Are you looking for a quick and delicious meal that the whole family will love? This chicken broccoli pasta is a perfect choice! With its tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. Let’s dive into this recipe and see how you can whip it up in no time!
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (your choice)
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 20 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving of chicken broccoli pasta contains approximately:
– Calories: 450
– Protein: 30g
– Carbohydrates: 55g
– Fat: 15g
This nutritional information is based on a serving size of 1/4 of the recipe.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add broccoli florets to the pan and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
- Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of pasta water.
- Add the drained pasta to the chicken and broccoli mixture.
- Pour in the reserved pasta water and lemon juice, stirring to combine.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, stirring until well mixed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option. Whole wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta can replace regular pasta. Also, feel free to add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or spinach, to enhance the dish’s nutritional value.
Serving and Pairings
This chicken broccoli pasta pairs wonderfully with a light salad or garlic bread. A glass of white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, complements the flavors beautifully. For a healthier option, serve it with steamed vegetables on the side.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover chicken broccoli pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth. This dish can be frozen, but it’s best to do so before adding cheese for optimal texture upon reheating.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overcooking the pasta can make it mushy; always cook it al dente.
- Not seasoning the chicken adequately can lead to bland flavors.
- Forgetting to reserve pasta water can affect the sauce consistency.
- Skipping the lemon juice may result in a lack of brightness in flavor.
- Cooking broccoli too long can make it lose its vibrant color and crunch.
Helpful Tips
- Prep all ingredients before starting to streamline the cooking process.
- Use a non-stick pan to prevent the chicken from sticking.
- Try adding a pinch of nutmeg to enhance the flavor of the dish.
- For a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream before serving.
- Toss in some cherry tomatoes for added sweetness and color.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just thaw it before adding to the dish and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What type of pasta is best for chicken broccoli pasta?
Any pasta works well, but fettuccine or penne are great choices due to their ability to hold the sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients and cook it ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Chicken broccoli pasta stores well and makes for a great meal prep option.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
You can use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative or Pecorino Romano for a different cheese flavor.
Conclusion
Chicken broccoli pasta is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that combines healthy ingredients with delicious flavors. Perfect for any occasion, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. Try this recipe today and enjoy a satisfying meal that’s both comforting and nutritious!
Chicken Broccoli Pasta
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta your choice
- 2 chicken breasts sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add broccoli florets to the pan and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
- Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of pasta water.
- Add the drained pasta to the chicken and broccoli mixture.
- Pour in the reserved pasta water and lemon juice, stirring to combine.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, stirring until well mixed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
