Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is the ultimate comfort food, with the perfect balance of protein, veggies, and creamy pasta. The garlic parmesan sauce is rich and flavorful, bringing together the pasta and chicken with a deliciously satisfying creaminess. It’s quick, easy to prepare, and can be made with simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand. Perfect for busy days when you want a hearty, delicious meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

8 ounces penne pasta (or pasta of your choice)
2 cups broccoli, cut into small florets
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, diced
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 chicken breasts, cooked and cut into small cubes

Directions

Cook the Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the water. Drain both the pasta and broccoli in a colander.
Make the Sauce: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic, salt, and pepper, and cook for another minute. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring until smooth. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Finish the Dish: Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted. Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and diced chicken to the pot. Stir until everything is well coated and heated through.
Serve: Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with additional parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve hot.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

Add More Veggies: You can swap the broccoli for other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for added flavor and nutrition.
Use Different Pasta: If you prefer a different type of pasta, feel free to substitute penne with spaghetti, fusilli, or any pasta you like.
Cheese: Try adding other cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar for a different twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave or warm it up on the stove with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use leftover chicken?

Yes, leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken works perfectly in this recipe.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Any short pasta like farfalle or rotini would be great, or you can use spaghetti for a different texture.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh, you can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I substitute the milk for something else?

You can use half-and-half, cream, or even a dairy-free milk alternative if you prefer.

How do I know when the pasta is done?

Follow the package instructions to cook the pasta until it’s al dente. It should still have a slight firmness when bitten.

Can I freeze this dish?

While the sauce might change texture slightly when frozen, you can freeze this dish in an airtight container for up to a month. Reheat it with a splash of milk.

How do I avoid overcooking the broccoli?

Add the broccoli to the boiling pasta water in the last 5 minutes of cooking to ensure it remains tender but not mushy.

What can I use if I don’t have parmesan cheese?

You can substitute with other hard cheeses like pecorino Romano, or even a blend of mozzarella and cheddar.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic and onion mixture for a bit of heat.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the milk with a non-dairy alternative and use a dairy-free cheese.

Conclusion

This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is the perfect blend of creamy, savory, and satisfying. It’s a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table and can be easily customized to suit your tastes. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a hearty weekend dinner, this recipe delivers comfort and flavor in every bite.

Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

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Author: Julia
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish with tender penne pasta, succulent chicken, and vibrant broccoli, all tossed in a rich garlic parmesan sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy-to-make meal combines flavor, protein, and veggies, making it a family favorite.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets. Drain both the pasta and broccoli.
Make the Sauce: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic, salt, and pepper, and cook for another minute. Sprinkle the flour, stir for 1-2 minutes, then gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Let the sauce cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens.
Finish the Dish: Stir in grated parmesan cheese until melted. Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the pot. Stir until evenly coated and heated through.
Serve: Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with additional parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Add More Veggies: Swap broccoli for bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for more nutrition and flavor.

Use Different Pasta: Feel free to replace penne with spaghetti, fusilli, or any other pasta you prefer.

Cheese: Add mozzarella or cheddar for a creamy twist.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Boiling, Sautéing
Cuisine: Italian