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- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - 2 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 3 garlic cloves, finely minced - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Fresh parsley for garnish When I cook chicken and broccoli pasta, I focus on fresh ingredients. The pasta base is the heart of the dish. You can use fettuccine or penne, whichever you prefer. I often choose penne for its fun shape that holds the sauce well. For the protein, I rely on boneless, skinless chicken breasts. I dice them into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly and makes each bite perfect. Fresh broccoli florets add color and nutrition. They also bring a nice crunch to the meal. The heavy cream gives the sauce its rich texture. It makes the dish feel indulgent yet comforting. I always have some on hand for recipes like this. Next, I turn to seasonings. Extra virgin olive oil brings a fruity flavor. I use minced garlic for a punch of taste. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds depth and creaminess. I sprinkle in sea salt and black pepper to enhance all the flavors. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Finally, fresh parsley gives a lovely pop of green when I serve the dish. That’s the lineup for my savory chicken and broccoli pasta. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide. - Boil salted water in a large pot. - Add 8 oz of fettuccine or penne pasta. - Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. - During the last 3-4 minutes, add 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets. - Drain the pasta and broccoli and set aside. - Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a skillet. - Add 1 lb of diced boneless, skinless chicken breasts. - Season with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. - Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken turns golden. - Lower the heat to medium. - Sauté 3 minced garlic cloves until fragrant. - Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir gently. - Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken. - Gradually mix in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted. - Toss the drained pasta and broccoli into the skillet. - Use tongs to mix until well-coated with the sauce. - Warm everything through for an additional minute. For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions. Enjoy your cooking! To make your sauce smooth, start with heavy cream. Heat it gently, stirring often. If it looks too thick, add a splash of pasta water. This helps loosen things up. For a creamy texture, stir in cheese slowly. Avoid clumps by grating cheese fresh. Pre-packaged cheese has anti-caking agents that can cause clumps. Spices can change everything. Try adding a pinch of nutmeg. It adds warmth and depth. Fresh herbs also brighten the dish. Basil or thyme work well. When choosing Parmesan, go for the real deal. Freshly grated cheese has more flavor than pre-shredded. Look for a block of cheese and grate it yourself for the best taste. Cooking chicken well is key. Cut it into small pieces for even cooking. Sear it until golden brown. This adds flavor and texture. For pasta, use a large pot of water and plenty of salt. This keeps the pasta from sticking. Cook it al dente, so it has a slight bite. Remember, the pasta will cook a bit more when mixed with the sauce. For more details, check the Full Recipe above. {{image_4}} You can swap chicken for shrimp or tofu in this dish. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice touch. If you choose tofu, use firm tofu for the best texture. Just like chicken, you should season them well. Combining shrimp and chicken gives you a hearty meal. Mix flavors and textures for a fun twist. Adding vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or spinach boosts nutrition. Bell peppers bring a sweet crunch. Peas add a pop of color and sweetness. Spinach adds a lovely green touch. You can also try seasonal veggies like asparagus in spring or squash in fall. Each choice adds excitement and flavor. To lighten the dish, use low-fat cream instead of heavy cream. This keeps the creamy texture while reducing calories. For a dairy-free option, try using coconut milk or almond milk. These alternatives still give a rich flavor without the dairy. Both options let you enjoy the dish in different ways. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions to create this creamy delight. To keep your Chicken and Broccoli Pasta fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. This method prevents moisture loss and keeps flavors intact. You should place the pasta in the fridge within two hours of cooking. Properly stored, the dish will stay good for about three to four days. When you're ready to eat, just reheat it in a pan or microwave until hot. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the pasta cool to room temperature. Then, portion it into freezer-safe containers. Make sure to leave some space at the top, as the pasta will expand when frozen. You can freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, transfer the pasta from the freezer to the fridge the night before. This allows it to thaw slowly. When you're ready to enjoy, heat it in a saucepan over low heat. Adding a splash of cream or milk helps maintain the creamy texture. Stir gently until it’s warmed through. You can use various ingredients instead of heavy cream. Here are a few options: - Milk and Flour: Mix 1 cup of milk with 2 tablespoons of flour. This gives a creamy texture. - Greek Yogurt: Use 1 cup of Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor and creamy feel. - Coconut Milk: For a dairy-free option, coconut milk is great. It adds a unique taste. - Nut Milk: Almond or cashew milk can work too. Just add some flour to thicken it. These alternatives help you keep the dish creamy without heavy cream. Yes, you can make Chicken and Broccoli Pasta ahead of time. Here are some tips: - Cook the Pasta and Chicken: You can cook the pasta and chicken a day before. Store them separately. - Prepare the Sauce: Make the creamy sauce and store it in the fridge. Keep it in an airtight container. - Combine Before Serving: When you're ready to eat, reheat the chicken and pasta. Add the sauce and broccoli at the last moment to keep it fresh. This way, you save time while enjoying a delicious meal. Reheating leftovers can be easy. Here are the best methods: - Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth with the pasta. Stir until warm. - Microwave: Place the pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep moisture. Heat in short bursts until warm. - Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pasta in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15 minutes. These methods keep the dish tasty and prevent it from drying out. Enjoy your creamy chicken and broccoli pasta! For the full recipe, check out the details above. This blog post showed you how to make a delicious Chicken and Broccoli Pasta dish. You learned about the main ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips for perfecting the meal. You also discovered fun variations and how to store leftovers well. Keep experimenting with flavors and ingredients. Cooking allows creativity. I hope you enjoy making this dish as much as I do!

Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Indulge in a bowl of Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Pasta Delight that’s perfect for any night of the week! This easy recipe combines tender chicken and fresh broccoli in a velvety Parmesan sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. In just 30 minutes, you can create a delicious meal that’s sure to impress. Click through to explore the full recipe and get ready to enjoy this comforting dish!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces

2 cups fresh broccoli florets

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

3 garlic cloves, finely minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)

Fresh parsley, finely chopped for garnishing

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fettuccine or penne and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. About 3-4 minutes before the pasta is done, gently add the broccoli florets to the pot. Once cooked, drain well and set aside.

    Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, pour in the olive oil. When the oil is shimmering, add the diced chicken. Season with a pinch of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches a golden color.

      Infuse with Garlic: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to allow the garlic to brown.

        Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently to combine with the chicken and garlic. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes, letting it thicken slightly.

          Melt in the Cheese: Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese while stirring continuously until the cheese has melted completely and the sauce is creamy. If desired, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed.

            Combine and Coat: Introduce the drained pasta and broccoli into the skillet. Using tongs or a large spatula, gently toss all ingredients together until the pasta is well-coated with the creamy Alfredo sauce. Continue cooking for an additional minute until everything is warmed through.

              Plate and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Transfer portions to serving plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color. Dive into your creamy chicken and broccoli Alfredo pasta!

                Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4

                  Presentation Tips: Serve in wide pasta bowls, garnished with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a colorful touch.