Description: This recipe brings together tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta in a luxuriously creamy sauce, all cooked in a single pan for easy cleanup. It’s a family-friendly meal that’s quick enough for a weeknight but satisfying enough for a weekend dinner.
Why you will love this recipe: Say goodbye to endless pots and pans! This one-pan wonder minimizes dishwashing while maximizing flavor. The creamy sauce, brightened with lemon and mint, coats every strand of pasta and chunk of chicken and broccoli, creating a harmonious and delicious meal. It’s also incredibly versatile – feel free to swap out the vegetables, cheese, or herbs to suit your preferences. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes!
Introduction
In today’s busy world, finding time to prepare healthy and delicious meals can feel like a monumental task. Juggling work, family, and other commitments often leaves us reaching for convenience foods that lack both nutritional value and the comforting flavors we crave. That’s where this Creamy One-Pan Chicken & Broccoli Pasta comes in. This recipe is designed to be a lifesaver on those hectic weeknights when time is of the essence.
The beauty of one-pan cooking lies in its simplicity and efficiency. By cooking everything together in a single pan, you not only reduce the amount of cleanup required but also allow the flavors to meld and deepen as the ingredients simmer together. The pasta absorbs the rich chicken broth, creating a naturally creamy sauce without the need for heavy cream or complicated techniques.
This recipe features tender pieces of cooked chicken, which you can easily use leftover from a roast or grill, making it an excellent way to utilize leftovers and reduce food waste. The broccoli adds a pop of color and a boost of vitamins, while the frozen peas contribute sweetness and tenderness. The crème fraîche provides a luxurious creaminess that coats the pasta beautifully, and the lemon juice adds a refreshing zest that balances the richness. Finally, the Parmesan cheese contributes a salty, savory depth, and the fresh mint brightens the entire dish with its aromatic fragrance.
This Creamy One-Pan Chicken & Broccoli Pasta is a customizable canvas for your culinary creativity. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, cheeses, and herbs to create a dish that perfectly suits your taste preferences. You can also adjust the amount of liquid used to achieve your desired sauce consistency. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your weeknight rotation. Get ready to enjoy a satisfying and flavorful meal that’s quick, easy, and delightfully delicious!
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil, for frying
- 200g cooked chicken, torn into pieces
- 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1 chicken stock cube
- 160g dried short pasta (such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
- 100g frozen peas
- 200g long-stem broccoli, cut into 3-4 pieces (or regular broccoli florets)
- 150g crème fraîche
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 30g parmesan, grated, plus extra to serve
- Small bunch fresh mint, leaves picked
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat
Preparation:
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil and Sauté Chicken and Garlic. Drizzle the olive oil into a large, high-sided frying pan (or Dutch oven) set over medium heat. Make sure the pan is wide enough to accommodate all the ingredients without overcrowding. Once the oil is shimmering, add the torn cooked chicken and thinly sliced garlic. Sauté for approximately 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is lightly browned and the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. This step infuses the oil with the flavors of the chicken and garlic, laying the foundation for a flavorful sauce. Using pre-cooked chicken is key to the speed of this recipe. Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut!
Step 2: Add Water, Stock Cube, Pasta, and Seasoning. Pour in 900ml of boiling water into the pan, ensuring it’s hot to speed up the cooking process. Add the chicken stock cube, dried pasta, and a generous pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well to dissolve the stock cube and ensure the pasta is evenly distributed in the water. The seasoning at this stage is crucial for developing the overall flavor of the dish. You can add more seasoning later, but this initial addition helps to infuse the pasta and sauce with flavor.
Step 3: Simmer Covered for 8 Minutes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pan tightly with a lid and simmer for 8 minutes. This step allows the pasta to cook through while absorbing the flavorful chicken broth. The covered simmering process helps to retain moisture and creates a naturally creamy sauce. Be sure to check on the pasta occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
Step 4: Add Peas and Broccoli and Continue Simmering. After 4 minutes of the total simmering time, remove the lid and stir in the frozen peas and broccoli pieces. Replace the lid and continue simmering for the remaining 4 minutes. Adding the vegetables halfway through ensures they are cooked through but still retain their vibrant color and slightly crisp texture. If the pasta is looking dry, add a splash more water to prevent it from sticking to the pan. You might need to slightly increase the heat to bring the mixture back up to a simmer after adding the vegetables.
Step 5: Stir in Crème Fraîche, Lemon Juice, Parmesan, and Mint. After the 8 minutes are up, remove the lid and reduce the heat to low. Stir in the crème fraîche until it is fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the lemon juice, grated Parmesan cheese, and freshly picked mint leaves. The lemon juice brightens the sauce, the Parmesan adds a salty, savory depth, and the mint brings a refreshing aromatic note.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve immediately in bowls, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh mint.
- Pair with a side salad for a complete and balanced meal. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette would complement the richness of the pasta.
- Crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious creamy sauce.
- A glass of crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, would be a delightful accompaniment.
Tips:
- Pasta Type: Use a short pasta shape that will hold the sauce well, such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Avoid long pasta shapes like spaghetti or linguine, as they may not cook evenly in a one-pan setting.
- Broccoli Preparation: Cut the broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces for even cooking. You can use either long-stem broccoli or regular broccoli florets.
- Crème Fraîche Substitute: If you don’t have crème fraîche, you can substitute it with sour cream or Greek yogurt. However, these alternatives may slightly alter the taste and texture of the sauce. Add a tablespoon of milk if the substitute is too thick.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or even a sprinkle of crumbled goat cheese.
- Vegetable Additions: You can add other vegetables to the dish, such as chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. Add them along with the peas and broccoli for best results.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Make Ahead: While best served fresh, you can prepare this pasta ahead of time and reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.
- Chicken variation You can also use grilled or baked chicken breast or thigh.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
18 minutes
Total Time:
28 minutes
Nutritional Information (Approximate):
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
- Calories: 550-650 per serving
- Protein: 35-45g
- Sodium: 500-700mg
Conclusion
This Creamy One-Pan Chicken & Broccoli Pasta is a testament to the fact that delicious and satisfying meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With its simple ingredients, streamlined cooking process, and customizable nature, this recipe is a guaranteed winner for busy weeknights and beyond. So, ditch the takeout menus and embrace the ease and flavor of this one-pan wonder. Your taste buds (and your dishwasher) will thank you!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: Can I use leftover cooked chicken for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for using up leftover cooked chicken, whether it’s from a roast, grill, or rotisserie chicken. Using pre-cooked chicken significantly reduces the cooking time and makes this a quick and efficient meal. Just make sure the chicken is shredded or torn into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the pan.
Q2: Can I use different types of pasta?
A: Yes, you can use different types of short pasta, such as penne, fusilli, rotini, or farfalle. The key is to use a pasta shape that will hold the sauce well. Avoid using long pasta shapes like spaghetti or linguine, as they may not cook evenly in a one-pan setting. Also, be mindful of different pasta cooking times and adjust the simmering time accordingly.
Q3: Can I substitute the crème fraîche?
A: If you don’t have crème fraîche, you can substitute it with sour cream or Greek yogurt. However, these alternatives may slightly alter the taste and texture of the sauce. Sour cream will add a slightly tangy flavor, while Greek yogurt will add a thicker consistency. If using sour cream or Greek yogurt, you may want to add a tablespoon or two of milk to thin out the sauce.
Q4: Can I add other vegetables to the recipe?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile, and you can easily add other vegetables to suit your preferences. Some good options include chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes. Add the vegetables along with the peas and broccoli during the simmering process. Be mindful of the cooking times of different vegetables and adjust the simmering time accordingly.
Q5: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the chicken and substituting it with other protein sources, such as chickpeas, cannellini beans, or tofu. You can also add extra vegetables, such as mushrooms or roasted red peppers, to make it a more substantial vegetarian meal. Ensure you use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for a fully vegetarian dish.
