Description
This creamy one-pan chicken and broccoli pasta is a quick and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender cooked chicken, vibrant broccoli, sweet peas, and a luscious crème fraîche sauce, it’s all cooked in one pan for easy preparation and minimal cleanup. Finished with a bright splash of lemon juice, fresh mint, and Parmesan cheese, this dish offers a comforting yet fresh flavor profile.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 200g cooked chicken, torn into pieces
- 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 100g frozen peas
- 200g long-stem broccoli, cut into 3–4 pieces
Pasta and Seasoning
- 160g dried short pasta
- 1 chicken stock cube
- 1 lemon, juiced
- small bunch fresh mint, leaves picked
- salt and pepper, to taste
Liquids and Fats
- 1 tbsp olive oil, for frying
- 900ml boiling water
- 150g crème fraîche
Cheese
- 30g parmesan, grated, plus extra to serve
Instructions
- Heat the pan: Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil into a large, high-sided frying pan and place it over medium heat. Allow the pan to become hot before adding ingredients.
- Cook chicken and garlic: Add the torn cooked chicken and thinly sliced garlic to the hot pan. Fry for 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning and to warm the chicken through.
- Add water, stock cube, and pasta: Pour 900ml of boiling water into the pan. Add the chicken stock cube and 160g dried short pasta. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer pasta: Once boiling, cover the pan with a lid and reduce heat to a simmer. Let it cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent pasta from sticking.
- Add peas and broccoli: After 4 minutes of simmering, stir in 100g frozen peas and 200g long-stem broccoli pieces. Replace the lid. If the temperature drops, increase the heat slightly to maintain a gentle simmer. Add a splash more boiling water if the pasta looks dry.
- Finish cooking pasta: After an additional 4 minutes, remove the lid and reduce the heat to low. Stir in 150g crème fraîche until fully combined and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Final touches: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the juice of one lemon, 30g grated parmesan, and fresh mint leaves. Mix gently to combine all flavors.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy chicken and broccoli pasta into bowls and sprinkle with extra grated parmesan if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute the chicken stock cube with vegetable stock to make it vegetarian.
- Use fresh broccoli if available, cutting into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- If crème fraîche is unavailable, sour cream or heavy cream can be used as alternatives, adjusting for tanginess.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
- This recipe is perfect for meal prep and reheats well in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: European
Keywords: chicken pasta, one-pan meal, creamy pasta, broccoli pasta, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe
