Pasta With Chicken And Broccoli

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Italian

A quick, flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken and crisp broccoli tossed in garlic and parsley, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 lb. spaghetti
  • 1/4 c. safflower oil
  • 6 small cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 bunches broccoli, cut into small pieces
  • 3 whole chicken breasts, cut into strips
  • 3/4 c. chopped parsley
  • black pepper

Instructions

  1. Boil spaghetti until al dente; drain.
  2. Heat safflower oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add broccoli and minced garlic; saute for 3 minutes, then transfer to a heated dish.
  4. Add chicken strips to the skillet and saute until no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
  5. Toss cooked pasta with broccoli and chicken in the skillet.
  6. Garnish with chopped parsley.
  7. Sprinkle with black pepper and serve.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavors, consider adding red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. If you don't have safflower oil, olive oil works as a great substitute. For a heartier dish, feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or carrots. To make it lighter, you can replace pasta with zoodles in this Pasta And Broccoli recipe.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is delightful on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For an Italian twist, serve alongside a glass of white wine. You can also top it with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor, making it a perfect addition to your repertoire of chicken recipes.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. You can also microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Pasta With Chicken And Broccoli contains roughly 1145 calories, with 47g protein, 146g carbohydrates, and 61g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (227% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (124% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 64g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

1145 kcal 57% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 47.3g 95% DV
Total Fat 60.5g 78% DV
Carbs 145.7g 53% DV
Fiber 63.6g 100% DV
Sugar 1g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 342.3mg 15% DV
Potassium 5000mg 100% DV
Cholesterol 9.6mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 44.3mcg 5% DV
Vitamin C 111.8mg 100% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 804.2mg 62% DV
Iron 40mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber

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 frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli can be used in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw it and drain any excess moisture before adding it to the skillet. This will help maintain the flavor and texture of the dish.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply replace spaghetti with gluten-free pasta. There are many great alternatives available such as rice pasta or quinoa pasta that will work well and still provide a delicious meal.

What other proteins can I use instead of chicken?

You can substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option. Both options will work well in this dish and can be cooked in a similar way. If you're looking for more chicken options, consider using diced Baked Chicken Italian for added flavor.

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).

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