Pin
Get ready for a plate full of bright flavors with this Chicken Broccoli Pasta. You get juicy bites of chicken and crisp broccoli mixing it up with tasty noodles, all brought together in a not-too-heavy sauce. It's an easy fix when you want something good for you that doesn’t take ages or fancy skills.
I’ve whipped this up more times than I can count. When we’ve got a busy night ahead and need something healthy and quick, it’s what I reach for again and again—fast, filling, and the kids really dig it.
Tasty Essential Ingredients
- Parmesan: Gives a creamy kick without making things heavy
- Broth: Makes the sauce light but loaded with flavor
- Pasta: Grab a short shape, so it holds onto every bit of sauce
- Broccoli: Use fresh for just the right crunch
- Chicken: Breast or thigh meat, chopped the same size cooks evenly
- Garlic: Mince fresh and it brings the dish to life
Easy Steps for Awesome Pasta
- Mix Everything Up:
- Finish by tossing all your ingredients together while things are still steaming so flavors blend in perfectly.
- When to Broccoli:
- Pop the broccoli in close to the end so it stays snappy.
- How to Sauce:
- Add reserved pasta water slowly, making your sauce extra smooth.
- Time Your Pasta:
- Don’t cook it all the way—leave it slightly firm before the veggies join in.
- Chicken Upgrade:
- Sear those chicken bites till they get good color and lock in all that flavor.
Pin
One of my favorite things is how the broccoli catches just enough sauce in those little tops. Folks at home always ask for seconds, even the picky veggie eaters!
Top Pairings
Turn this into a full-on meal with a chunk of warm garlic bread and a quick side salad with a zingy vinaigrette. So easy, so good.
Switch It Up
Toss in sun-dried tomatoes for a zing or stir in baby spinach for more greens. A dash of chili flakes perks things right up if you like a little kick.
Winning Storage
Stash leftovers in a sealed container for three days. If it needs a refresh, just pour in some broth when you heat it up again.
Out of all the pasta dinners I’ve made, this chicken broccoli hit is my top choice for both flavor and nutrition. Healthy definitely doesn’t mean bland. Every time I put this together, I’m glad I picked something wholesome—and honestly, everyone at the table is too.
Pin
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use frozen broccoli?
- Totally, just let it thaw and soak up any extra water before tossing it in. Knock a minute or two off the cook time.
- → What pasta works here?
- Most mid-sized pasta is fine. Penne, fusilli, rotini, or even spaghetti if that's what you've got.
- → How do I lighten it up?
- Try milk or half-and-half instead of cream. Grab whole wheat pasta if you want a bit more nutrition.
- → How to store the extras?
- Pop leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge. Good for three days. Add a little milk when reheating so it doesn't dry out.
- → Can I prep stuff in advance?
- Yep—cook the chicken and broccoli before. Whip up the sauce last minute for best taste.