When it comes to quick and satisfying meals, Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli Pasta stands out as a winner. This dish is the perfect balance of flavors and textures: tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and pasta coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce. Every bite is rich, creamy, and undeniably comforting.
What makes this recipe even better is its versatility and simplicity. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or whipping up something delicious for a cozy dinner, this one is bound to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s all made in one pot, so cleanup is a breeze. If you’re looking for a meal that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare, this pasta will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Cook pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add chicken broth and heavy cream to the skillet, bring to a simmer, and stir in Parmesan cheese. Cook until the sauce thickens.
Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and steamed broccoli to the skillet. Stir to combine and coat.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm. Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
Making Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is easier than it seems, but a few expert tips can take your dish to the next level. These simple tricks will ensure your pasta turns out creamy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked every time.
Choose the Best Pasta Shape
When it comes to holding all that creamy garlic butter sauce, pasta shape matters! Penne, rotini, or even fettuccine are excellent choices. Short pastas like penne and rotini trap the sauce in their grooves, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor. If you prefer long pasta, fettuccine works beautifully, as its flat shape allows the sauce to coat it evenly.
Keep Chicken Tender and Broccoli Crisp
No one wants dry chicken or mushy broccoli, so timing is key. To keep the chicken juicy, sear it over medium-high heat until golden brown, then finish cooking it gently in the sauce. For the broccoli, blanch it briefly before adding it to the skillet, or toss it in during the final few minutes of cooking. This keeps it bright green and slightly crisp, adding a fresh contrast to the creamy sauce.
Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking
The sauce is the heart of this dish, so make it just the way you like it! If it’s too thick, add a splash of pasta water to thin it out. If you love bold garlic flavor, toss in an extra clove or two. For those who enjoy a bit of tang, a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavors. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to bring everything together perfectly.
With these tips, your Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli Pasta will turn out restaurant-worthy every time.
FAQs for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can! Thaw the frozen broccoli first and pat it dry to remove excess moisture. Add it to the skillet during the final minutes of cooking to prevent it from getting too soft.
2. What’s the best pasta to use for this recipe?
Penne, rotini, or fettuccine are great options. Short pastas like penne and rotini hold the sauce well, while fettuccine provides a silky texture when coated with the creamy sauce.
3. How can I make the dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta and double-check that your other ingredients, like chicken stock, are gluten-free.
4. Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Shrimp, turkey, or even tofu work well as substitutes. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.
5. How can I make the dish lighter?
To lighten up the recipe, use half-and-half or low-fat milk instead of heavy cream. You can also reduce the butter slightly and add extra broccoli for a more veggie-forward dish.
6. What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
If the sauce becomes too thick, simply stir in a splash of reserved pasta water, chicken stock, or milk until you reach the desired consistency.
7. How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out?
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken stock to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently to ensure even heating.
8. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can prep the chicken and broccoli in advance. Store them separately, and combine everything when you’re ready to cook the pasta and make the sauce.
9. Can I add other vegetables?
Of course! Mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers make excellent additions to this dish. Sauté them with the chicken or broccoli for extra flavor.
10. Is this dish spicy?
No, it’s not spicy, but you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper if you want to bring some heat to the creamy sauce.