Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Introduction to Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a dish that combines the flavors of chicken, broccoli, and pasta in a rich and creamy sauce. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The combination of tender chicken, steamed broccoli, and al dente pasta coated in a creamy sauce made with milk, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese is sure to become a favorite.

To make this recipe, you will need to allocate about 20 minutes for preparation, 20 minutes for cooking, and a total of 40 minutes from start to finish. This recipe serves 4 people, making it perfect for a small family or a group of friends.

Ingredients

• 2 cups penne pasta
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 medium chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 oz cream cheese
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
2. Cut the broccoli into florets.
3. Boil pasta with salt until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
4. Add broccoli florets when pasta has 4 minutes left.
5. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water then drain.
6. In a deep skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat.
7. Add chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned and cooked through.
8. Remove and set aside.
9. In the same skillet, saute minced garlic for 3 minutes.
10. Add cream cheese and stir until melted.
11. Whisk milk with cornstarch and slowly pour into skillet, stirring constantly.
12. Cook for 5-7 minutes until thickened. Add reserved pasta water if too thick.
13. Add pasta, chicken, and broccoli to the sauce. Stir to coat.
14. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and parsley if desired.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Use fresh broccoli for the best flavor and texture.
• Don’t overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook a bit after draining.
• Use high-quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
• Add some lemon juice to the sauce for a bit of brightness.
• Experiment with different seasonings, such as dried basil or oregano, to find your favorite flavor combination.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe can be easily modified to suit your dietary preferences. For a healthier version, use whole wheat pasta and reduce the amount of cream cheese. You can also add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or carrots, to increase the nutrient density of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This recipe can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply microwave or cook in a skillet with a bit of milk or cream to restore the sauce to its creamy consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
• A: Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but be sure to thaw it first and squeeze out as much water as possible before adding it to the recipe.
• Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time and reheat it?
• A: Yes, this recipe can be made ahead of time and reheated. Simply store it in the refrigerator or freezer and reheat when needed.
• Q: Can I use different types of pasta?
• A: Yes, you can use different types of pasta, such as fusilli or farfalle, but penne pasta works best with this recipe.
• Q: Can I add other proteins to this recipe?
• A: Yes, you can add other proteins, such as shrimp or tofu, to this recipe. Simply cook them according to your preference and add them to the sauce.

Nutrition Estimate

This recipe has approximately 550 calories per serving, with 35 grams of protein, 60 grams of carbohydrates, and 25 grams of fat. It is a nutrient-dense meal that provides a good balance of macronutrients and micronutrients.

Print Recipe

Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

A rich and creamy pasta dish combining tender chicken, steamed broccoli, and al dente penne in a velvety sauce of milk, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal with bold yet balanced flavors.

Prep Time20 minutes mins

Cook Time20 minutes mins

Total Time40 minutes mins

Course: Main Dishes

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 375kcal

Ingredients

• 2 cups penne pasta
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 medium chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 oz cream cheese
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

Instructions

• Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces
• Cut the broccoli into florets
• Boil pasta with salt until al dente, about 8-10 minutes
• Add broccoli florets when pasta has 4 minutes left
• Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water then drain
• In a deep skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat
• Add chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned and cooked through
• Remove and set aside
• In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 3 minutes
• Add cream cheese and stir until melted
• Whisk milk with cornstarch and slowly pour into skillet, stirring constantly
• Cook for 5-7 minutes until thickened. Add reserved pasta water if too thick
• Add pasta, chicken, and broccoli to the sauce. Stir to coat
• Garnish with Parmesan cheese and parsley if desired

Notes

Use fresh broccoli for the best flavor and texture
Don't overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook a bit after draining
Use high-quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor
Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce for brightness
Consider using thyme or spinach for dietary variations