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Knorr four cheese pasta recipes is a simple, hearty dish combining tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and pasta tossed in a light Parmesan and garlic sauce. This 30-minute meal is perfect for busy weeknights, yielding four satisfying servings. The balance of protein, veggies, and rich flavor makes it both nutritious and deeply comforting.
One rainy Portland evening, I came home with a bag of fresh market broccoli and decided to pair it with chicken and pasta for a quick weeknight meal. What came out of my skillet was so vibrant and grounding, it’s now on regular rotation at my dinner table.
Table of Contents
- Why is Easy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta so popular?
- What ingredients do you need for Easy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta?
- How do you make Easy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta step by step?
- Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
- Expert Tips for Perfecting This Pasta
- Easy Ingredient Swaps for This Recipe
- How to Store and Reheat Easy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
Why is Easy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta so popular?
This dish is a family-friendly classic because it seamlessly combines simplicity, speed, and bold flavors. A balanced mix of protein, vegetables, and perfectly cooked pasta creates both comfort and nourishment in every bite.
- Quick Preparation: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights when you want something homemade without a long prep time.
- Nutritious Ingredients: The combination of lean chicken and fresh broccoli delivers protein, fiber, and essential vitamins in a single plate.
- Customizable Flavor: The light garlic Parmesan sauce is easy to tweak—add a pinch of chili flakes for heat or extra lemon juice for brightness.
- Minimal Cleanup: This recipe comes together in one skillet after boiling your pasta, making post-dinner cleanup a breeze.
What ingredients do you need for Easy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta?
This recipe uses fresh, wholesome ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying meal. Every component plays an important role in the dish’s balance of texture and taste.
- 8 ounces of pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
The grated Parmesan cheese melts into the sauce, adding richness and depth, while the lemon juice brightens the flavors for a balanced finish.
How do you make Easy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta step by step?
This recipe is straightforward and comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy day when time is short but flavor is essential.
Step 1 — Cook the Pasta
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain it well and set aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
You might also enjoy our creamy lemon chicken pasta with.
Step 2 — Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
Step 3 — Add Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Step 4 — Cook the Broccoli
Stir in the broccoli florets and chicken broth. Cover the skillet and let the broccoli steam for about 5 minutes, until it’s tender but still bright green.
Step 5 — Combine Ingredients
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and lemon juice until the cheese is melted and the pasta is evenly coated.
For more ideas, check out our how this chicken and broccoli.
Step 6 — Serve
Serve the pasta warm. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese if desired for an extra touch of flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute frozen broccoli. Simply thaw it beforehand and pat it dry to avoid adding extra moisture to the dish.
What’s the best pasta type for this recipe?
Penne or fusilli are excellent due to their ability to hold onto the sauce. However, any short pasta shape like farfalle or rotini will also work well.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, use a plant-based Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Looking for something similar? Try our fuel your fire: the high.
How can I add more flavor?
You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes, extra garlic, or fresh herbs like parsley or basil for additional depth and brightness.
Expert Tips for Perfecting This Pasta
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep the pasta al dente, as it will absorb some of the sauce and continue to soften slightly.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Grate the cheese yourself for the best flavor and a creamy texture that melts beautifully into the sauce.
- Season as You Go: Taste at every step and adjust the salt, pepper, or lemon juice to balance the flavors perfectly.
- Cook the Chicken Thoroughly: Ensure the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F) before combining it with the other ingredients.
Easy Ingredient Swaps for This Recipe
- Swap Chicken for Shrimp: Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist. Sauté the shrimp until pink and opaque, being careful not to overcook.
- Replace Broccoli with Asparagus: If you don’t have broccoli, chopped asparagus spears make a great stand-in and cook quickly.
- Use Gluten-Free Pasta: Swap regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free brand without compromising texture or flavor.
How to Store and Reheat Easy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent it from drying out.
To freeze, store portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating as directed above.
Easy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
Equipment
- large skillet
- pot for boiling pasta
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
- cutting board
- knife
Ingredients
- 8 ounce pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 cup fresh broccoli florets
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- salt (to taste)
- pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the broccoli florets and chicken broth. Cover the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and lemon juice until the cheese is melted and everything is well coated.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
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