Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta

There are nights when I just want something comforting that doesn’t take an age to make, and this creamy chicken and broccoli pasta is one of those quick wins. It’s proper cosy food, simple ingredients, no fuss, and it always tastes like more effort went into it than really did.

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Ingredients

• 200g pasta (I used fusilli but any shape works)
• 1 chicken breast, diced
• 1 small head of broccoli, chopped into florets
• 1 small onion, finely sliced
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 100ml single cream or a splash of milk
• A knob of butter or drizzle of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A handful of basil or parsley to finish

How I make it

I start by boiling the pasta in salted water and toss the broccoli in for the last few minutes so it cooks without turning to mush.

While that’s bubbling away, I get a frying pan on with a bit of butter and lightly fry the chicken until it’s golden. Then I add the onion and garlic and let them soften together for a few minutes.

If you need a low fodmap version try some garlic infused olive oil instead of the onion and garlic.

When the pasta and broccoli are ready, I drain them (but keep a splash of the cooking water), then stir everything into the pan with the chicken. I pour in the cream, season it well, and let it all come together for a minute or two until the sauce clings to the pasta.

Make sure not to boil the cream or milk too much so it doesn’t split.

Add a few torn basil leaves over the top makes it look fresh and smell amazing.

If you don’t have access to fresh, freeze dried is another great option!

Ingredient Swap ideas

You can make it lighter by swapping the cream for a spoonful of cream cheese or even Greek yoghurt (just take it off the heat first so it doesn’t split). If you’re vegetarian, skip the chicken and throw in some mushrooms or peas instead. Gluten-free pasta works just as well, and if you fancy a bit of extra flavour, a handful of grated cheddar or parmesan stirred in at the end never hurts.

It’s the kind of dinner I throw together without thinking, but every time I do, I remember why I love it – fast, filling, and just really good comfort food.