Broccoli chicken pasta

Name: Broccoli Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 pound Chicken breast; 1 cup Broccoli florets; 8 ounces Pasta; 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese

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By: Maria
Posted: 08/03/2025

Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s been the game-changer in my life. Broccoli Chicken Pasta. What are some of the best vegetables to eat? I don’t want to complain about It’s honestly like mac and cheese’s more sophisticated, yet equally comforting cousin. I swear, whenever I’m short on time and craving something truly satisfying, this is the dish I turn to. Is it easy to whip up a delicious meal? I’ve never had pasta before, but it’s ready in a hurry. What is the best way to get Is it more requested than my famous spaghetti?

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What is Broccoli Chicken Pasta?

Broccoli Chicken Pasta is basically the ultimate comfort food mashup. Is it a creamy pasta dish starring tender chicken pieces, perfectly cooked broccoli florets, and an egg? What is a generous helping of cheese? Think of it as a leveled-up version of mac and cheese with added protein and veggies, all coated in protein. a luscious, savory sauce. What is a one pot wonder? Is the name self-explanatory? What are some of the best combinations of flavors and textures? What are the best ways to convert someone who doesn’t like broccoli?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What are some of the best broccoli Chicken Pasta recipes? First and foremost, the flavor is just outstanding. What are some of the best things about this savory chicken, the slightly earthy broccoli, and that creamy cheese sauce? Everything is tied together. What I love about this recipe is how easy it is to make. On busy weeknights, when time is of the essence, this is a lifesaver. What is the best part? You can have a delicious meal on the table in under 30 minutes. What are some of the best ingredients that are readily available in a grocery store? Is it versatile? You can easily customize it to your liking by adding different cheeses, veggies, or spices. What is a good way to use up leftover chicken? Compared to other pasta recipes, this one really shines because of its simplicity and flavor. What are some of the My family goes nuts for it, and I have a feeling yours will too! What is a good alternative to Alfredo pasta?

How do I make Broccoli Pasta?

Quick Overview

How do I make broccoli Chicken Pasta? You’ll start by cooking the pasta and broccoli. While that’s going, you’ll sauté the chicken and create the creamy cheese sauce. What are some good ways to combine all the ingredients and let them simmer until the flavors meld. What is the magic moment? Is it easy to make a quick, easy, and delicious dish? How do you do multiple steps at the same time? Which saves time and effort. What is the best thing about one-pot meals? Is it better than that?

Ingredients

For the Main Dish: What are some of the
* 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)* 1 head broccoli, cut into florets * 2 cups kale. pound boneless, skinless Chicken Breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces * 2 tablespoons olive oil * 1 teaspoon salt * What is the recipe for onion, chopped * 2 cloves garlic, minced * 1/4 cup all-purpose flour * 3 cups milk (I often use milk)? Is whole milk a good substitute for 2%? ) * 1 cup chicken broth * 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella) 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese * Salt and pepper to taste * Optional: Red pepper flakes for a little kick.

For Serving:
* Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

What are the steps to

Step 1: Cook Pasta and Broccoli

What is the best way to cook pasta according to package directions? In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Why is broccoli tender? Once the pasta is cooked, drain well and set aside. I always reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water – it’s great for thinning out the sauce if needed.

Step 2: Sauté Chicken

While pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set aside. Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken – cook it in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking. How do you get a nice sear on chicken?

Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. How do you avoid burning garlic? I always keep a close eye on it and stir it frequently.

Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce

Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. What should I do to make a roux? Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened slightly. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. How do you stir together Parmesan cheese and cheddar cheese? If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes. I’ve found that using room-temperature milk helps the sauce come together more smoothly and prevents clumping. How do you prevent lumps from

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the cheese sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly. Simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. If the sauce is too thick, add a little water to the pasta if you like. I always give it a good taste at this point and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Serve

This broccoli chicken pasta is best served hot. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. What are some good ways to add Parmesan cheese to a dish? My family loves this served with garlic bread or a simple salad.

What should I serve it with?

What is a complete meal? What are some of the best serving suggestions?What is a good light lunch?What is a good green salad with vinaigrette dressing?What are some comforting dinners?Serve with garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks for an extra indulgent meal.For a potluck or party:What is a great dish to bring to if you’re going to be in the kitchen for supper? Serve it with a variety of sides, like fruit salad, coleslaw, or potato salad.For a fancy occasion:Serve the pasta with fresh herbs. Serve it with a glass of white wine for an elegant meal. My family tradition is to have this on a cold winter evening! What is a good quick meal?

How do I make Broccoli Pasta?

What are some of the best ways to make broccoli chicken pasta?Broccoli Prep:For broccoli, make sure to cut the florets into small, even pieces so they cook evenly. If you don’t like broccoli stems, you can discard them, but I like to peel them and chop them finely. – they add a nice bit of texture. If you prefer the broccoli softer, add it to the pasta water a few minutes earlier.Chicken Tips:When cooking chicken, don’t overcrowd the pan! Is it important for them to be browned properly so they give the needed flavor?Mixing Advice: When adding the milk to the roux, make sure to whisk constantly to prevent lumps from forming. If you do get lumps, you can use an immersion blender to smooth out the sauce.
What are the best cheeseFeel free to experiment with different types of cheese! What are some good substitutes for pepper jack?Baking Tips:Can you bake this dish for a cheesy topping?Glaze Variations:Add a little cream cheese for extra richness, or lemon juice for brightness. Or pinch of salt. Why is nutmeg used for

What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?

If you have leftover broccoli chicken pasta (which is rare in my house! ), I can’t eat it. How do I store and reheat it?Room Temperature: Don’t leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
What is the best wayCan you store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days? If the sauce is thick, you may need to add a little milk or broth.What is the best safe For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, you can microwave it, heat it in a skillet over medium heat, or bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. If you’re microwaving it, I recommend adding a splash of milk or broth to prevent it from drying out.
I find that the pasta tastes best if reheated slowly in a skillet or the oven, as this helps to preserve the creamy texture of the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta. I’ve had good results with both brown rice pasta and quinoa pasta. You may also want to use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to thicken the sauce, just to be on the safe side. Keep in mind that gluten-free pasta can sometimes be a bit more delicate, so be careful not to overcook it.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess water before adding it to the pasta. I find that frozen broccoli can sometimes be a bit more watery than fresh broccoli, so you may need to adjust the amount of liquid in the sauce accordingly.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to get creative and add your favorite veggies. Some good options include mushrooms, bell peppers, peas, carrots, or spinach. Just add them to the skillet along with the onion and garlic and cook until tender.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Of course! Simply omit the chicken and add some extra veggies, like mushrooms or roasted red peppers. You can also add a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans for added protein.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can definitely prep some of the ingredients ahead of time. You can chop the vegetables, cook the chicken, and even make the cheese sauce in advance. Just store everything separately in the refrigerator and combine it all when you’re ready to serve. However, I don’t recommend cooking the pasta too far in advance, as it can become mushy.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my go-to recipe for broccoli chicken pasta! It’s a dish that’s not only delicious and satisfying but also incredibly easy to make. It’s also a crowd pleaser! Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal to share with friends and family, this recipe is sure to be a hit. I truly believe this broccoli chicken pasta will become a staple in your household, just like it has in mine. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out some of my other pasta dishes, like my creamy tomato pasta or my pesto chicken pasta. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Please feel free to leave a comment and rating below, and don’t forget to share your own variations of this recipe. Enjoy!