Cavatelli With Chicken And Broccoli
Savory cavatelli pasta combined with tender chicken and vibrant broccoli creates a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil and cook the cavatelli according to package instructions.
- Meanwhile, season the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper if desired.
- Dredge the chicken strips in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken strips and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add broccoli florets and cook until tender, about 4-5 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Drain the cooked cavatelli and add it to the skillet, tossing to combine everything thoroughly.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta mixture and toss again before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a gluten-free option, consider using gluten-free cavatelli or another pasta type. You can substitute the chicken cutlets with turkey or vegetarian options like tofu or tempeh for variety. Fresh broccoli can be replaced with frozen if necessary, though fresh often provides better texture. Don't skip the garlic; it adds essential flavor to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh black pepper. It pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or garlic bread. For a heartier meal, consider serving alongside roasted Italian chicken or a side of sautéed spinach.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying out and microwave until heated through, or reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cavatelli With Chicken And Broccoli contains roughly 469 calories, with 10g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is a good source of protein (19% of the Daily Value) and iron (17% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh chicken instead of frozen cutlets?
Yes, fresh chicken cutlets can be used instead of frozen. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly as fresh chicken may cook quicker. Ensure it's cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
What can I use instead of chicken broth?
You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option, or even use a homemade broth if you have it on hand. Alternatively, water with a bit of seasoning can work as a last resort, though it may lack depth of flavor.
How can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
You can easily add more vegetables by including bell peppers, zucchini, or snap peas. Simply sauté them along with the broccoli for a colorful and nutritious addition. This not only enhances the dish visually but also increases the overall flavor and nutrition.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).