Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta with Brie
Indulge in this delightful Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta with Brie, a satisfying dish that brings together tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and rich Brie cheese, all tossed with al dente linguine. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe not only delivers on flavor but also presents an elegant dish worthy of sharing with friends and family. The nutty crunch of toasted walnuts adds the perfect finishing touch, making this a memorable meal in under 30 minutes.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
linguine
1 lb (dried, uncooked)
olive oil
3 tablespoons (for cooking)
boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 (cut into thin strips)
broccoli
2 bunches (cut into 1/2 inch florets)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Brie cheese
1 lb (rind discarded, cut into 1/2 inch pieces)
walnuts
1 cup (toasted and chopped)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
pepper
to taste (freshly cracked, for seasoning)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta with Brie?
It is a flavorful and satisfying pasta dish that combines tender chicken strips, fresh broccoli florets, and melted Brie cheese with linguine, topped with toasted walnuts.
What kind of pasta is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses one pound of dried, uncooked linguine.
Can I use a different pasta shape instead of linguine?
Yes, while linguine is suggested, you can substitute it with other long pastas like fettuccine or even short shapes like penne or fusilli.
What type of chicken is best for this dish?
The recipe calls for four boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into thin strips for even and quick cooking.
Do I need to remove the rind from the Brie cheese?
Yes, for this specific recipe, the rind should be discarded and the cheese cut into 1/2 inch pieces to ensure a smooth, creamy sauce.
How should the broccoli be prepared?
You should use two bunches of broccoli and cut them into small, 1/2 inch florets.
How long does it take to make this meal?
This is a quick weeknight dinner that can be prepared and served in under 30 minutes.
What is the purpose of adding walnuts to the pasta?
Toasted walnuts provide a nutty crunch and a contrast in texture to the creamy cheese and soft pasta.
How do I toast the walnuts?
You can toast chopped walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until they become fragrant and slightly golden.
What kind of oil should I use for cooking?
The recipe recommends using three tablespoons of olive oil for cooking the chicken and vegetables.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli florets, but ensure they are thawed and drained well to avoid adding excess water to the sauce.
How much garlic is needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for two minced garlic cloves to add flavor to the dish.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, the combination of rich Brie cheese and pasta makes this a classic comfort food dish.
Can I substitute the walnuts with another nut?
Certainly! Sliced almonds or toasted pine nuts would make excellent substitutes for walnuts.
What can I use if I don't have Brie cheese?
Camembert is the closest substitute for Brie. Alternatively, you could use a mild cream cheese for a similar creamy texture.
Is this dish suitable for a dinner party?
Absolutely. The use of Brie and toasted walnuts gives the dish an elegant touch that is perfect for sharing with guests.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the chicken and consider adding more broccoli or mushrooms to maintain the heartiness of the dish.
How should I season the chicken?
The recipe suggests using salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste for seasoning.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or water to help the Brie cheese become creamy again without drying out the pasta.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used; they may take slightly longer to cook but will remain very juicy.
How do I ensure the pasta is al dente?
Cook the linguine in boiling salted water according to the package directions, but start checking the texture 1-2 minutes before the suggested time.
Does this recipe include a sauce?
The sauce is created naturally as the warm pasta, chicken, and broccoli are tossed with the pieces of Brie cheese, which melt into a rich coating.
Is this a good recipe for weeknights?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as a weeknight dinner because it is fast to prepare and uses simple ingredients.
Can I add other vegetables to this pasta?
Yes, vegetables like red bell peppers, snap peas, or baby spinach would complement the chicken and Brie very well.
How many servings does this recipe make?
While the exact count isn't specified, 1 lb of pasta typically serves 4 to 6 people.
Should the chicken be cooked before adding it to the pasta?
Yes, the chicken strips should be sautéed in olive oil until fully cooked and browned before being combined with the other ingredients.
Is the Brie rind edible if I don't want to discard it?
Brie rind is edible, but it does not melt. If you leave it on, you will have small chewy bits of rind in your pasta rather than a completely smooth sauce.
Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?
Yes, using shredded rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut to make this meal even faster.
What wine pairs well with this dish?
A buttery Chardonnay or a light-bodied Pinot Noir pairs excellently with the creaminess of the Brie and the savory chicken.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Add the minced garlic during the last minute of sautéing the chicken or vegetables, as it cooks very quickly and can turn bitter if scorched.