Joy'S Pasta With Chicken And Broccoli
Joy's Pasta with Chicken and Broccoli combines tender chicken, crisp broccoli, sun-dried tomatoes, and a flavorful garlic wine sauce, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil ⓘ
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch wide strips ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups small broccoli florets ⓘ
- 3/4 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves ⓘ
- pinch red pepper flakes
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1/4 cup dry white wine ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/2 pound bow tie pasta, cooked according to package directions and drained ⓘ
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Saute the garlic for about 1 minute until golden, stirring constantly.
- Add chicken strips and saute until white and almost completely cooked.
- Add the broccoli and saute until crisp-tender.
- Add the sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in the white wine and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Add the chicken broth and butter, then cook for about 3 to 5 minutes or until heated through, stirring occasionally.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the chicken mixture.
- Serve with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and basil for 30 minutes before cooking. If fresh broccoli is unavailable, you can use frozen florets—just adjust cooking time. Substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option. If you prefer a creamier sauce, stir in some heavy cream at the end. This dish makes a great companion to Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs wonderfully with a light white wine, such as Pinot Grigio. For an Italian flavor twist, consider serving it alongside a small bowl of Prima Pasta Salad. You can also top it with extra grated Parmesan and fresh basil for a fresh touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Joy'S Pasta With Chicken And Broccoli contains roughly 1092 calories, with 24g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 89g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (128% of the Daily Value), protein (49% of the Daily Value), and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1018mg per serving (44% 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 a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While bow tie pasta is traditional, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or fusilli. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the type of pasta you choose.
Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and replace it with your choice of vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. You can also add chickpeas or a plant-based protein for added texture and protein.
What can I do if I don't have sun-dried tomatoes?
If you don't have sun-dried tomatoes, you can substitute them with fresh tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes. For a similar flavor profile, consider adding a bit of tomato paste or roasted red peppers to the dish for a hint of sweetness.
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).