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My One Pan Chicken Broccoli Pasta brings comfort to busy weeknight dinners. I created this recipe when looking for a way to combine my family's favorites into something quick and delicious. The creamy garlic Parmesan sauce hugging tender pasta chicken and fresh broccoli creates pure magic in just 30 minutes.
Pure Kitchen Joy
Something wonderful happens when that velvety sauce wraps around each pasta piece. The way tender chicken and bright broccoli come together with minimal cleanup makes this dish pure happiness. My family gathers around the table faster when they smell this cooking.
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From My Kitchen to Yours
- Fresh Chicken: 1 pound cut into perfect bite size pieces room temp best.
- Good Pasta: 8 ounces penne cooked with love save some water for sauce magic.
- Bright Broccoli: 2 cups fresh florets blanched until jewel green.
- Fresh Garlic: 4 cloves minced fine brings heart to sauce.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup making everything silky smooth.
- Real Parmesan: ¾ cup freshly grated never pre shredded.
- Good Butter: 2 tablespoons unsalted for richness.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon helps chicken brown beautiful.
- Sea Salt Pepper: Just enough makes flavors sing.
Creating Dinner Magic
- Golden Chicken
- Let pan get hot add oil chicken watch magic happen until pieces turn sunny gold.
- Sauce Dreams
- Melt butter gentle add garlic until kitchen smells amazing pour in cream pasta water.
- Cheese Love
- Stir in Parmesan watch it melt into silk let sauce thicken just right.
- Coming Together
- Add chicken pasta broccoli back home toss until everything dances together.
- Table Time
- Serve while warm topped with extra cheese fresh pepper pure comfort.
Perfect Partners
I love serving this with fresh garden salad or warm garlic bread. Sometimes I sprinkle red pepper flakes for warmth fresh herbs bring color life. Leftover sauce comes back to life with just splash of cream.
Kitchen Dreams
Sometimes I swap spinach for broccoli or add earthy mushrooms. Sun dried tomatoes bring tangy joy shrimp makes it feel fancy. This sauce loves making new friends every ingredient becomes something special.
Keeping Comfort Fresh
Tuck leftovers away in fridge stays happy three days. Warm gentle on stove or microwave add splash of cream brings everything back to life. Though honestly leftovers rarely happen at my house.
Nourishing Goodness
What I love most about this dish is how it brings together comfort and nutrition. The protein rich chicken tender broccoli and that touch of Parmesan creates a perfectly balanced meal. My kids don't even realize they're eating something good for them they just know it tastes like love.
Meal Prep Magic
This recipe saves my busy weeks. I often make extra divide it into containers ready for quick lunches or easy dinners. Something special happens as it rests in the fridge flavors getting even better. Makes busy days feel calm knowing dinner's already waiting.
Pure Comfort Company
Whether I'm feeding my family or hosting friends this dish never disappoints. Add a glass of crisp white wine some candlelight suddenly weeknight dinner feels like a celebration. The way people gather around asking for seconds makes my heart full.
Making It Yours
Sometimes I use half and half instead of cream when wanting something lighter. Gluten free pasta works beautifully dairy free friends love it with coconut cream nutritional yeast. Every version brings its own kind of happiness to the table.
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One Pan Wonder
The magic of cooking everything in one pan brings such peace to my kitchen. No juggling multiple pots watching different timers just simple beautiful cooking. Plus all those flavors mixing together while they cook creates something truly special.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prep this ahead?
Cook pasta and broccoli ahead, but make sauce fresh. Reheat everything together with a splash of cream or milk.
- → What other vegetables work?
Try asparagus, peas or bell peppers. Cut them similar size to cook evenly with the pasta.
- → Can I use different pasta?
Any medium pasta shape works well. Rotini, fusilli or farfalle hold sauce nicely.
- → Why is my sauce too thick?
Save some pasta water before draining. Add a splash to thin sauce if needed when combining.
- → Can I make it lighter?
Use half and half instead of heavy cream. The sauce won't be as rich but still tastes great.
Conclusion
A delightful one-pan meal that brings together tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy parmesan sauce. This recipe is designed for quick preparation and maximum flavor, making it ideal for busy families seeking a satisfying dinner solution.