There’s something about this dish that just works—here’s why: Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta has a special place in our hearts, especially after busy days filled with laughter, homework battles, and the occasional meltdown (I’m looking at you, Mateo!). This recipe is not only easy to whip up but also brings everyone together around the dinner table for a cozy meal. It’s rich, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying, guaranteeing those happy smiles from the kiddos… even when they’re “not that hungry.” It also doubles as a great way to sneak in some veggies, which is always a win in my book!
Why It Works
Let me tell you why this one’s always a hit in my house: first, it takes just about 35 minutes from start to finish—perfect for those frantic weeknight dinners. Second, the creamy sauce coats every piece of pasta in a way that’s simply irresistible. And don’t underestimate the power of broccoli in this dish! The bright green florets not only make it visually appealing but also add delightful crunch and nutrition. It’s truly one of those one-pot chicken recipes that keeps you coming back for more while keeping your kitchen a bit cleaner.
Ingredients List
12 oz penne pasta
2 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
1 lb chicken breast, diced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and Pepper to taste
Ingredient Swaps
Don’t have penne on hand? No problem! You can use any pasta you have—farfalle, rotini, or even spaghetti will do just fine. If your kids aren’t huge fans of broccoli, try swapping it for spinach or peas; trust me, they won’t know the difference. And if you prefer a lighter option, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. We’ve had occasions where we’ve mixed in leftover roasted vegetables, and it only added to the deliciousness.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin your delightful journey by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Don’t forget to reserve a little pasta water for later; it’s great for adjusting the sauce if needed!
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat and cook the diced chicken until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. This is when the kitchen starts smelling amazing!
Step 3: Add the Broccoli
Next, toss in the broccoli and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it’s just tender. If you’re using fresh broccoli, it’ll only take a bit longer to reach that perfect texture to pair beautifully with our creamy sauce.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Let this luscious mixture simmer for around 5 minutes. This step is golden—grab yourself a spoon to taste-test because it’s bound to be irresistible!
Step 5: Combine It All
Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the skillet. Toss it all together so that each piece of pasta is happily coated in our creamy concoction. Could it get any better?
Step 6: Finish with Parmesan
Finally, sprinkle in the grated parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into the creamy goodness. And just like that, dinner is ready!
Serving & Garnish
I love serving this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta in big bowls, topped with a sprinkle of extra parmesan. Mateo loves when I add a bit of fresh basil if we have it on hand. On special nights, we might lay out some garlic bread alongside, turning a simple dinner into a cozy feast. Ending meals with a family activity or board game makes for a delicious combination of food and fun.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When whipping up this creamy dish, a few things can go awry. First, be careful not to overcook the chicken—it should be juicy and tender, not dry and tough. Another pitfall is adding the broccoli too late; it needs just enough time to tenderize without turning mushy. Lastly, don’t skip the taste-testing! Adjust the seasoning to your liking. Every stovetop is different, and you want to ensure that everything is delicious!
Storage & Reheating
If you have any leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. If you find the pasta is a bit too thick, simply add a splash of reserved pasta water while warming it up. I’ve even frozen leftovers in meal-sized portions for those busy days when cooking isn’t an option. Just make sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
A Quick Word from Samantha
When I first made this dish, it was one of those hectic evenings, and I needed something quick to keep my crew happy. Mateo watched intently, his big eyes following every step, and after the first taste, he declared it his new favorite! It’s these little moments of joy that make cooking so special, especially when the kids are cheering for “seconds” instead of “I’m not hungry.”
FAQs
What can I substitute for chicken in this recipe?
You can easily swap out chicken for cooked shrimp or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version. This dish is flexible, so feel free to experiment!
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
Yes! You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or even Greek yogurt for a wonderful creamy consistency. Also, whole wheat pasta adds extra fiber.
Can I make this with another protein?
Absolutely! This creamy sauce works beautifully with turkey or even diced sausage. Just adjust cooking times to ensure everything is cooked thoroughly.
What are some good one-pot chicken recipes?
Besides this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta, consider trying chicken and rice dishes or a creamy one-pot chicken Alfredo. They’re both delicious and save on cleanup!
Can I add more veggies to this dish?
Of course! Bell peppers, zucchini, or even kale would fit in nicely. Just sauté them along with the broccoli for easy incorporation.
If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to see your take! Leave a comment below or tag @YummyCrafter on Pinterest. Let’s bake joy together!
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Skillet
- Colander
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta
Chicken and Broccoli
- 2 cups broccoli florets fresh or frozen
- 1 lb chicken breast diced
Creamy Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook the diced chicken over medium heat until browned and cooked through.
- Add the broccoli to the skillet and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until just tender.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet. Toss to combine and coat the pasta in the creamy sauce.
- Sprinkle in the parmesan cheese, stir until melted, and serve warm.
