Welcome to a culinary journey that promises to transform your weeknight dinners into a delightful experience. Today, we’re diving into a recipe that combines the heartiness of pasta, the nutritional benefits of broccoli, and the succulent flavors of chicken breast, all enveloped in a creamy, flavorful sauce. This Chicken Broccoli Pasta recipe is not only easy to prepare but also impressively versatile, making it a perfect dish for both casual family dinners and sophisticated gatherings. Let’s embark on this delicious adventure together.
What You’ll Need
Before we roll up our sleeves and get cooking, let’s ensure we have all the necessary ingredients. This recipe serves four and can be prepared in a total time of about 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a quick yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 8 oz (250 g) of rigatoni or your choice of short pasta. The rigatoni’s ridges and hollows are perfect for holding onto our creamy sauce.
- Broccoli: 1 lb (450 g) of broccoli florets, introducing a crunchy texture and a host of vitamins to our dish.
- Olive Oil & Butter: A tablespoon each for sautéing, blending the richness of butter with the health benefits of olive oil.
- Chicken Breast: 1 lb (450 g), cut into bite-sized pieces, providing lean protein to keep you full and satisfied.
- Onion & Garlic: For the aromatic base, finely chopped to infuse the dish with flavor.
- Dry White Wine: 1/3 cup (75 ml) to deglaze the pan and add a depth of flavor.
- Fresh Thyme & Red Chili Flakes: For an herby brightness and a hint of heat.
- Half and Half: 1 cup (250 ml) to create our creamy sauce. You can substitute with single cream if preferred.
- Parmesan: 1/3 cup (40 g) grated, adding a nutty, salty depth to the sauce.
- Seasoning: Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Let’s Get Cooking!
Now, with all ingredients at the ready, let’s dive into the simple steps to bring this comforting dish to life.
Directions
- Prep the Pasta and Broccoli: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta as per the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. In the final 2-3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to steam lightly. Remember to reserve 1-2 cups of the pasta water before draining, as we’ll use this to adjust the consistency of our sauce later on.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then cook them until they’re done and set aside. This step not only cooks the chicken but also builds a flavor foundation for our sauce.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, cook the chopped onion until translucent, then add the garlic. The key here is to cook them just enough to soften and release their flavors without letting them brown.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Pour the dry white wine into the skillet, allowing it to scrape up any delicious bits stuck to the pan. This step adds an incredible depth of flavor to our dish. Add the thyme and chili flakes, then pour in the half and half. Let it simmer to thicken slightly, creating a rich and creamy base for our pasta and broccoli.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet, mixing everything well to ensure the sauce coats every piece beautifully. If the sauce is too thick, adjust its consistency with the reserved pasta water. Stir in the grated Parmesan, check for seasoning, and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve this comforting bowl of Chicken Broccoli Pasta garnished with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh thyme. It’s a dish that promises not only to satisfy your hunger but also to bring a smile to your face with its delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Conclusion
This Chicken Broccoli Pasta recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create a meal that’s both comforting and sophisticated. It’s perfect for those evenings when you crave something hearty yet straightforward, proving that delicious dining need not be complicated. Enjoy your culinary creation, and may it bring a touch of joy and satisfaction to your table. Bon Appétit!
Chicken Broccoli Pasta
Recipe
Ingredients:
8 oz (250 g) rigatoni or your choice of short pasta
1 lb (450 g) broccoli florets
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
1/3 cup (75 ml) dry white wine
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
1 cup (250 ml) half and half (single cream)
1/3 cup (40 g) grated Parmesan
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Directions:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. In the last 2-3 minutes, add broccoli to steam. Reserve 1-2 cups of pasta water before draining.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add chicken, season with salt and black pepper, and cook until done.
In the same pan, cook the onion until translucent, then add garlic. Pour in wine, scraping the pan, and reduce. Stir in thyme, chili flakes, and half and half, simmering to thicken.
Add pasta and broccoli to the skillet, combining with sauce. Adjust thickness with pasta water. Stir in Parmesan and season to taste.
Serve with extra Parmesan and thyme.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Kcal: 520 kcal | Servings: 4