{"id":104,"date":"2025-08-14T16:07:02","date_gmt":"2025-08-14T16:07:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/recipes.ukbiddingdirectory.com\/?p=104"},"modified":"2025-08-14T16:07:02","modified_gmt":"2025-08-14T16:07:02","slug":"chicken-and-broccoli-pasta","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/recipes.ukbiddingdirectory.com\/index.php\/2025\/08\/14\/chicken-and-broccoli-pasta\/","title":{"rendered":"\u00a0Chicken and Broccoli Pasta"},"content":{"rendered":"

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0Chicken and Broccoli Pasta<\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

A Creamy, Comforting One-Pot Meal Packed with Protein, Veggies & Flavor<\/h3>\n

Looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing pasta dish that combines everything you love in one creamy, comforting bowl? This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta<\/strong> is exactly that. It\u2019s rich, flavorful, and satisfying \u2014 yet packed with veggies and protein to keep it balanced. The best part? It comes together in under 30 minutes and uses simple, everyday ingredients.<\/p>\n

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or even meal prep. With tender cooked chicken<\/strong>, al dente pasta<\/strong>, and vibrant green broccoli<\/strong>, all tossed in a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce<\/strong>, it\u2019s the kind of dish that\u2019s guaranteed to become a repeat favorite at your dinner table.<\/p>\n

\u00a0Prep Time: 10 minutes<\/h3>\n

Cook Time: 20 minutes<\/p>\n

Servings: 4\u20136<\/p>\n

Storage: Fridge- and freezer-friendly<\/p>\n

\u00a0Ingredients<\/h3>\n

Here\u2019s everything you\u2019ll need to make this chicken and broccoli pasta:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • 1 lb cooked chicken<\/strong>, shredded or diced (grilled, rotisserie, or leftover chicken all work well)<\/li>\n
  • 12 oz pasta<\/strong>, such as penne or rotini<\/li>\n
  • 4 cups broccoli florets<\/strong>, fresh or frozen<\/li>\n
  • 2 tbsp olive oil<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • 2 cloves garlic<\/strong>, minced<\/li>\n
  • 2 cups chicken broth<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • 1 cup heavy cream<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • Salt and pepper<\/strong>, to taste<\/li>\n
  • Red pepper flakes<\/strong>, optional (for a little heat)<\/li>\n
  • Lemon zest<\/strong>, optional (for a bright finishing touch)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    \u00a0Instructions<\/h3>\n

    1. Cook the Pasta and Broccoli<\/strong><\/h4>\n

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
    \nAdd the pasta<\/strong> and cook according to package directions until al dente.<\/p>\n

    In the last 3\u20134 minutes<\/strong> of pasta cooking, add the broccoli florets<\/strong> directly to the pot. This allows the broccoli to cook just until tender while saving you from dirtying another dish.<\/p>\n

    Drain everything together and set aside.<\/p>\n

    Tip:<\/strong> If you’re using frozen broccoli, no need to thaw it first \u2014 just toss it in as directed.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    2. Saut\u00e9 Garlic and Chicken<\/strong><\/h4>\n

    In a large deep skillet or saut\u00e9 pan<\/strong>, heat the olive oil<\/strong> over medium heat.
    \nAdd the minced garlic<\/strong> and cook for about 1 minute<\/strong>, just until fragrant \u2014 careful not to burn it.<\/p>\n

    Add the shredded or diced cooked chicken<\/strong> to the skillet and season with salt<\/strong>, black pepper<\/strong>, and a pinch of red pepper flakes<\/strong> if you like a bit of spice.
    \nSaut\u00e9 for 2\u20133 minutes<\/strong>, letting the flavors combine.<\/p>\n

    3. Make the Creamy Sauce<\/strong><\/h4>\n

    Pour in the chicken broth<\/strong> and heavy cream<\/strong>, stirring to combine.
    \nBring the mixture to a gentle simmer<\/strong> and let it cook for 4\u20135 minutes<\/strong>, allowing it to slightly thicken.<\/p>\n

    Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese<\/strong>. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and you\u2019re left with a smooth, silky sauce.<\/p>\n

    \u00a0Want it cheesier? Feel free to add an extra \u00bd cup of shredded mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    4. Combine Everything<\/strong><\/h4>\n

    Add the cooked pasta and broccoli<\/strong> into the skillet with the sauce and chicken.
    \nToss everything together gently until all the ingredients are evenly coated in the creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce.<\/p>\n

    Let the pasta heat through for another 1\u20132 minutes<\/strong>, and taste to adjust seasoning. Add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if needed.<\/p>\n

    \n

    5. Serve and Garnish<\/strong><\/h4>\n

    Serve the pasta warm, garnished with freshly grated lemon zest<\/strong> for a burst of brightness.
    \nYou can also top with a bit more Parmesan<\/strong>, a drizzle of olive oil, or chopped fresh parsley<\/strong> for a pop of color.<\/p>\n

    \u00a0What to Serve with Chicken and Broccoli Pasta<\/h3>\n

    This creamy pasta dish is hearty enough to serve on its own, but here are a few tasty ideas if you want to round out the meal:<\/p>\n

      \n
    • Garlic bread or breadsticks<\/li>\n
    • A crisp green salad with vinaigrette<\/li>\n
    • Roasted cherry tomatoes<\/li>\n
    • Steamed green beans or asparagus<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      \u00a0Storage & Meal Prep Tips<\/h3>\n

      Leftovers? Great!<\/strong> This dish stores and reheats like a dream:<\/p>\n

        \n
      • Refrigerator:<\/strong> Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
      • Freezer:<\/strong> Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
      • Reheat:<\/strong> Microwave or reheat on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Freezing Tip:<\/strong> If planning to freeze, slightly undercook the pasta to prevent it from getting mushy when reheated.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

        \u00a0Variations & Customizations<\/h3>\n

        This recipe is super flexible. Here\u2019s how you can make it your own:<\/p>\n

          \n
        • Add mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or spinach<\/strong> for more flavor and veggies.<\/li>\n
        • Make it lighter:<\/strong> Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or swap in milk and a little extra Parmesan.<\/li>\n
        • Use different pasta:<\/strong> Fusilli, farfalle, rigatoni, or gluten-free pasta all work.<\/li>\n
        • Go dairy-free:<\/strong> Use coconut cream or a plant-based alternative, and skip the cheese or use a vegan version.<\/li>\n
        • Add crunch:<\/strong> Top with toasted breadcrumbs or crispy onions before serving.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          \u00a0Why You\u2019ll Love This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta<\/h3>\n
            \n
          • Ready in under 30 minutes<\/li>\n
          • Uses pantry and fridge staples<\/li>\n
          • One pot = less cleanup<\/li>\n
          • Creamy, cheesy, and comforting<\/li>\n
          • Kid-approved and perfect for picky eaters<\/li>\n
          • Easy to make ahead and reheat for busy nights<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            \u00a0Final Thoughts<\/h3>\n

            This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta<\/strong> is the ultimate weeknight hero: comforting, quick, and loaded with flavor \u2014 all with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding your family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something cozy and delicious, this recipe checks all the boxes.<\/p>\n

            Make it once, and you\u2019ll find yourself coming back to it again and again.<\/p>\n

             <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

              \u00a0Chicken and Broccoli Pasta   A Creamy, Comforting One-Pot Meal Packed with Protein, Veggies & Flavor Looking for an…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":105,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-104","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-chicken"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/recipes.ukbiddingdirectory.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/104","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/recipes.ukbiddingdirectory.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/recipes.ukbiddingdirectory.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/recipes.ukbiddingdirectory.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/recipes.ukbiddingdirectory.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=104"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/recipes.ukbiddingdirectory.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/104\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":106,"href":"https:\/\/recipes.ukbiddingdirectory.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/104\/revisions\/106"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/recipes.ukbiddingdirectory.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/105"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/recipes.ukbiddingdirectory.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=104"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/recipes.ukbiddingdirectory.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=104"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/recipes.ukbiddingdirectory.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=104"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}