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- 8 ounces fettuccine or your preferred pasta - 2 cups broccoli florets - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend - Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped Using these ingredients, you can create a tasty Chicken and Broccoli Pasta. The pasta and broccoli form a great base. The chicken adds protein and flavor, while the cream and cheese make it rich and creamy. This meal is simple but packs a lot of flavors. You can play around with the ingredients too! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a good amount of salt to the water. This helps to flavor the pasta. Once the water boils, add 8 ounces of fettuccine or your favorite pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. With about 3 minutes left to cook, toss in 2 cups of broccoli florets. This will steam the broccoli just right. Drain both the pasta and broccoli in a colander and set them aside. Next, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of bite-sized chicken cubes. Season the chicken with sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for 6 to 8 minutes. Stir it occasionally until it turns golden brown and is fully cooked. After the chicken is cooked, stir in 3 cloves of finely minced garlic. Cook it for 1 minute until it smells great. Be careful not to burn the garlic; lower the heat if you need to. Then, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Bring the cream to a gentle simmer, letting it heat through. Gradually add in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts and makes a smooth, creamy sauce. If the sauce looks too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Gently fold the drained pasta and broccoli into the skillet. Use tongs or a large spatula to mix everything well with the sauce. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Plate the creamy chicken and broccoli pasta on individual dishes. Make sure to arrange it nicely. For a fresh touch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top. This adds color and flavor, making the dish even more inviting. To make great pasta, cook it until it's al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite but not hard. Overcooked pasta can turn mushy and lose its texture. Follow the package instructions closely. For this recipe, I love using fettuccine. Its wide shape holds the sauce well, making every bite flavorful. To keep the chicken juicy, cut it into small cubes. This helps it cook evenly. Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet before adding the chicken. Season it well with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This adds a lot of flavor. Cook the chicken until it has a nice golden-brown color. This usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. For a creamy sauce, use heavy cream. If it feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water. This will help thin it out without losing flavor. When adding garlic, be careful not to burn it. Burnt garlic can taste bitter. If it starts to brown too quickly, lower the heat. This way, you can keep the lovely garlic flavor in your dish. Pro Tips Perfect Pasta Timing: To achieve perfectly cooked pasta, always add it to boiling salted water and remember to check for doneness a minute or two before the package instructions say. This ensures a delightful al dente texture. Enhance Flavor with Fresh Herbs: For a pop of freshness, consider adding a handful of fresh basil or thyme to the creamy sauce just before serving. This elevates the dish and adds a beautiful aroma. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to switch up the broccoli with other vegetables such as spinach, asparagus, or peas. Each will bring a unique flavor and texture to your creamy chicken pasta. Store Leftovers Wisely: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, add a splash of cream or pasta water to restore the sauce's creaminess. {{image_4}} For those who need gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta. Many good brands make pasta from rice or corn. They taste great and work well in this dish. If you want a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk. Both give a nice flavor. Just be sure to add a bit of nutritional yeast for that cheesy taste. You can add more veggies to your pasta. Try bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas. They add color and crunch. If you want to switch the protein, shrimp or tofu work well too. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice touch. Tofu is great for a plant-based meal. Just make sure to press it to remove excess water. To make your dish pop, think about extra herbs and spices. Fresh basil or oregano can add a lovely taste. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives it a nice kick. Adding lemon zest or juice brightens the dish. A little zing can make a big difference. Just squeeze some fresh lemon over the pasta before serving for a fresh finish. To keep your Chicken and Broccoli Pasta fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to let the dish cool before sealing it. Store the leftovers in the fridge. They can last for 3 to 4 days. For the best texture, reheat your pasta on the stovetop. Use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of cream or broth to keep it moist. Stir often until heated through. If you use a microwave, place it in a safe dish. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This method can dry out the pasta. To freeze Chicken and Broccoli Pasta, cool it completely first. Then, place it in freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible. Label the bags with the date. When you are ready to eat, defrost in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in a skillet or microwave, adding a bit of cream if needed. This helps keep the texture nice. Chicken and Broccoli Pasta lasts about three to four days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools before putting it away. This helps keep the flavors fresh. Yes, you can use frozen broccoli! It’s a great time-saver. Just add it to the boiling water with the pasta. Frozen broccoli cooks quickly, so watch it closely. It will work just as well as fresh. You can use mozzarella or cheddar cheese. Both melt nicely and add a rich taste. For a sharper flavor, try using Pecorino Romano. Mix and match to find your favorite combination. To add spice, include red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce. You can also use diced jalapeños for heat. Start with a little and adjust to your taste. Spice can really elevate this dish! Yes, you can make it ahead! Prepare the dish and cool it before storing. Keep it in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of cream if it seems dry. This blog post covered a delicious chicken and broccoli pasta recipe. We discussed key ingredients like fettuccine, broccoli, chicken, and a cream sauce. I shared cooking steps, tips for perfecting the dish, and how to customize it. You can also store, reheat, and freeze leftovers effectively. In your kitchen, this meal is easy and satisfying. Try it your way—add veggies or spice for flair. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring chicken and broccoli.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces fettuccine or your preferred pasta
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
  • to taste sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. When there are about 3 minutes left on the timer, carefully toss in the broccoli florets into the boiling water. Once done, drain both the pasta and broccoli, and set them aside in a colander.
  • In a spacious skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken cubes, then season generously with salt, pepper, and the Italian seasoning. Sauté for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and has a lovely golden-brown color on the outside.
  • Stir in the minced garlic, cooking for an additional 1 minute until it becomes fragrant and aromatic. Be cautious not to let it burn; lower the heat if necessary.
  • Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the chicken and garlic. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to heat through. Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until it melts completely and the sauce is creamy and smooth. If the sauce appears too thick, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
  • Gently fold the drained pasta and broccoli into the skillet with the creamy sauce, using tongs or a large spatula to ensure everything is evenly coated with the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
  • Plate the creamy chicken and broccoli pasta generously on individual dishes, taking care to arrange it neatly. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch, adding both color and freshness to the dish.

Notes

Add more vegetables for extra nutrition.
Keyword broccoli, chicken, creamy, dinner, pasta