Easy Garlic Chicken And Broccoli Pasta Recipe For Cozy Nights

Weeknight dinners find magical harmony in this hearty chicken and broccoli pasta recipe that promises comfort in every forkful.

Fresh ingredients dance together, creating a delightful symphony of flavors and textures.

Tender chicken pieces nestle alongside crisp broccoli florets, bringing nutritious goodness to your plate.

Creamy sauce coats each pasta strand, delivering a satisfying meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

Mediterranean herbs whisper subtle complexity, making each bite more interesting than the last.

Simple yet sophisticated, this dish comes together quickly without compromising on taste or quality.

You’ll love how effortlessly this recipe solves your dinner dilemma while pleasing everyone around the table.

Let’s transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that sparks joy and hunger.

Why Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Feels So Satisfying

• Quick and Easy Meal: Whip up a delicious, hearty pasta dish in under 30 minutes with minimal cooking skills required.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with lean protein from chicken, fiber-rich broccoli, and calcium-dense parmesan cheese for a balanced, wholesome meal.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: A versatile recipe that satisfies both kids and adults, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with its creamy, cheesy sauce and familiar ingredients.
• One-Pot Dish: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this streamlined recipe that combines all ingredients in a single pot, making cooking and washing up a breeze.

What’s in Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

• Penne Pasta: Classic pasta shape perfect for catching sauce.
• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that adds delicious substance to the dish.
• Broccoli Florets: Fresh green vegetable with a crisp texture.

• Whole Milk: Creamy base for creating a smooth sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese that adds rich flavor.

• Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic: Flavor-building base with classic savory notes.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced taste.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth texture.

Steps to Make Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta and Broccoli

Fill a large pot with water and add salt.

Bring the water to a rolling boil.

Toss in penne pasta and cook according to package directions.

During the last 5 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets directly into the boiling water with the pasta.

Step 2: Drain Pasta Mixture

Pour the pasta and broccoli into a colander, letting the water drain completely.

Set the mixture aside momentarily.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add diced onions and cook until they become soft and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.

Introduce minced garlic, salt, and black pepper, cooking for an additional minute to release their flavors.

Step 4: Create Roux Base

Sprinkle flour over the onion and garlic mixture.

Stir constantly and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a smooth roux base that will help thicken the sauce.

Step 5: Develop Creamy Sauce

Slowly whisk whole milk into the roux, ensuring no lumps form.

Continue stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and starts to thicken, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Add Cheese Goodness

Stir in grated parmesan cheese until it melts completely, creating a rich and velvety sauce.

Step 7: Combine Pasta Components

Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and diced chicken breasts to the parmesan sauce.

Gently stir to ensure everything is evenly coated and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the creamy chicken and broccoli pasta to a serving bowl.

Sprinkle additional parmesan cheese on top if desired.

Season to taste and serve piping hot.

Pro Tips for Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

• Cook pasta just until al dente to maintain a slight bite and prevent mushiness.
• Adding broccoli during the last 5 minutes of pasta cooking ensures crisp-tender texture without overcooking.
• Gradually whisk milk into flour mixture to prevent lumps and create a silky, creamy sauce.
• Remove sauce from heat before adding parmesan to prevent separation and ensure a smooth, glossy finish.
• Dice chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking and consistent flavor distribution throughout the dish.

Reheating and Storing Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the pasta fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore creamy texture and prevent drying out.
• Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and maintain pasta's moisture.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months in freezer-safe containers, but sauce might slightly separate upon thawing, so stir well when reheating.

What to Pair with Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

• Savor Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy parmesan sauce and balance the chicken's richness.
• Fresh Herb Boost: Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top to add brightness and enhance the pasta's herbal undertones, creating a more vibrant flavor profile.
• Crunchy Side Companion: Serve with garlic bread or toasted ciabatta slices to provide a delightful textural contrast and soak up the delicious parmesan sauce.
• Zesty Salad Partner: Add a light mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the pasta's creaminess and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the dish.

Easy Variations on Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

• Vegetarian Pasta Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based protein crumbles, maintaining the same cooking method for a meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Veggie Option: Swap penne pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, reducing carbohydrate content while keeping the creamy sauce and vegetables.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Adaptation: Use gluten-free flour instead of regular flour for the roux, and select gluten-free penne pasta to accommodate gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute whole milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk, and replace parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a creamy, dairy-free sauce that still offers rich flavor.

FAQs

• Is this pasta dish healthy?

The combination of lean chicken, broccoli, and whole milk creates a balanced meal with protein, vegetables, and calcium. It provides essential nutrients and can be part of a nutritious diet.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other short pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, or shells. Just ensure the cooking time matches the pasta type you choose.

• How can I make this recipe more flavorful?

Add herbs like fresh basil or parsley, use garlic powder for extra depth, or include red pepper flakes for a slight kick. These simple additions can enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• What if I want to make this recipe gluten-free?

Replace regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend when making the sauce. Use gluten-free pasta to create a completely gluten-free version of this recipe.

Chicken And Broccoli Pasta Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy chicken and broccoli pasta offers a delightful blend of tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and silky sauce. Comfort meets convenience in this quick, satisfying meal that will delight your taste buds and simplify weeknight dinner plans.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 chicken breasts, cooked and cut into small cubes
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese

Pasta and Vegetables:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta
• 2 cups broccoli, cut into small florets
• 1 small onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Seasoning and Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Fill a spacious pot with water and generously salt the liquid to create a flavorful base for cooking pasta.
2. Pour penne into the boiling water and monitor cooking time according to package guidelines. During the final 5 minutes, introduce broccoli florets directly into the pasta water.
3. Carefully drain pasta and broccoli using a colander, then set aside while preparing the sauce.
4. Select a large cooking vessel and warm olive oil over moderate heat.
5. Introduce diced onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly softened, approximately 2-3 minutes.
6. Incorporate minced garlic, then season with salt and black pepper, allowing aromatics to release their fragrant essence for about 1 minute.
7. Dust flour over the aromatic mixture, stirring continuously to create a smooth roux and prevent burning.
8. Slowly stream whole milk into the pot, whisking consistently to eliminate potential lumps and create a silky sauce.
9. Allow sauce to simmer and thicken, stirring periodically to prevent scorching.
10. Fold grated parmesan cheese into the sauce, ensuring complete melting and creating a rich, creamy texture.
11. Gently combine cooked pasta, tender broccoli, and diced chicken breasts with the parmesan sauce.
12. Stir thoroughly to ensure every ingredient is evenly coated and heated throughout, approximately 2-3 minutes.
13. Transfer the completed dish to a serving platter, creating an inviting presentation.
14. Optional: Sprinkle additional parmesan cheese on top for enhanced flavor and visual appeal.
15. Perform final seasoning adjustment and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Pasta Perfection: Cook penne until just al dente to maintain a slight firmness, preventing mushy texture.
• Broccoli Boost: Add broccoli florets during the last 5 minutes of pasta cooking to preserve vibrant green color and crisp-tender texture.
• Sauce Smoothness: Whisk milk gradually and stir constantly to prevent lumps and achieve a silky, creamy consistency.
• Protein Swap: Replace chicken with tofu, shredded rotisserie chicken, or plant-based protein for dietary variations.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 65 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg