One-Pot Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
In short: Chicken, broccoli and short pasta cook together in garlicky stock and milk, finished with cheddar for a creamy sauce. One pot, no draining. It takes about 35 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Total
- 35 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 640 kcal
The pasta cooks directly in the sauce here, so its starch thickens the liquid into something creamy without a roux or a lot of cream. Chicken is seared first, then simmered with penne in stock and milk, and broccoli goes in near the end so it stays green. Cheese is stirred in off the heat. It is a family dinner that fits in one pot and about 30 minutes. Use any short pasta shape you have.
Instructions
- Season the chicken with half the salt and the pepper. Heat the oil in a large, deep skillet or wide pot over medium-high heat and brown the chicken for 3 minutes per side. Move it to a plate.
- Add the onion to the pan and cook for 3 minutes. Add the garlic for 30 seconds.
- Pour in the stock and milk, add the mustard and the remaining salt and bring to a boil. Stir in the pasta.
- Reduce to a steady simmer and cook uncovered for 8 minutes, stirring often so the pasta does not stick.
- Add the broccoli and the chicken with its juices. Simmer for 5 to 6 minutes more, until the pasta is tender, the broccoli is bright green and the chicken reads 74°C (165°F).
- Take the pan off the heat. Stir in the cheddar and Parmesan until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Let it stand for 3 minutes to thicken, then serve.
Tips
- Stir often while the pasta simmers. The starch thickens the sauce, but it also sticks to the pan if left alone.
- Add a spoonful of cream cheese for a richer sauce, or a splash more milk for a looser one. Peas or spinach can replace the broccoli.
Questions and answers
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, though gluten-free pasta can turn soft in a one-pot method. Choose a sturdy corn or rice blend, cook it 2 minutes less than the package suggests and add the liquid gradually.
Can I make creamy chicken pasta ahead of time?
The sauce thickens as it sits. Refrigerate for up to 3 days and reheat with a splash of milk or stock in a covered pan.
Can I freeze it?
It is better not to, because the dairy sauce can separate when thawed. Cook a half batch and eat leftovers within 3 days instead.
How long does it take to make One-Pot Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta?
About 35 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 25 min of cooking.
How many calories are in One-Pot Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta?
About 640 kcal per serving, with 49 g of protein, 57 g of carbohydrates and 24 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 640 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 49 g |
| Carbohydrates | 57 g |
| Fat | 24 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 9 g |
| Sodium | 1000 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
