Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta
A comforting and creamy pasta dish packed with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner!
Ingredients
• 340g Rigatoni (or pasta of choice)
• 30ml Olive oil
• 2 Chicken breasts, diced (about 300g)
• 300g Broccoli florets
• 4 Garlic cloves, minced
• 375ml Heavy cream
• 50g Grated Parmesan cheese
• 125ml Chicken broth
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta & Broccoli:
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Cook the rigatoni according to the package instructions.
• In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets.
• Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Cook the Chicken:
• Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
• Season the diced chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
• Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
• Remove from the pan and set aside.
3️⃣ Prepare the Sauce:
• In the same pan, sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
• Add the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer.
• Stir in the grated Parmesan and let the sauce thicken for 3-4 minutes.
4️⃣ Combine Everything:
• Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken back into the pan.
• Toss everything together to coat well in the creamy sauce.
5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy:
• Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
• Serve warm and enjoy this creamy, cheesy goodness!
Tips & Variations
• Make it Lighter: Substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or use Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
• Add More Flavor: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or lemon zest for a fresh twist.
• Protein Swap: Try this with shrimp or turkey instead of chicken.
• Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for more nutrients.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for dietary needs.
FAQs for Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta
- Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. - Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely! Just add frozen broccoli directly to the boiling pasta water a minute or two earlier than fresh broccoli. - How can I make this dairy-free?
Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. - What’s the best pasta for this dish?
Rigatoni, penne, or fettuccine work well since they hold the creamy sauce beautifully. - Can I freeze this dish?
Cream-based sauces can separate when frozen, so it’s best to enjoy this dish fresh. However, you can freeze it for up to 2 months and reheat gently with added broth.
Enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and satisfying pasta dish for a perfect weeknight dinner! 🍝😋