Description
Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta
Ingredients:
250g rotini pasta
2 chicken breasts, cubed
1 cup broccoli florets
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
Cook pasta according to package instructions, adding broccoli during the last 2 minutes. Drain and set aside. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from pan. In the same pan, melt butter, add minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well. Add Parmesan cheese and mix until smooth. Return pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the pan. Toss to coat in sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep & Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta. About 2 minutes before the pasta is al dente, add the broccoli florets directly to the boiling water. Drain both together and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, pat the cubed chicken breasts dry. Season evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
3. Build the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Melt the butter and add the minced garlic, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine and scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
4. Finish the Sauce: Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly. Reduce heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth.
5. Combine Everything: Return the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything gently until evenly coated and heated through.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy pasta is a complete meal on its own, but you can elevate it with simple sides. Serve with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up the extra sauce. For a fresh touch, top with extra parsley, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or lemon zest.
How-to Summary
Boil pasta, adding broccoli at the end. Sauté seasoned chicken until golden. In the same pan, make a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce with butter, cream, and broth. Combine everything in the skillet, toss to coat, and garnish with fresh parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different pasta? Absolutely. Penne, fettuccine, or farfalle all work well. Choose a shape that holds sauce.
How can I make this dish lighter? Substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, though the sauce will be less thick. You can also use low-sodium broth.
Can I add other vegetables? Yes. Sliced mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or spinach are excellent additions. Sauté mushrooms with the garlic, or stir in spinach at the very end.
Why did my sauce turn grainy? This often happens if the heat is too high when adding the cheese, causing it to separate. Always add Parmesan off the heat or on very low heat.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Broccoli: Adding it to the pasta water for the last 2 minutes preserves its color and texture.
- Crowding the Chicken: Cook chicken in a single layer to ensure proper browning, not steaming.
- High Heat for the Sauce: Boiling the cream sauce can cause it to break or curdle. Maintain a gentle simmer.
- Using Pre-Grated Parmesan: These products often contain anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting. Grate your own cheese for best results.
Conclusion
This Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta is a testament to how simple ingredients can create a truly comforting and impressive meal. By following the detailed steps and tips, you can avoid common pitfalls and achieve a restaurant-quality dish at home. Its versatility allows for easy customization, making it a reliable recipe you’ll return to again and again for a satisfying, creamy dinner.