Nothing says comfort food to me like pasta. I can eat it almost every way under the sun, but I’m trying to eat a little healthier these days, so tons of cheese just doesn’t fit on my plate anymore. Of course, I still want the creamy consistency, though! So, to feed my creamy pasta cravings, I make this easy chicken & broccoli pasta with garlic cream sauce.
I start by boiling my pasta. While my pasta is boiling, I put a steamer tray right over the pot and steam my broccoli, too. It’s like a 2 for 1 – gotta love that! I use 1 pound of orecchiette pasta and a couple of big bunches of broccoli (I only use the florettes.) When it’s finished, make sure to save 2 cups (or so) of the pasta water.
In the 11 mins or so that it takes the pasta to cook, I get the rest of my ingredients ready to go. I start by dicing some leftover grilled chicken (you could totally use a deli roasted chicken, too!) I use 4 breasts for the 1 lb. of pasta.
In a small sauce pan, I cook 2 cloves of garlic in 1/2 stick of butter. After the broccoli and pasta are ready, I put the drained pasta & broccoli into the butter.
Next, take 1 cup of pasta water and whisk it with 1 cup of sour cream. The water will help to thicken it.
Chicken and Broccoli Pasta with Garlic Cream Sauce
Ingredients
- Deli roasted or left over grilled chicken
- 1 Ib. orecchiette pasta
- 1/2 stick of butter
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cup of broccoli
Instructions
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Start by boiling the pasta and steaming the broccoli. ***save about 2 cups of the water from the pasta***
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While those are cooking dice the chicken, about 4 breasts per 1 Ib. of pasta.
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In a small sauce pan cook the 2 garlic cloves in the butter. And when pasta and broccoli are ready toss it in the skillet with the butter and add the chicken.
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In a small bowl add 1 cup of the saved pasta water with a 1 cup of sour cream. The starch from the water helps to thicken the sour cream and creates a sauce.
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Add the sauce to the skillet and mix until well combined.
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Salt and pepper to taste.
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garnish with parmesan cheese (optional)
Definitely going to have to give this one a try! Thanks so much for sharing 🙂
Wow, that looks delicious! I am not a fan of red sauce so I am always looking for alternatives that are not just Alfredo sauce or butter. Can’t wait to try this out on the hubby. Thanks!
Fanny
http://www.pinstripedpenguin.com
This looks so delicious! I’m always looking for new recipes so I’ll definitely be giving this one a try. Thanks for sharing.
Happy New Year!
Lori
Thrifty Decor Mom
Oooh, yum!!! This looks like something my whole family will eat – will try it!
Past is my favorite comfort food as well, and this looks amazing!
Definitely making this one for dinner tomorrow! It looks so good and easy! Thank you!
OMGosh! THAT looks delicious! Yum- thanks for the recipe- xo Diana
I much prefer creamy sauces to red ones, and this sounds like a winner!
Sounds good. Thanks for sharing. Happy New Year, Gina!
Thanks for this recipe Gina’ I too love pasta,Aand this one has another fav of mine Broccoli* i will be trying this for sure<:d
Happy New Year to you and yours x
I’m going to try this too! Love adding some chicken recipes!
Cheri
Great recipe, I will definitely be trying this. I love your blog, very inspiring
This looks so delicious! A love the step by step photos. Thanks for posting this great recipe!
Nice Recipe, Thanks for Sharing .
Really Nice Information Thanks for posting 🙂
Thanks Gina, Great recipe, I will definitely Going to try this.
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