Chicken, Broccoli, and Tomato Pasta Recipe

Welcome to my kitchen, where I will be sharing with you one of my favorite pasta recipes – Chicken, Broccoli, and Tomato Pasta. This dish is a perfect combination of tender chicken, fresh broccoli florets, and juicy cherry tomatoes, all mixed in a savory sauce made with garlic, onion, and red wine.

I have always believed that food should not only be delicious but also nutritious, and this pasta dish is the perfect example of that. It is a great way to incorporate vegetables into your diet while still enjoying a hearty and satisfying meal.

The best part about this recipe is its versatility. Whether you have a busy weeknight or a lazy Sunday afternoon, this dish can be made in under 30 minutes and is perfect for any occasion. It is also a great way to use up any leftover chicken or vegetables you may have in your fridge.

So, let’s grab our aprons and get started on this delicious and wholesome Chicken, Broccoli, and Tomato Pasta recipe. I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Looking for a comforting and delicious meal that will satisfy your cravings and keep you full for hours? Look no further than this Chicken, Broccoli, and Tomato Pasta recipe! There are so many reasons why you’ll love this dish, from its hearty and filling ingredients to its deliciously savory sauce.

First and foremost, this dish is packed with nutritious ingredients that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized. The boneless skinless chicken thighs add a boost of protein, while the broccoli and diced tomatoes provide essential vitamins and minerals. And let’s not forget about the rigatoni pasta, which adds a satisfying texture and helps keep you full for hours.

But it’s not just the ingredients that make this recipe so irresistible – it’s also the deliciously savory sauce. Made with olive oil, garlic, red wine, and a blend of dried herbs, this sauce is the perfect complement to the chicken and veggies. And don’t forget about the finishing touch – a sprinkle of freshly grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese on top.

Not only is this dish delicious and nutritious, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can easily swap out the chicken thighs for chicken breast or even smoked chicken, and you can use penne or fusilli pasta instead of rigatoni. You can also experiment with different veggies, like grape tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes, to create a unique flavor profile.

So whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal to enjoy on a chilly evening, this Chicken, Broccoli, and Tomato Pasta recipe is the perfect choice. It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and packed with flavor and nutrition. So what are you waiting for? Give it a try and see for yourself why this dish is sure to become a new family favorite!

Ingredient List

Here are all the ingredients you will need to make this Chicken, Broccoli, and Tomato Pasta Recipe:

For the Chicken and Broccoli Pasta:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 pound broccoli florets
• 1 pound rigatoni pasta
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 can of diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
• 1 pint of cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 cup of red wine
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon of dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese for serving

For the Chicken and Tomato Pasta:

• 1 pound chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 1 pound penne pasta
• 1 can of diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
• 1 pint of grape tomatoes
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup of red wine
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon of dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese for serving

For the Creamy Chicken Pasta:

• 1 pound of penne pasta
• 1 pound of smoked chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup of sun-dried tomatoes
• 1/2 cup of grape tomatoes
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup of cream cheese
• 1/2 cup of basil pesto
• 1/2 cup of chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese for serving

You can find all of these ingredients at your local grocery store. Make sure to check your pantry before heading to the store to avoid buying something you already have.

The Recipe How-To

Preparation

First, gather all of your ingredients. Make sure you have all the ingredients listed in the Ingredient list.

Begin by preparing the pasta according to the package directions. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water.

Cooking the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Once the oil is heated, add thinly sliced chicken breasts to the skillet. Season the chicken with kosher salt and black pepper. Cook the chicken until it’s golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Cooking the Broccoli Tomato Sauce

In the same skillet used to cook the chicken, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, minced garlic, and diced onion. Cook the garlic and onion until they become fragrant and the onion becomes translucent. Add broccoli florets to the skillet and cook them until they become bright green and slightly tender, which should take about 3-5 minutes.

Next, add diced tomatoes and cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook the tomatoes until they begin to burst and release their juices. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Add dried oregano and dried basil to the skillet, along with a pinch of sugar. Stir everything together and let the sauce cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Bringing It All Together

Once the sauce has cooked, add the cooked pasta and the reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the sauce. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and toss everything together once again.

Serving the Dish

Serve the dish hot with a sprinkle of parmigiano-reggiano cheese on top. This dish pairs well with a side salad and a glass of red wine. Enjoy!

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about this chicken, broccoli, and tomato pasta recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily make substitutions and variations to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

– Protein: Instead of chicken thighs, you can use chicken breast or even tofu for a vegetarian version. If you’re not a fan of broccoli, try adding some cooked shrimp or sliced sausage for added protein.

– Pasta: While rigatoni is a great choice for this dish, you can use any type of pasta you have on hand. Penne, fusilli, or rotini pasta would all work well. For a gluten-free option, try using chickpea or lentil pasta.

– Vegetables: If you don’t have broccoli, you can use other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach. Cherry tomatoes can be substituted with sundried tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes.

– Sauce: To switch up the flavor profile, you can add some cream cheese or basil pesto to the tomato sauce. Sun-dried tomato pesto would also be a great addition.

– Cheese: Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese is a classic choice for pasta dishes, but you can also use other types of cheese like feta, goat cheese, or even cheddar.

Feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own. The possibilities are endless!

Serving and Pairing

This Chicken, Broccoli, and Tomato Pasta Recipe is a hearty and delicious meal that can be served on its own or paired with other dishes for a complete dinner. The best part about this recipe is that it is versatile and can be served hot or cold, making it perfect for any season.

To serve, I recommend garnishing with some freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and a sprinkle of dried oregano or basil for added flavor. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad dressed with a vinaigrette or a side of garlic bread.

If you’re looking to make this recipe a complete meal, you can pair it with a glass of red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Chianti. The richness of the pasta and the acidity of the tomatoes and broccoli complement these wines quite well.

For a lighter option, you can pair this dish with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. The acidity of these wines will help cut through the richness of the pasta and bring out the flavors of the chicken and vegetables.

Overall, this Chicken, Broccoli, and Tomato Pasta Recipe is a versatile and satisfying meal that can be paired with a variety of sides and drinks to make it a complete dining experience.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

This Chicken, Broccoli, and Tomato Pasta recipe is a fantastic make-ahead meal that can be easily stored and reheated. To make it ahead of time, simply cook the pasta according to the package directions 7-8 minutes before it reaches al dente. Drain it and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss it with a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent it from sticking together, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.

When you’re ready to serve, heat a pan over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Add the cooked pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if it seems dry. Then add the chicken, broccoli, and tomato mixture and stir until everything is heated through.

If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave it for a few minutes until it’s heated through, or reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if it seems dry.

One thing to keep in mind is that the pasta will absorb some of the sauce as it sits, so you may need to add a little more chicken broth or water when reheating. You can also add a splash of cream or a dollop of cream cheese to the pasta when reheating to make it creamier.

Overall, this Chicken, Broccoli, and Tomato Pasta recipe is a great option for busy weeknights or for meal prepping ahead of time. It’s easy to store and reheat, and the flavors only get better as it sits. So go ahead and give it a try!

Tips for Perfect Results

Now that we’ve gone through the ingredient list and recipe how-to, let’s talk about some tips to ensure perfect results for this chicken, broccoli, and tomato pasta recipe.

1. Cook the pasta al dente

Cook the pasta according to the package directions, but make sure to cook it al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and ruin the texture of the dish.

2. Season the chicken well

Seasoning the chicken with kosher salt and black pepper before cooking is essential for adding flavor to the dish. Make sure to get both sides of the chicken and rub the seasoning in well.

3. Use fresh broccoli and cherry tomatoes

Using fresh broccoli and cherry tomatoes will give the dish a bright and vibrant flavor. Make sure to cut the broccoli florets into small bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

4. Don’t overcrowd the pan

When cooking the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This will cause the chicken to steam instead of sear, resulting in a less crispy exterior.

5. Add the garlic and onion towards the end

Garlic and onion can easily burn, which will result in a bitter taste. Add them towards the end of cooking the chicken and broccoli to prevent burning.

6. Use freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese has a stronger and more robust flavor than pre-grated cheese. It also melts better, resulting in a creamier and more delicious sauce.

7. Let the pasta and sauce simmer together

After adding the pasta to the sauce, let it simmer together for a few minutes to allow the pasta to absorb the flavors of the sauce. This will result in a more flavorful dish overall.

8. Top with fresh basil and extra Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

Adding fresh basil and extra Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese on top of the dish before serving will add an extra layer of flavor and texture. Plus, it makes the dish look more appetizing and appealing.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your chicken, broccoli, and tomato pasta turns out perfectly every time.

FAQ

Now that we’ve explored all the details of how to make this delicious Chicken, Broccoli, and Tomato Pasta recipe, let’s address some common questions and concerns that you may have. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers that can help you achieve the best results when cooking this dish.

What is Chicken and broccoli sauce made of?

When it comes to making a flavorful stir-fry, the sauce is key. For chicken and broccoli stir-fry, the basic sauce consists of a blend of ingredients that create a delicious balance of sweet, salty, and savory flavors. The sauce includes fragrant aromatics like ginger and garlic, combined with both dark and regular soy sauces, sesame oil, oyster sauce, sugar, Chinese rice wine, and a touch of white pepper. To ensure the sauce coats the chicken and broccoli nicely, cornstarch is added to thicken it up.

Does Chicken go in pasta?

No doubt about it, chicken is a perfect match for pasta. Including this lean protein into any pasta dish is an excellent way to make it more filling and nutritious. Whether you decide to cook the chicken together with the pasta or add it as a topping to grilled or sauteed chicken, it will undoubtedly enhance the taste and nutritional value of your pasta dish. As a chef, I highly recommend incorporating chicken into your pasta recipes.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, this Chicken, Broccoli, and Tomato Pasta recipe is a must-try for pasta lovers and those looking for a wholesome and delicious meal. With its combination of savory chicken, tender broccoli, and juicy tomatoes, this dish promises to leave you feeling satisfied and fulfilled. The recipe is easy to follow, adaptable to your preferences, and works well as a make-ahead meal or a quick weeknight dinner.

Whether you are cooking for yourself, your family, or a group of friends, this Chicken, Broccoli, and Tomato Pasta recipe is sure to impress. So head to your kitchen and give it a try. You won’t be disappointed!

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