Chicken Broccoli Pasta: 1 Amazing Recipe

Name: Chicken Broccoli Pasta: 1 Amazing Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz of your favorite pasta; 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets; 1 lb of diced chicken breast; 2 cloves of garlic, minced; 2 tbsp of olive oil; 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste

by basmer

23 de October de 2025

Facebook

Jump to Recipe

Chicken broccoli pasta has become my ultimate go-to for those busy weeknights when I need something delicious and healthy on the table fast. I remember the first time I made it; the aroma of garlic and Parmesan filling my kitchen was just heavenly. It was so simple, yet incredibly satisfying, with tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta all coated in a light, cheesy sauce. This dish is proof that you don’t need hours to create a meal that tastes like a weeknight dream. The health benefits of chicken broccoli pasta are a huge plus too! Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Broccoli Pasta

This dish is a winner for so many reasons. It’s the perfect combination of healthy and delicious, making it a meal you’ll want to make again and again.

Incredible Flavor: The garlic and Parmesan create a simple yet irresistible taste.
Nutrient-Packed: With lean protein from chicken and vitamins from broccoli, it’s a healthy choice. You get fantastic nutritional advantages of chicken broccoli pasta here.
Quick to Make: Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights.
Versatile: Easily adaptable to your preferences with different pasta shapes or added spices.
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters usually love this comforting and familiar dish.
Satisfying & Filling: The combination of protein, carbs, and fiber keeps you full. The health benefits of chicken broccoli pasta really shine through.
Easy Cleanup: Mostly made in one skillet, meaning less mess!

Ingredients for Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Gather these simple ingredients for a quick and nutritious meal. The combination offers fantastic nutritional advantages of chicken broccoli pasta, making it a smart choice for dinner.

8 oz of your favorite pasta – I love using penne or rotini, but spaghetti works too!
2 cups of fresh broccoli florets – aim for bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
1 lb of diced chicken breast – this lean protein is the star of the dish.
2 cloves of garlic, minced – fresh garlic adds so much flavor; don’t skimp!
2 tbsp of olive oil – the base for sautéing our chicken and aromatics.
1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese – for that salty, umami kick that brings everything together.
Salt and pepper to taste – essential for enhancing all the flavors.

How to Make Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and healthy chicken broccoli pasta dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this comes together, proving that great flavor and good nutrition go hand-in-hand.

Step 1: Get your pasta cooking. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz of your favorite pasta and cook according to package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. Before draining, carefully reserve about half a cup of that starchy pasta water – it’s liquid gold for creating a silky sauce! Then, drain the pasta well.
Step 2: While the pasta is doing its thing, let’s cook the chicken. Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1 lb of diced chicken breast and season it generously with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is beautifully golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate.
Step 3: Now for the aromatics and veggies! In the same skillet (no need to wash it!), add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes wonderfully fragrant – be careful not to burn it! Toss in 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets and sauté for another 3-5 minutes. You want them to turn a vibrant green and become tender-crisp, not mushy. This quick cooking helps retain their lovely texture and color.
Step 4: Bring it all together. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the broccoli and garlic. Add the drained pasta right into the skillet.
Step 5: Time to create that delicious sauce. Toss everything together gently. If the pasta seems a little dry, add some of that reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Sprinkle in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Continue tossing until the cheese melts and coats everything beautifully. Season again with salt and pepper if needed. This step really highlights the reasons for chicken broccoli pasta – simple ingredients creating big flavor.
Step 6: Serve this amazing dish hot and enjoy the wonderful combination of flavors and textures!

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Broccoli Pasta

I’ve made this dish countless times, and these little tricks really elevate it from good to amazing. You’ll find these tips help ensure you get the best flavor and texture every time.

Always use fresh broccoli; frozen can become watery and mushy.
Don’t overcook the pasta; it will continue to cook slightly in the skillet.
Reserve more pasta water than you think you’ll need. It’s key to a silky sauce.
Taste and adjust seasoning at the end; Parmesan adds saltiness, so season accordingly.

What’s the secret to perfect Chicken Broccoli Pasta?

The real secret is using that starchy pasta water! It emulsifies with the olive oil and Parmesan to create a light, glossy sauce that coats everything beautifully, enhancing the overall deliciousness and making the chicken broccoli pasta benefits even more enjoyable.

Can I make Chicken Broccoli Pasta ahead of time?

Yes, you can meal prep components! Cook the pasta and chicken separately and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. Combine and toss with broccoli and sauce just before serving for the best texture.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Chicken Broccoli Pasta?

Don’t overcook your pasta or broccoli – aim for al dente and tender-crisp, respectively. Also, be sure to use fresh garlic; dried just doesn’t deliver the same vibrant flavor that makes this dish so special.

Best Ways to Serve Chicken Broccoli Pasta

This versatile dish is fantastic on its own, but I love dressing it up with a few simple additions. Serving it hot right after tossing ensures the cheese is perfectly melted and the pasta is tender. These pairings really highlight the nutritional advantages of chicken broccoli pasta.

Simple Green Salad: A crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing contrast to the cheesy pasta. Think mixed greens, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes.
Crusty Bread: Don’t underestimate the power of good bread! A warm baguette or some garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: For an extra veggie boost, serve alongside some simple roasted asparagus or bell peppers.

Nutrition Facts for Chicken Broccoli Pasta

This recipe offers a balanced meal with fantastic nutritional benefits. When you choose chicken broccoli pasta, you’re opting for a dish that’s both satisfying and good for you, providing essential nutrients without a high calorie count.

Calories: 350
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 400mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Broccoli Pasta

This delicious chicken broccoli pasta is fantastic for meal prep, and I’ve found it stores and reheats beautifully. Knowing how to properly store and reheat will help you enjoy its tasty goodness for days to come. The benefits of quick chicken broccoli pasta extend even to leftovers!

First, let the pasta cool down completely at room temperature for about an hour. This is crucial to prevent condensation and sogginess. Once cool, transfer the pasta into airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze portions for up to 3 months. Just ensure they are well-wrapped in plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil or placed in a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn.

When you’re ready to reheat, the best method depends on how you stored it. For refrigerated portions, you can gently reheat it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave it in a microwave-safe dish for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. If reheating from frozen, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight first for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Broccoli Pasta

Is chicken broccoli pasta a healthy meal?

Absolutely! This dish is packed with lean protein from the chicken and essential vitamins and fiber from the broccoli. When made with whole wheat pasta and a moderate amount of cheese and olive oil, it offers excellent nutritional advantages of chicken broccoli pasta, making it a great choice for a balanced diet.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can! Frozen broccoli is a convenient alternative. Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before adding it to the skillet. This helps prevent excess moisture from making the dish watery. The benefits of eating chicken broccoli pasta remain, even with frozen veggies.

What kind of pasta is best for this recipe?

I find that short, sturdy pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or farfalle work best because they hold the sauce and small pieces of chicken and broccoli really well. However, any pasta you love will work! The key is cooking it to al dente so it doesn’t get mushy when tossed with the other ingredients.

Why is my chicken broccoli pasta bland?

Blandness can often be fixed with seasoning! Make sure you’re salting your pasta water generously, and don’t be afraid to season the chicken before cooking. Tasting and adjusting salt and pepper at the very end, after adding the Parmesan, is crucial. The reasons for chicken broccoli pasta being so flavorful often come down to proper seasoning.

Variations of Chicken Broccoli Pasta You Can Try

While this recipe is fantastic as is, I love experimenting with different twists! These variations offer new flavors and cater to various dietary needs, proving the versatility and widespread appeal of this dish. Exploring these options can enhance the health benefits of chicken broccoli pasta.

Creamy Alfredo Style: For a richer dish, swap some olive oil for butter and add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half along with the Parmesan cheese. This makes for a decadent treat, though it increases the calorie count.
Lemon Herb Chicken Broccoli Pasta: Brighten things up by adding the zest and juice of one lemon to the skillet at the end, along with fresh herbs like parsley or basil. This variation is wonderfully refreshing.
Spicy Cajun Chicken Broccoli Pasta: For a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic and sauté, or use a Cajun seasoning blend when cooking the chicken. This adds an exciting flavor dimension.
Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Option: Easily make this dish healthier or suitable for dietary restrictions by using whole wheat pasta for extra fiber, or opt for gluten-free pasta if needed. The core reasons to make chicken broccoli pasta remain strong regardless of pasta choice.