This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a delicious way to enjoy a wholesome, flavorful meal! 🍝🥦 Juicy chicken, tender pasta, and perfectly cooked broccoli come together in a rich, creamy sauce that’s easy to make and so satisfying. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or whipping up a quick dinner, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s packed with comforting flavors.
Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
Why This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Is the Best
- Creamy Sauce: The rich and creamy sauce coats every bite of pasta, making it irresistibly delicious.
- Tender Chicken: Juicy, seasoned chicken adds a hearty and satisfying element to the dish.
- Nutritious Broccoli: Fresh broccoli adds a nutritious touch, balancing the richness of the sauce.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is straightforward and can be made in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a weeknight meal, or looking for a quick and delicious dinner option, Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is the perfect choice. The combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and fresh broccoli makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredient Notes
- Boneless skinless chicken breast: Provides lean protein that becomes tender and flavorful when cooked with the seasonings and sauce.
- Lemon pepper seasoning: Adds a bright, citrusy flavor along with a subtle peppery heat, enhancing the chicken’s flavor.
- Olive oil: Helps sear the chicken, creating a golden-brown exterior while keeping the inside juicy.
- Chicken broth: Adds moisture to the chicken while cooking, infusing it with savory flavor and preventing it from drying out.
- Butter: Adds richness to the sauce, providing a creamy base when combined with the flour.
- Garlic: Infuses the sauce with a deep, aromatic flavor that complements the chicken and broccoli.
- Flour: Thick the sauce, creating a smooth, creamy consistency that coats the pasta and broccoli.
- Chicken broth: Adds depth and savory flavor to the sauce, enhancing the richness from the butter and cream.
- Half and half: Contributes to the creaminess of the sauce, making it smooth and luscious.
- Hot sauce: Adds a slight kick, balancing the richness of the sauce and bringing an extra layer of flavor.
- Broccoli florets: Add a fresh, crunchy element to the dish while also bringing a nutritional boost with fiber and vitamins.
- Parmesan cheese: Provides a sharp, nutty flavor that enhances the richness of the sauce and balances the creamy texture.
- Asiago (or Parmesan): Adds an extra layer of bold, savory flavor, complementing the Parmesan and giving the dish depth.
- Penne: The pasta base that holds the creamy sauce well with its ridges, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Adds brightness and acidity, cutting through the richness of the sauce and enhancing the lemon pepper flavors.
- Italian seasonings: A blend of herbs that adds classic Italian flavor, complementing the chicken, broccoli, and cheese.
- Mustard powder: Adds a slight tanginess that balances the creamy sauce, giving it depth without overpowering other flavors.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Provide a subtle heat that enhances the flavor without making the dish too spicy.
Tips for Making the Best Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality chicken and broccoli.
- Season Well: Season the chicken and sauce generously for maximum flavor.
- Add Lemon Zest: A touch of lemon zest can brighten the flavors and add a refreshing contrast.
Serving Suggestions
- With a Side Salad: Serve Chicken and Broccoli Pasta with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- With Garlic Bread: Pair it with garlic bread for an extra indulgent dinner.
- With Steamed Vegetables: Add some steamed carrots or green beans on the side for a nutritious touch.
A Must Try
There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade Chicken and Broccoli Pasta. This dish is the perfect way to treat yourself or your loved ones to something special. Creamy, flavorful, and easy to make, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Be sure to check out these other delicious dinner recipes!
Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a delicious way to enjoy a wholesome, flavorful meal! 🍝🥦 Juicy chicken, tender pasta, and perfectly cooked broccoli come together in a rich, creamy sauce that’s easy to make and so satisfying. Whether you're meal prepping for the week or whipping up a quick dinner, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s packed with comforting flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 large boneless skinless chicken breast
- Lemon pepper seasoning
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 3 Tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 Tbsp flour
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 ¼ cups half and half
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- 2 ½ cups broccoli florets
- ¾ cup Parmesan
- ¼ cup Asiago can also use all parmesan.
- ½ lb. Penne
- 2 tsps freshly squeezed lemon juice
Seasonings
- 1 tsp Italian seasonings
- ½ tsp mustard powder
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- Combine the seasoning ingredients in a bowl and set them aside for later use. It’s also a good idea to measure out the other ingredients at this point; this will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable!
- Cut the chicken into ¾-inch pieces, then season them generously with Lemon Pepper Seasoning. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until a golden brown crust forms. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- While preparing the sauce, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
- In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, add chicken broth and set the heat to medium. Use a silicone spatula to scrape the bottom of the skillet, releasing any browned bits. Allow the broth to reduce by half, which should take about 4 minutes.
- Next, add butter and minced garlic to the broth, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Gradually stir in the flour, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes while stirring continuously.
- Slowly incorporate the chicken broth in small amounts, continuing to stir as you do. Follow with the half and half, adding it in the same way. Then, stir in hot sauce and the remaining seasonings. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and partially cover the pot.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. During the last 4 minutes of cooking, add broccoli to the boiling pasta water, then drain both the pasta and broccoli.
- Lower the heat of the sauce and gradually mix in the grated cheese until melted and smooth.
- Remove the pot from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice. Add the drained pasta, broccoli, and cooked chicken to the sauce, tossing everything together to combine. Taste the dish and add salt if needed. Serve and enjoy!
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Chicken and Broccoli Pasta