Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Delight
45
min
429
Calories
24g
Fats
45g
Carbs
26g
Protein
Looking for a homely, comforting meal that wraps you up like a warm hug? This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Delight is just what you need. It’s a mouthwatering combination of tender chicken and fresh broccoli, tossed in perfectly cooked pasta, and brought together with a hint of basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. A dish that promises not just to satisfy your hunger but to fill you with a sense of warmth and comfort.
Ingredients:
Step 1: Preparing the Skillet
Start by grabbing a large skillet and placing it over medium heat; add 2 tablespoons of cooking oil and let it heat up. This initial step is crucial for ensuring that the rest of the ingredients cook evenly and don’t stick to the pan. Making sure the oil is heated properly will make sautéing the garlic a breeze and avoid that unfortunate burnt garlic taste. Remember, a well-prepared skillet is the foundation of a flavorful dish!
Pro Tip: To test if the oil is ready, flick a drop of water into the pan; if it sizzles, it’s ready.
Step 2: Sautéing Garlic
With the oil heated, it’s time to add 2 cloves of minced garlic into the skillet. Stir constantly for about one minute - this is a crucial step to ensure that the garlic releases its aroma without burning. Burnt garlic can give a bitter taste, which we definitely don’t want in our dish. This step will infuse the oil with garlic flavor, acting as a flavor base for the chicken and broccoli that will be added later.
Pro Tip: Keep the garlic moving to prevent burning.
Step 3: Cooking Chicken
Once the garlic is fragrant and slightly golden, it’s time to add 1 pound of cubed chicken breast to the skillet. Stir occasionally until the chicken is well-done, which should take around 5-7 minutes, depending on the size of the cubes. The goal here is to get the chicken pieces browned and cooked through without overcooking them. After all, we want our chicken to be tender and juicy, not dry and tough!
Pro Tip: Cut chicken into even sizes for uniform cooking.
Step 4: Adding Broccoli
Next, introduce 2 cups of broccoli florets into the mix. Continue cooking until the broccoli is crisp but tender - about 3 to 4 minutes. This will bring a beautiful green color and a fresh, slightly crunchy texture to our dish, creating a delightful contrast with the chicken. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies for those picky eaters at home!
Pro Tip: For an extra crunch, don’t overcook the broccoli.
Step 5: Creating the Sauce
Now, for the magical touch that brings the dish together: add 1/4 cup of basil leaves, a teaspoon of red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste, along with 1/2 cup each of white wine and chicken broth to the skillet. Let it cook for about 5 minutes. This step not only deglazes the pan, picking up all the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom, but also creates a heavenly sauce that will coat our pasta beautifully.
Pro Tip: The wine and broth will reduce, intensifying the flavors.
Step 6: Tossing Pasta
With our sauce ready, it’s time to bring in 8 ounces of cooked and drained pasta. Toss everything well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce and mixed with the chicken and broccoli. Let it heat through for 1 to 2 minutes. This is the moment where every ingredient gets to know each other, bringing their flavors together in perfect harmony.
Pro Tip: Use a pair of tongs to toss the pasta easily.
Step 7: Serving
It’s finally time to serve this culinary masterpiece. Dish out generous portions onto plates and, if desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. This final touch adds a hint of saltiness and rounds off the flavors beautifully. There’s something truly satisfying about seeing this dish come together, ready to be enjoyed by your loved ones.
Pro Tip: Serve hot for the best experience.
