Chicken And Broccoli Pasta Recipe From Ruby Tuesday

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Introduction

The “chicken and broccoli pasta recipe from Ruby Tuesday” has become a beloved dish for many. Its popularity stems from a harmonious blend of creamy sauce, tender chicken, perfectly cooked broccoli, and satisfying pasta. Recreating this restaurant favorite at home allows individuals to enjoy its flavors whenever they desire, providing a comforting and customizable meal option.

Ingredients

Key ingredients include:

• Pasta: Fettuccine is traditional, but penne, rotini, or linguine work well. Approximately 1 pound.
• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds), cut into bite-sized pieces.
• Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets (about 1 large head). Frozen broccoli florets can be used as a substitute, but fresh is preferred for better texture.
• Heavy Cream: 1.5 cups, providing the richness of the sauce. Half-and-half can be used for a lighter version.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, freshly grated, for the sauce and garnish.
• Garlic: 2-3 cloves, minced, adding aromatic depth.
• Butter: 2 tablespoons, used to saut the garlic and add richness.
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon, for cooking the chicken.
• Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup, to thin the sauce if needed.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, essential for seasoning.
• Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch, for a subtle kick (optional).

Possible substitutions include using different types of cheese like asiago or romano for a variation in flavor, or adding other vegetables such as mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes.

Preparation Steps

Before cooking, preparation is key:

• Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season generously with salt, pepper, and any desired spices such as garlic powder or paprika. Marinating the chicken for 30 minutes to an hour in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs can enhance its flavor and tenderness.
• Broccoli: Wash the broccoli thoroughly and cut it into small, uniform florets. This ensures even cooking.
• Garlic: Mince the garlic finely. This releases its flavor more effectively during sauting.
• Parmesan: Grate the Parmesan cheese fresh. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce’s texture.
• Pasta: Have a large pot of salted water boiling and ready to cook the pasta. Salting the water seasons the pasta from the inside out.

For efficiency, prepare all ingredients before starting the cooking process. This is known as “mise en place” and helps streamline the cooking process.

Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for recreating the “chicken and broccoli pasta recipe from Ruby Tuesday”:

1. Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Saut Garlic and Broccoli: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and saut for about 30 seconds, until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and saut for 5-7 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
4. Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water to thin it out. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
5. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly. If the pasta seems dry, add a little more pasta water to moisten it.
6. Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, if desired.

For best results, maintain a consistent medium heat throughout the cooking process. Overcooking the broccoli will result in a mushy texture, while undercooking it will leave it too crunchy.

Serving Suggestions

The “chicken and broccoli pasta recipe from Ruby Tuesday” is delicious on its own, but here are some serving ideas:

• Side Dishes: Serve with a side salad, such as a Caesar salad or a simple green salad with vinaigrette, to add freshness and balance the richness of the pasta. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is also a great accompaniment for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Garnishes: Additional Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, or a drizzle of olive oil can enhance the presentation and flavor.
• Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with the creamy sauce and chicken.
• Plating: Serve the pasta in shallow bowls or plates. Garnish with a sprig of parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an elegant presentation.

Tips and Common Mistakes

Enhance the “chicken and broccoli pasta recipe from Ruby Tuesday” with these tips and avoid common pitfalls:

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta al dente (firm to the bite) to prevent it from becoming mushy in the sauce.
• Saut Garlic Properly: Watch the garlic closely while sauting to prevent it from burning, which can impart a bitter flavor to the dish.
• Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts more smoothly into the sauce than pre-shredded cheese.
• Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add pasta water or chicken broth to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce it.
• Season Generously: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed throughout the cooking process.
• Prevent Dryness: Avoid the pasta drying out by reserving pasta water and adding it as needed to maintain a creamy consistency.

Explore More Cooking Guides

Mastering the “chicken and broccoli pasta recipe from Ruby Tuesday” brings the delightful flavors of a restaurant favorite into the home kitchen. Its creamy texture, savory chicken, and tender broccoli create a satisfying meal, adaptable to various tastes and dietary preferences. This dish offers both comfort and convenience, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Embark on this culinary adventure at home and discover more inspiring cooking guides at foodrecipestory.com!