Chicken Broccoli Creamy Pasta: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Chicken broccoli creamy pasta: just the name itself conjures up images of a comforting, satisfying meal, doesn’t it? I’m thrilled to share my take on this classic dish, a recipe that’s guaranteed to become a weeknight staple in your household. Forget complicated cooking techniques and hours spent in the kitchen; this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

While the exact origins of chicken broccoli creamy pasta are a bit murky, its popularity likely stems from the Italian-American tradition of adapting classic pasta dishes to incorporate readily available ingredients. Broccoli, a nutritional powerhouse, adds a vibrant green hue and a delightful earthy flavor that perfectly complements the richness of the creamy sauce and the savory chicken. It’s a marriage of textures and tastes that’s simply irresistible.

What makes this dish so beloved? For starters, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it to your liking by adding different vegetables, cheeses, or spices. But beyond its adaptability, people adore this pasta because it’s simply delicious. The creamy sauce coats every strand of pasta, the tender chicken provides a satisfying protein boost, and the broccoli adds a welcome bite. It’s a complete meal in one bowl, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will leave you feeling completely satisfied. Plus, it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it the ideal choice for busy weeknights when you crave a home-cooked meal without the fuss.

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• For the Broccoli:
• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Creamy Pasta Sauce:
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk (whole milk or 2% recommended)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Pasta:
• 1 lb pasta (penne, farfalle, or rotini work well)
• Water for boiling
• 1 teaspoon salt for pasta water
• Optional Garnishes:
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Red pepper flakes
• Extra Parmesan cheese

Preparing the Chicken

First, we’re going to get the chicken ready. This step is crucial because well-seasoned chicken makes a huge difference in the overall flavor of the dish. Trust me, you don’t want bland chicken!

1. In a medium bowl, combine the cubed chicken with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
2. Mix everything together thoroughly, making sure each piece of chicken is evenly coated with the spices. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the seasoned chicken.
4. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and no longer pink inside. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even cooking. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. We’ll add it back in later.

Preparing the Broccoli

Next up, let’s get the broccoli ready. I like to roast my broccoli a bit to give it a nice, slightly charred flavor, but you can also steam it if you prefer a softer texture.

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. While the oven is heating, toss the broccoli florets with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper in a bowl.
3. Spread the broccoli florets in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Roast the broccoli for 15-20 minutes, or until it’s tender-crisp and slightly browned. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
5. Remove the broccoli from the oven and set it aside.

Cooking the Pasta

While the chicken and broccoli are cooking, let’s get the pasta going. Make sure you salt the water well – it’s the only chance you have to season the pasta itself!

1. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the boiling water.
2. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions, until al dente. Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian, so the pasta should be firm but not hard.
3. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it well in a colander. Don’t rinse the pasta, as the starch helps the sauce cling to it.
4. Set the cooked pasta aside.

Making the Creamy Pasta Sauce

Now for the star of the show – the creamy sauce! This is where all the flavors come together to create a truly comforting and delicious dish. Don’t be intimidated by the roux; it’s easier than it looks!

1. In the same skillet you used to cook the chicken (no need to wash it!), melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Once the butter is melted, whisk in 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. This is called a roux, and it’s the base of our creamy sauce.
3. Cook the roux for about 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly, until it’s smooth and slightly golden. Be careful not to burn it!
4. Slowly pour in 3 cups of milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. This is important!
5. Add 1 cup of chicken broth and continue whisking until the sauce is smooth.
6. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, you can always add more seasoning, but you can’t take it away!
9. Continue to simmer the sauce for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Assembling the Dish

Finally, it’s time to put everything together! This is the best part because you know you’re just minutes away from enjoying a delicious meal.

1. Add the cooked chicken and roasted broccoli to the creamy sauce. Stir to combine, making sure everything is evenly coated with the sauce.
2. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce, chicken, and broccoli.
3. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Tips and Variations

• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to this dish, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach. Sauté them along with the broccoli or add them directly to the sauce.
• Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or use a spicy cheese like pepper jack.
• Use Different Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese in the sauce. Gruyere, mozzarella, or provolone would all be delicious.
• Make it Lighter: To reduce the calories, use skim milk instead of whole milk and skip the heavy cream. You can also use whole wheat pasta for added fiber.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the sauce.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this creamy chicken broccoli pasta as much as I do! It’s a comforting, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the ingredients and make it your own. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! This Chicken Broccoli Creamy Pasta recipe is truly a weeknight winner, and I genuinely believe it’s one you’ll find yourself making again and again. Why? Because it’s the perfect trifecta of comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to whip up. We’re talking about tender chicken, perfectly cooked broccoli, and a luscious, creamy sauce that coats every single strand of pasta. What’s not to love?

But beyond the sheer deliciousness, this recipe is a must-try because it’s incredibly versatile. Feel free to adapt it to your own tastes and dietary needs. For example, if you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even a cashew cream sauce for a vegan alternative. Want to add a little kick? A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce will do the trick. And if you’re not a fan of broccoli (though I highly recommend giving it a try in this dish!), you can easily swap it out for other vegetables like spinach, asparagus, or even some sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of Mediterranean flavor.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

• Serve it with a side of garlic bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
• Top it with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs for added texture.
• Add some grilled shrimp or sausage for an extra protein boost.
• For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and add some extra vegetables.
• Make it ahead of time and reheat it for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
• Try using different types of pasta, such as penne, rotini, or farfalle.

I’ve personally made this Chicken Broccoli Creamy Pasta countless times, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends. It’s the kind of dish that everyone enjoys, and it’s so satisfying to see empty plates all around. I’m confident that you’ll love it just as much as we do.

Now, it’s your turn! I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the creamy, cheesy goodness for yourself. Don’t be afraid to get creative and put your own spin on it. I’m always looking for new ideas and variations, so please, please, please share your experiences with me! Leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out, what changes you made, and what your family thought. Did you add any special ingredients? Did you try a different type of pasta? I want to hear all about it!

I truly believe that cooking is all about sharing and connecting with others, and I can’t wait to hear your stories and see your creations. So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and get cooking! I promise you won’t regret it. Happy cooking, and I look forward to hearing from you soon!

And remember, the key to a truly great Chicken Broccoli Creamy Pasta is to not be afraid to experiment and have fun in the kitchen. So get in there, get creative, and enjoy the process! You might just surprise yourself with what you can create.