One Pot Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

There’s something truly comforting about a dish that combines all the essentials in one pot. Enter the One Pot Chicken and Broccoli Pasta. Picture it: a busy weeknight, and I’m looking for a meal that’s both satisfying and quick to whip up. With tender strips of chicken, vibrant broccoli, and hearty fusilli pasta, this recipe has become my go-to. It’s perfect for those evenings when you crave a warm, wholesome dinner but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. You know, the moments when you just want to enjoy good food without the fuss. I love how this dish brings everything together in one cozy pot, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, it’s a hit with kids and adults alike, with flavors that dance on the palate but remain simple enough not to overwhelm. Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, I always find myself returning to this recipe, knowing it won’t let me down.

Shopping List for One Pot Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

In this One Pot Chicken and Broccoli Pasta, each ingredient plays a crucial role, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. The key players, including chicken, broccoli, and fusilli, work together to form a comforting meal that’s satisfying and easy to prepare. Let’s explore what you need!

• 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-size strips/pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1.5 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 3 cups uncooked fusilli pasta
• 2 cups broccoli florets, cut small
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese for serving, optional, to taste

Preparation Steps for One Pot Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Making the One Pot Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is remarkably simple and rewarding. It’s all about layering flavors and cooking everything to perfection. Let’s dive into the steps that will guide you through the process in a way that makes it enjoyable and easy.

1. Start by heating a Dutch oven or a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it warm up. Once hot, toss in the chicken strips. Sauté them for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and cooked through. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
2. Next, add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot. Stir everything together and let those aromatic flavors infuse the dish for about a minute.
3. Once the garlic becomes fragrant, add the chicken broth, half-and-half, and the fusilli pasta to the pot. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This is where all those flavors begin to meld beautifully.
4. After reaching a boil, reduce the heat to medium or medium-low to let it simmer gently. Cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom and ensure that it cooks evenly.
5. When the pasta is nearly done, it’s time to add the broccoli florets. Add them to the pot, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cover the pot. Let everything cook for an additional 4 to 5 minutes. This will keep the broccoli tender yet crisp.
6. Finally, season the entire dish generously with salt and pepper. If the broccoli is still too firm for your liking, feel free to cook it for a couple more minutes. Serve the dish hot, topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious creation!

Substitutions and Tips

Here are some helpful tips and suggestions to ensure your One Pot Chicken and Broccoli Pasta turns out perfectly every time!

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stove.
• Pairing: This pasta pairs wonderfully with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Variations: Try adding different proteins like shrimp or tofu for a different flavor profile.
• Don’t skip the cheese: Adding freshly grated parmesan cheese elevates this dish, making it more indulgent and delicious.

What Complements This One Pot Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

When serving the One Pot Chicken and Broccoli Pasta, you have a variety of delightful options to enhance the meal.

• Salads: A light garden salad with vinaigrette pairs beautifully, balancing the richness of the pasta.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread for an indulgent side that everyone loves.
• Wine Pairing: A chilled glass of white wine adds elegance to the meal, making it perfect for dinner parties.
• Seasonal Treats: In fall, consider adding roasted squash for a seasonal twist.
• Special Occasions: This dish is wonderful for family gatherings or casual dinner parties, as it’s easy to prepare and serves a crowd.
• Leftover Inspiration: Use leftovers in a wrap or as a filling in a quesadilla for a fantastic next-day meal.

FAQ

Conclusion

The One Pot Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl. This recipe combines simplicity with flavor, making it a fantastic choice for busy nights and family gatherings alike. I encourage you to give it a try and experience how easy it is to whip up something delicious and satisfying. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll want to make it a staple in your kitchen!

One Pot Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

The ultimate comfort food, One Pot Chicken and Broccoli Pasta brings together tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy pasta in a single dish. It's an easy weeknight dinner that satisfies cravings and warms the soul. Give it a try tonight!

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 pieces chicken breasts cut into bite-size strips/pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
• 1.5 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 3 cups uncooked fusilli pasta
• 2 cups broccoli florets cut small
• to taste Salt
• to taste Pepper
• to taste Freshly grated parmesan cheese for serving, optional

Equipment

• Grater
• Large Pot
• Wooden Spoon
• Saucepan
• Skillet
• Oven

Method

 

1. Add the chicken to a Dutch oven or soup pot along with the olive oil. Give it a good stir and sauté over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, chicken broth, half-and-half, and pasta to the pot. Increase the heat to high and bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium (or medium-low if it is still bubbling a lot). Let it simmer for 8 minutes, giving it the occasional stir so the pasta doesn't stick to the bottom of the pot.
3. Add the broccoli to the pot. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and cook for 4-5 minutes.
4. Season the pasta generously with salt & pepper. If the broccoli is still too crisp, cook it for another couple of minutes. Serve immediately with freshly grated parmesan.

Notes

• This is a basic, kid-friendly recipe.
• If you want to jazz it up a bit, there’s some tips in the blog post.
• Stoves and pots can vary, so if you notice the pasta is not yet cooked and there doesn’t seem to be enough liquid, add more liquid as needed.
• Some pastas absorb more liquid than others, so sticking to the recommended type is best.
• The broccoli is tender-crisp in this recipe, so be careful not to cut the florets too large.
• Using half-and-half makes the sauce lighter than using heavy cream.

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Meet Piper Cross

I am obsessed with using fresh, seasonal produce to make meals shine. I believe a squeeze of citrus or a handful of herbs can change everything. I cooked and photographed this dish with a focus on vibrant colors and natural textures, ensuring it looks as good as it tastes when you make it.