Ingredients
Method
Step 1: Cook the Pasta & Broccoli
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook according to package directions.
- Add broccoli florets during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
- Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tbsp butter.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Add chicken to the skillet and sauté for 4–5 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate.
Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt remaining 1 tbsp butter.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits.
- Stir in Italian seasoning, optional red pepper flakes, and Parmesan cheese.
- Simmer on low for 3–5 minutes, until sauce thickens.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Return cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet.
- Toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Finish with lemon juice, if using.
- Adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or Parmesan.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or extra cheese if desired.
- Pro Tip: If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water or chicken broth.
Notes
💡 Variations
Cheesy Upgrade: Add shredded mozzarella or fontina. Low Carb: Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles. Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk or plant-based cream alternative. Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, spinach, or peas. 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheating:
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or cream. Microwave individual portions on medium power for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway. Freezing:
Not recommended; creamy sauces tend to separate when thawed. ❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use leftover cooked chicken?
Yes – add it directly to the sauce to heat through. 2. What pasta shape works best?
Short pastas like penne, rigatoni, or rotini hold the sauce perfectly. 3. Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely – omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. 4. Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner. Add a bit of flour or cornstarch to thicken. 5. Is fresh broccoli required?
Frozen broccoli works – thaw and pat dry before adding. 6. Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes – use gluten-free pasta. 7. How do I make it spicy?
Increase red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne. 8. Can I add mushrooms?
Yes – sauté them with the garlic before adding broth and cream. 9. Can I double the recipe?
Definitely – just use a large pan or pot to handle the volume. 10. How do I keep pasta from clumping?
Toss hot pasta with a bit of olive oil if not adding immediately to the sauce. 📝 Conclusion
This Easy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is the kind of delicious, comforting meal you’ll want to make on repeat. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner, it comes together in one pan with simple ingredients and tons of flavor.
Cheesy Upgrade: Add shredded mozzarella or fontina. Low Carb: Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles. Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk or plant-based cream alternative. Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, spinach, or peas. 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheating:
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or cream. Microwave individual portions on medium power for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway. Freezing:
Not recommended; creamy sauces tend to separate when thawed. ❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use leftover cooked chicken?
Yes – add it directly to the sauce to heat through. 2. What pasta shape works best?
Short pastas like penne, rigatoni, or rotini hold the sauce perfectly. 3. Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely – omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. 4. Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner. Add a bit of flour or cornstarch to thicken. 5. Is fresh broccoli required?
Frozen broccoli works – thaw and pat dry before adding. 6. Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes – use gluten-free pasta. 7. How do I make it spicy?
Increase red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne. 8. Can I add mushrooms?
Yes – sauté them with the garlic before adding broth and cream. 9. Can I double the recipe?
Definitely – just use a large pan or pot to handle the volume. 10. How do I keep pasta from clumping?
Toss hot pasta with a bit of olive oil if not adding immediately to the sauce. 📝 Conclusion
This Easy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is the kind of delicious, comforting meal you’ll want to make on repeat. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner, it comes together in one pan with simple ingredients and tons of flavor.