Chicken and broccoli pasta
Chicken and broccoli pasta is a balanced weeknight dinner with golden chicken, tender broccoli and a lemony parmesan finish. It serves three and takes 25 minutes. The broccoli cooks in the pasta water, so there is one less pan to wash.
- 25 minTotal time
- 3Servings
- 490kcal / serving
- 35 gProtein
The science: why this works
Why the broccoli goes in for 3 minutes
Three minutes in boiling water softens broccoli but keeps it bright green. Cooking longer turns it dull and mushy as the color pigments break down. Adding it near the end saves a pan too.
Learn: Keeping greens bright →Why chicken must reach 165°F (74°C)
Chicken is safe once the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C). The juices should run clear with no pink. Turning it now and then browns it evenly and keeps it from drying out.
Learn: Cooking juicy chicken breast →Why garlic goes in at the end
Garlic burns fast in a hot pan. Adding it for just 30 seconds at the end gives flavor without bitterness. The residual heat of the pasta finishes the job.
Learn: Start garlic in cold oil →Chicken and broccoli pasta
25 minutes · 3 servings · Italian · Main course
Ingredients
Makes 3 servings
- 250 gpasta
- 250 gchicken breast, cut into 2 cm pieces
- 200 gbroccoli, cut into small florets
- 2 clovesgarlic, chopped
- 30 gparmesan, grated
- 1 tbspolive oil
- ½lemon
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 2 lwater, for boiling
Method
Tips for the best result
- Cut the chicken into even, bite-size pieces so it cooks at the same pace.
- Use a thermometer and check that the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Save a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Swaps
- Swap broccoli for green beans or asparagus, with similar cooking time.
- Swap parmesan for pecorino for a sharper bite.
- Swap chicken breast for chicken thigh, which stays juicier, and cook until 165°F (74°C).
Storing and reheating
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and eat within 3 to 4 days. Reheat to 165°F (74°C) with a splash of water. Freezing is possible but the broccoli softens.
Chicken and broccoli pasta: questions
How do you keep chicken breast from drying out?
Cut it into even pieces and cook just until it reaches 165°F (74°C). Turning it now and then helps it brown without overcooking. Pulling it right at temperature keeps it juicy.
Can I cook the broccoli with the pasta?
Yes, add it for the last 3 minutes of the pasta cooking time. This keeps it tender and bright green and saves washing a pan. Drain both together.
How do I know the chicken is cooked through?
It should be golden, with no pink inside, juices running clear and a thermometer reading of 165°F (74°C). Cut a piece open to check if needed.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli works and can go in for the last 3 minutes too. It may be a bit softer. Drain well.
