why make this recipe
Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rotini is a dish that combines comfort and nutrition. It’s not only delicious, but also easy to prepare. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and fresh broccoli create a perfect balance. This recipe is great for busy weeknights or any family gathering. Plus, it is a complete meal that your loved ones will enjoy.
how to make Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rotini
Ingredients
- 200g rotini pasta
- 1 tbsp salt (for pasta water)
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 200ml heavy cream
- 50g grated cheddar or Parmesan
- 150g broccoli florets
- Salt & pepper to taste
Directions
- Boil the pasta: Start by cooking the rotini in a big pot of salted boiling water until it’s al dente, about 8–9 minutes. Toss the broccoli florets into the pot for the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Sauté the diced chicken for about 6–7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Build the sauce: Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. Pour in heavy cream and stir in grated cheese. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until it becomes creamy.
- Combine everything: Toss your drained pasta and broccoli into the sauce, making sure everything is well-coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot: Dish it up in bowls and sprinkle extra black pepper on top if desired. Enjoy every creamy bite!
how to serve Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rotini
Serve Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rotini in warm bowls. You can add some extra cheese or a sprinkle of black pepper on top for a finishing touch. This dish is perfect on its own or accompanied by a light salad or garlic bread.
how to store Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rotini
To store the leftovers, let the creamy pasta cool to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 3–4 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or milk if needed.
tips to make Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rotini
- Use fresh broccoli for the best flavor and nutrition.
- You can adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more or less heavy cream.
- If you want extra flavor, try adding herbs like basil or parsley.
- For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
variation
You can customize this recipe by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. For a lighter version, use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. You can also substitute chicken with shrimp or cooked sausage for a different protein option.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just add it to the pot while the pasta is cooking, and it will work perfectly.
Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add spice, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce while cooking.
Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rotini
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 200 g rotini pasta Use whole wheat or gluten-free for a lighter version.
- 1 tbsp salt For pasta water.
For the Chicken and Sauce
- 2 pieces chicken breasts, diced Substitute with shrimp or sausage for a different protein.
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 200 ml heavy cream Substitute with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- 50 g grated cheddar or Parmesan Add more for extra cheesiness.
- 150 g broccoli florets Fresh is better for flavor and nutrition.
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
Boil the Pasta
- Start by cooking the rotini in a big pot of salted boiling water until it's al dente, about 8–9 minutes.
- Toss the broccoli florets into the pot for the last 3 minutes of cooking.
- Drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
- Sauté the diced chicken for about 6–7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.
Build the Sauce
- Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir in grated cheese.
- Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until it becomes creamy.
Combine Everything
- Toss your drained pasta and broccoli into the sauce, making sure everything is well-coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve Hot
- Dish it up in bowls and sprinkle extra black pepper on top if desired.
- Enjoy every creamy bite!