sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is satisfying, nutritious, and easy to customize for different dietary preferences!
- Prep Time: 10min
- Cook Time: 20min
- Total Time: 30min
- Yield: 4servings
- Category: Main Course, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or spaghetti)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth (or heavy cream for a richer sauce)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Cook the Pasta and Broccoli:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- 3-4 minutes before the pasta is done, add the broccoli to the boiling water.
- Drain pasta and broccoli together; set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken:
- While pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken pieces, cooking until browned and fully cooked (6-7 minutes).
- Season with salt and pepper; transfer to a plate and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil (if needed) and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth or heavy cream and stir, scraping up browned bits.
- Let simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
4. Combine Everything:
- Return cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the skillet.
- Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese (if using) and adjust seasoning.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Parmesan as needed.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Make It Creamy: Use heavy cream or cream cheese for a richer sauce.
- Boost the Flavor: Add red pepper flakes, lemon zest, or fresh basil.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to keep pasta from drying out.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure broth is gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: Omit Parmesan or use dairy-free cheese substitutes.
