Description
Creamy chicken broccoli pasta brings comfort and flavor to your dinner table. Parmesan-kissed sauce, tender chicken, and crisp broccoli create a perfect harmony that will satisfy your weeknight craving.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 lb (450 g) broccoli florets
- 8 oz (250 g) rigatoni or your choice of short pasta
Dairy and Flavoring Ingredients:
- 1 cup (250 ml) half and half (single cream)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup (40 g) grated Parmesan
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Aromatic and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ⅓ cup (75 ml) dry white wine
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
- ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
Instructions
- Prepare a generously salted water bath in a large pot, bringing it to a rolling boil. Immerse the pasta and cook according to package guidelines until it reaches a perfectly tender al dente texture. During the final moments of pasta cooking, introduce broccoli florets to gently steam. Carefully extract and set aside a portion of the starchy cooking liquid before draining.
- Meanwhile, warm a blend of olive oil and butter in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. Sear the chicken until thoroughly cooked, developing a golden exterior and ensuring complete internal doneness. Transfer the chicken to a holding plate.
- In the same skillet, now infused with residual flavors, sauté the finely chopped onions until they become translucent and soft. Introduce minced garlic, allowing it to release its aromatic essence without scorching.
- Deglaze the skillet with a splash of dry white wine, using a wooden spoon to lift the caramelized bits from the pan’s surface. This process intensifies the dish’s flavor profile. Incorporate fragrant thyme and a hint of chili flakes for subtle heat. Pour in the creamy half and half, allowing the mixture to gently simmer and reduce, creating a luxurious sauce.
- Reunite the cooked pasta and steamed broccoli with the sauce, thoroughly coating each ingredient. If the sauce appears too dense, gradually introduce the reserved pasta water to achieve the ideal consistency. Fold in freshly grated Parmesan, creating a silky texture. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Plate the pasta, presenting it with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and a delicate garnish of fresh thyme leaves. This dish promises a harmonious blend of creamy, savory, and herbaceous notes that will tantalize the palate and provide ultimate comfort.
Notes
- Pasta water becomes a secret weapon for controlling sauce thickness, ensuring perfect coating on every bite.
- Skillet technique transforms simple ingredients into a flavor-packed culinary adventure, building depth through strategic cooking stages.
- Deglazing with wine creates magical moments, lifting stuck pan bits to elevate the entire dish’s taste profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg