Hey there, my fellow food lover! If you’re looking for a dish that’s not only quick and easy to whip up but also packed with nutrients, then let me introduce you to my delicious *chicken and broccoli pasta*! Seriously, this recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s so versatile and satisfying. The tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and al dente pasta come together in a beautiful harmony of flavors. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies without anyone noticing! Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making this healthy meal again and again. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you just want something comforting yet nutritious!
Ingredients List
- 8 oz pasta (any type you love, I usually go for penne or fusilli)
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced (make sure it’s bite-sized for even cooking!)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh is best, but frozen will work too)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin if you can, it adds such a lovely flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (you can’t go wrong with garlic, right?)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for that rich, cheesy goodness)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy with the seasoning!)
How to Prepare Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
Now, let’s dive into how to bring this *chicken and broccoli pasta* to life! It’s honestly so simple; you’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together. First things first, start by boiling a big pot of salted water for your pasta. Once it’s bubbling away, toss in your pasta and cook it according to the package instructions. I usually go for about 8-10 minutes for that perfect al dente texture.
While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat up your olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add in your diced chicken. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. You’ll want to make sure there’s no pink left—nobody likes undercooked chicken!
Next, add in the minced garlic and broccoli florets. Give it a good stir and let that cook for another 4-5 minutes, just until the broccoli turns bright green and tender. Oh, the smell is heavenly! When your pasta is done, drain it and toss it right into the skillet with your chicken and broccoli. Mix everything together until it’s well combined.
Finish it off by adding in that glorious grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to taste. Give it another good toss so everything is coated in cheesy goodness, and then you’re ready to serve. I like to dish it up warm and maybe sprinkle a bit more Parmesan on top. Enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Boil salted water in a large pot and cook pasta according to package directions (about 8-10 minutes).
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Stir in minced garlic and broccoli florets. Cook for another 4-5 minutes until broccoli is tender.
- Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the skillet with chicken and broccoli.
- Toss everything together with grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm, with extra Parmesan if desired.
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note, my friends! The nutritional values for this *chicken and broccoli pasta* can vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. While I’ve provided some estimates, it’s best to check the labels for the most accurate information. Remember, cooking is about enjoying and nourishing yourself, so feel free to make adjustments that suit your taste and dietary needs!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a healthy meal option, packed with protein and veggies to keep you satisfied.
- This *chicken and broccoli pasta* comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- The flavors are simply divine—garlic, chicken, and Parmesan create a deliciously comforting dish.
- It’s incredibly versatile; you can easily customize it with your favorite pasta or add other veggies.
- This dish is a hit with both kids and adults, making it a family favorite!
Tips for Success
To really nail this *chicken and broccoli pasta*, here are my top tips! First, don’t overcook the pasta; it should be al dente to hold up well when mixed with the other ingredients. Also, make sure your chicken is evenly diced for consistent cooking—nobody likes dry pieces! If you want to amp up the flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice at the end; it brightens everything up. And don’t hesitate to experiment with different veggies like bell peppers or spinach! Lastly, always taste and adjust your seasoning at the end for that perfect touch. Happy cooking!
Variations
If you’re looking to switch things up with your *chicken and broccoli pasta*, I’ve got some fun ideas for you! First off, try adding some sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor and color. You could also toss in a handful of spinach or kale for extra greens—just add them in during the last couple of minutes of cooking. Want a kick? Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of lemon zest to brighten it all up. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can really elevate the dish too. And if you’re feeling adventurous, swap out the broccoli for asparagus or snap peas for a delightful twist!
Serving Suggestions
This *chicken and broccoli pasta* is a fantastic stand-alone dish, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. You could also serve it alongside some garlic bread for that extra indulgence—who doesn’t love buttery bread? For a heartier meal, consider adding a side of roasted vegetables or a simple tomato soup to round things out. Enjoy your delicious feast!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers of that amazing *chicken and broccoli pasta*? No problem! Just let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days—perfect for those quick lunches or dinners! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can simply reheat it in the microwave for a couple of minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming. If you prefer the stovetop, toss it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of olive oil or water to help loosen it up. Trust me, it’s just as delicious the second time around!
Drucken
Chicken and Broccoli Pasta: 7 Reasons to Love This Dish
- Gesamtzeit: 30 minutes
- Ertrag: 4 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Low Fat
Beschreibung
A simple and healthy chicken and broccoli pasta dish.
Zutaten
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Anweisungen
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chicken and cook until browned.
- Add garlic and broccoli, cooking until broccoli is tender.
- Drain pasta and add to the skillet.
- Toss with Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
- Feel free to add other vegetables.
- Can be made in advance and reheated.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 20 minutes
- Kategorie: Main Course
- Methode: Stovetop
- Küche: Italian
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 serving
- Kalorien: 450
- Zucker: 2g
- Natrium: 600mg
- Fett: 15g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 3g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 50g
- Faser: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterin: 75mg
Keywords: chicken and broccoli pasta
