Broccoli and Chicken Pasta

Broccoli and Chicken Pasta is a delicious and nutritious meal perfect for family dinners or meal prepping for the week. This dish combines tender pieces of chicken breast with hearty broccoli florets, tossed in perfectly cooked penne pasta. A light sauce made with garlic, olive oil, and a touch of cream brings all the flavors together, while a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top adds a savory finish. Not only is this dish easy to prepare, but it also provides a balanced meal with protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates. The recipe is flexible enough to adapt to various dietary preferences by substituting the chicken for a plant-based protein or using gluten-free pasta.

Broccoli and Chicken Pasta Ingredients

▪️ 2 cups penne pasta
▪️ 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
▪️ 2 cups broccoli florets
▪️ 2 tablespoons olive oil
▪️ 3 cloves garlic, minced
▪️ ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
▪️ ½ cup heavy cream (optional)
▪️ Salt and pepper to taste
▪️ 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
▪️ Red pepper flakes (optional)

How to make Broccoli and Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken breasts and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the broccoli florets and cook for about 5 minutes until they are tender but still bright green.

Step 4: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, add the drained pasta, and toss everything together. If using, stir in the heavy cream until well combined and heated through.

Step 5: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and mix well. Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.

Step 6: Serve the dish hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Overview of Broccoli and Chicken Pasta

Category	Details
Preparation Time	10 minutes
Cooking Time	20 minutes
Servings	4 servings
Nutritional Information	Protein: 30g, Carbohydrates: 50g, Fats: 20g
Energy	2000 kJ (477 cal)
Main Ingredients	Pasta, Chicken, Broccoli, Garlic, Parmesan Cheese
Sauce Ingredients	Olive Oil, Heavy Cream (optional)
Cooking Method	Sautéing, Boiling
Meal Categories	Dinner, Comfort Food, Family Meals
Key Flavors	Savory, Creamy, Aromatic
Texture	Tender, Chunky
Dietary Information	Can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta
Allergen Information	Contains dairy
Storage Tips	Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Serving Suggestions	Serve with a side salad or garlic bread

Fun Facts about Broccoli and Chicken Pasta

▪️ Broccoli is a great source of vitamins K and C, fiber, and potassium.
▪️ Pasta was first introduced to Italy by Arab traders in the 8th century.
▪️ Parmesan cheese, also known as Parmigiano-Reggiano, is aged for at least 12 months to develop its unique flavor.