One Pot Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, quick, and delicious weeknight meal, look no further than this One Pot Chicken and Broccoli Pasta. This dish combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and perfectly cooked fusilli pasta all simmered in a creamy garlic sauce. The best part? It all comes together in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze! Let’s dive into why this recipe deserves a spot on your dinner table.
Why It Deserves a Spot
This One Pot Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The creamy sauce envelops each piece of pasta, while the chicken adds protein and the broccoli packs in the nutrients. Plus, it’s a hit with both kids and adults alike! If you’re looking to impress your family or guests with minimal effort, this dish is your go-to.
The Ingredient Lineup
To whip up this delightful dish, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized strips or pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, for sautéing
- 3 cloves garlic, minced to infuse flavor
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning, for a herby touch
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional for heat
- 1.5 cups chicken broth, as the cooking liquid
- 2 cups half-and-half, for creaminess
- 3 cups uncooked fusilli pasta, the star of the dish
- 2 cups broccoli florets, cut small for even cooking
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving, optional
What’s in the Gear List
Before we start cooking, let’s gather our kitchen essentials:
- Large pot or Dutch oven: This will be your one-pot wonder!
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements lead to a perfect dish.
- Cutting board and knife: For chopping your chicken and broccoli.
One Pot Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Made Stepwise
Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking! Follow these easy steps to create your One Pot Chicken and Broccoli Pasta.
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
In your large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Garlic
In the same pot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
Step 3: Add the Liquid
Pour in 1.5 cups of chicken broth and 2 cups of half-and-half, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Incorporate the Pasta
Add 3 cups of uncooked fusilli pasta to the pot. Stir well to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
Step 5: Add the Broccoli
Toss in the 2 cups of small broccoli florets. Add 1/4 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Stir everything together.
Step 6: Cook Until Tender
Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and the broccoli is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
Step 7: Finish with Chicken
Once the pasta and broccoli are cooked, return the cooked chicken to the pot. Stir everything together and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Step 8: Serve
Serve your One Pot Chicken and Broccoli Pasta hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy every creamy, flavorful bite!
Holiday & Seasonal Touches
This dish can easily be adapted for seasonal celebrations or special occasions. Here are some ideas:
- Spring: Add in fresh peas or asparagus for a pop of color and flavor.
- Fall: Substitute butternut squash for broccoli for a sweet and hearty twist.
- Winter: Stir in some kale or spinach for extra nutrition and a burst of color.
- Holiday: Use festive pasta shapes for a fun seasonal touch!
What I Learned Testing
- Cooking the pasta in the same pot with the sauce creates a creamy texture that’s hard to beat.
- Adding the broccoli later in the cooking process ensures it remains vibrant and slightly crunchy.
- Using half-and-half gives the dish a rich creaminess without being overly heavy.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together!
Save for Later: Storage Tips
This One Pot Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is perfect for meal prep! Here are some storage tips:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or additional half-and-half to loosen the sauce.
- You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months; just be aware that the texture of the broccoli may change upon thawing.
Common Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While fusilli holds the sauce beautifully, any short pasta like penne or rotini will work well.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Yes! Substitute the chicken with your favorite plant-based protein and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare everything except for the final cooking step, refrigerate it, and then cook it when you’re ready to serve.
What can I serve with this dish?
This One Pot Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a more filling dinner.
Explore More
If you enjoyed this One Pot Chicken and Broccoli Pasta, check out these other delightful recipes:
Make It Tonight
You now have all the tools and knowledge to create your very own One Pot Chicken and Broccoli Pasta. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant broccoli, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, grab that pot, and let’s get cooking! You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can have a delicious, comforting meal on the table. Happy cooking!
One Pot Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In your large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
- Pour in 1.5 cups of chicken broth and 2 cups of half-and-half, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add 3 cups of uncooked fusilli pasta to the pot. Stir well to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
- Toss in the 2 cups of small broccoli florets. Add 1/4 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Stir everything together.
- Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and the broccoli is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
- Once the pasta and broccoli are cooked, return the cooked chicken to the pot. Stir everything together and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve your One Pot Chicken and Broccoli Pasta hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy every creamy, flavorful bite!
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or additional half-and-half to loosen the sauce.
- You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months; just be aware that the texture of the broccoli may change upon thawing.
