Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Whipping up a delightful chicken and broccoli pasta can turn an ordinary weeknight dinner into a memorable feast.

Pasta lovers will adore this quick and nutritious combination of tender protein and vibrant green vegetables.

Creamy sauce embraces each noodle, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that dance across your palate.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, promising a satisfying meal in less than thirty minutes.

Bold seasonings add depth and character to this classic comfort dish.

Mediterranean-inspired techniques elevate this recipe beyond standard home cooking expectations.

You’ll find yourself craving every single bite of this irresistible culinary creation.

Why Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a Favorite

• Customize with Ease: Perfect for home cooks who want to add their personal touch by adjusting spice levels or swapping ingredients based on preferences.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Delivers a restaurant-quality meal in less than an hour, making it ideal for busy families seeking delicious and satisfying dinner solutions.
• Protein-Packed Powerhouse: Combines lean chicken and nutrient-rich broccoli with hearty pasta, creating a balanced and nutritious meal that keeps everyone feeling full and energized.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Features a creamy sauce with Parmesan and Asiago cheeses that adds luxurious flavor and creates a decadent dining experience without complicated techniques.

Ingredients for Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

• Chicken: A lean protein that provides a hearty and satisfying element to the pasta dish.

• Penne Pasta: A tube-shaped pasta that holds sauce well and creates a delightful texture.
• Broccoli Florets: A nutritious green vegetable that adds color, crunch, and health benefits to the recipe.

• Chicken Broth, Half and Half: Create a creamy and rich base for the sauce.
• Butter, Flour: Help thicken and add richness to the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese, Asiago Cheese: Provide a deep, tangy flavor and creamy texture to the dish.
• Italian Seasoning, Mustard Powder, Red Pepper Flakes: Add depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile.

• Garlic: Provides a classic, pungent flavor that complements the chicken and pasta.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, fresh citrus note to balance the rich sauce.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding a subtle, smooth flavor.

• Lemon Pepper, Salt, Hot Sauce: Enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.

How to Cook Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Step 1: Craft Flavor Foundation

Gather your Italian seasoning, mustard powder, and red pepper flakes. Combine these spices in a small bowl, creating a robust seasoning blend that will elevate your dish’s taste profile.

Step 2: Sear Chicken Perfectly

Slice chicken into bite-sized cubes and generously coat with lemon pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, ensuring each piece is tender and flavorful. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Boil Pasta and Broccoli

Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil and add penne pasta.

Four minutes before pasta reaches al dente, introduce broccoli florets. Drain completely and set aside.

Step 4: Develop Luxurious Sauce Base

Return skillet to heat and pour chicken broth to deglaze pan, scraping up delicious browned bits. Add butter and minced garlic, sauteing until fragrant.

Sprinkle flour and cook briefly to remove raw flour taste.

Step 5: Create Creamy Sauce

Gradually whisk in chicken broth and half and half.

Introduce hot sauce and previously prepared seasoning blend. Allow sauce to simmer and thicken, stirring consistently.

Step 6: Incorporate Cheese

Lower heat and fold in Parmesan and Asiago cheeses until melted smoothly. Squeeze fresh lemon juice for a bright, tangy finish.

Step 7: Combine All Components

Gently fold cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken into the creamy sauce. Ensure every ingredient is evenly coated.

Taste and adjust seasonings as desired. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Tips for Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

• Cut chicken into uniform 3/4-inch pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Toast the seasoning blend in the pan for 30 seconds before adding other ingredients to release aromatic oils and intensify taste.
• If sauce becomes too thick, slowly add more chicken broth to reach desired smoothness without compromising flavor.
• Add broccoli florets during pasta's final cooking minutes to maintain bright green color and crisp-tender texture.
• Remove skillet from heat when adding cheeses and stir gently to prevent separation and create a silky, smooth sauce.

Variations for Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Pasta: Replace Italian seasoning with chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Add diced bell peppers and swap Asiago for pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Pasta: Incorporate oregano, basil, and thyme into the seasoning blend. Use feta cheese instead of Parmesan and add sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta: Substitute half the chicken broth with prepared pesto sauce. Mix in fresh basil leaves and replace Parmesan with pecorino romano cheese for an herbal, rich variation.

Pairing Suggestions for Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Enhance the creamy chicken pasta with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which cuts through the richness and complements the herb and lemon notes.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Create a perfect side by toasting crusty Italian bread with garlic butter, offering a crunchy texture that soaks up the delicious sauce and adds complementary flavors.
• Recommend Fresh Green Salad: Balance the hearty pasta with a light mixed greens salad dressed in a zesty vinaigrette, providing a refreshing contrast to the creamy, cheesy dish.
• Match with Sparkling Water: Cleanse the palate with a fizzy mineral water garnished with a lemon slice, helping to refresh your taste buds between bites of the rich pasta.

Storage Tips for Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.

Transfer pasta to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. Separate chicken, sauce, and pasta to maintain better texture.

Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons water to prevent dryness. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.

Warm gently in skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of chicken broth or half-and-half to restore creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and maintain sauce quality.

FAQs

• What are the key flavor enhancers in this recipe?

The seasoning blend of Italian seasoning, mustard powder, and optional red pepper flakes provides depth and complexity to the dish, while the lemon pepper on the chicken and fresh lemon juice add brightness and zest.

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, while the recipe calls for penne, you can easily substitute with other short pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, or shells that will hold the creamy sauce well.

• How do I prevent the sauce from becoming lumpy?

Whisk the flour gradually and continuously when adding liquid, and cook the flour for 2 minutes before introducing broth and half and half to ensure a smooth, velvety sauce texture.

Chicken And Broccoli Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken and broccoli pasta brings comfort and flavor to your dinner table with Italian-inspired simplicity. Cheesy, hearty, and quick to prepare, this dish delivers restaurant-quality satisfaction straight from your kitchen.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein and Pasta:

• 1 large boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1/2 pound (0.5 lb) penne pasta

Vegetables and Seasoning:

• 2 1/2 cups broccoli florets
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
• 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Dairy and Sauce Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 1/4 cups half and half
• 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup Asiago cheese
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 3/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Blend a zesty seasoning mix combining Italian herbs, mustard powder, and optional red pepper flakes, then set aside for later use.
2. Slice chicken into uniform cubes and season generously with lemon pepper. Sear in hot olive oil until golden and fully cooked, then transfer to a separate plate.
3. Prepare pasta in salted water according to package instructions. During the final 4 minutes of cooking, introduce broccoli florets to the boiling water. Drain completely and reserve.
4. Using the same skillet, deglaze with chicken broth, allowing liquid to reduce for approximately 4 minutes. Incorporate butter and minced garlic, sautéing briefly. Sprinkle flour and cook, stirring constantly.
5. Gradually whisk in remaining chicken broth and half and half. Introduce hot sauce and prepared seasoning blend. Simmer until sauce reaches a thick, creamy consistency.
6. Lower heat and fold in Parmesan and Asiago cheeses until completely melted. Finish with a splash of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
7. Combine pasta, broccoli, and chicken with the prepared sauce. Gently toss to ensure even coating. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes for those who prefer mild or spicy dishes.
• Swap half and half with lighter alternatives like whole milk or Greek yogurt for lower-fat options.
• Use gluten-free pasta and replace flour with cornstarch to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Enhance protein content by adding extra chicken or incorporating plant-based protein like chickpeas for vegetarian variations.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg