Chicken and Pumpkin Pasta
Creamy, cheesy and nutritious, this Chicken and Pumpkin Pasta recipe is sure to be a favourite for the whole family at dinner time. With the goodness of pumpkin, broccoli, and tender chicken, it's a meal that will have everyone smiling around the table. Plus, it's ready in under 35 minutes, making it a perfect addition to your family's busy weekday menu.
Ingredients
300g penne pasta (or any pasta)
2 tbsp butter
1 onion (150g), sliced thinly
1 tsp garlic paste
300g chicken breast, chopped finely
1 3/4 cups (700g) pumpkin puree (canned or fresh, steamed until soft)
½ cup (125mL) thickened cream
2 cups (160g) broccoli florets
½ cup (40g) freshly grated parmesan or tasty cheese
Step by step
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Chicken and Pumpkin Pasta Recipe
- Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling water, according to packet direction, drain; keep warm and reserve for later.
- Meanwhile, heat a large frying pan over medium heat and add butter, onion and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes or until golden. Add chicken and cook for a further 5 minutes, add pumpkin and cream, stirring until sauce has combined. Add broccoli and cheese. Mix well and cook until chicken has cooked through, and broccoli is tender.
- Gently stir reserved pasta through the sauce and serve with extra parmesan cheese if desired.
TIP: For extra creaminess, reserve a small amount of pasta cooking water and stir it into the sauce before adding the pasta. This will help the sauce cling to the pasta, making each bite more flavourful.
Chicken Pumpkin Pasta FAQs
Is Chicken and Pumpkin Pasta suitable for babies and toddlers?
Yes. Chicken is a great ingredient to introduce to your little one once they start eating solids, especially for iron! Just be sure to cut your chicken pieces up finely before adding them to the dish. If you’re concerned about the size of your chicken pieces, you can puree the chicken to create a smoother consistency.
What type of pumpkin should I use in this Chicken and Pumpkin Pasta recipe?
If you’re looking to make your pumpkin puree from fresh pumpkin, any pumpkin variety works well. However, if you’re looking for a pumpkin that is quick and easy to skin, dice and puree, butternut pumpkin is a great option.
What can I use to substitute broccoli in the Chicken Pumpkin Pasta?
If your little one is still getting used to broccoli, or, you don’t have any on hand, cauliflower or baby spinach are all great alternatives.
How should I store my Chicken and Pumpkin Pasta leftovers?
If you have leftovers that you want to enjoy later in the week, portion your Chicken and Pumpkin pasta into airtight containers and store them in the fridge. If you’re looking to store your pasta for meals down the track, pop them in the freezer. Just be sure to label them, then reheat until piping hot in the middle, before cooling and serving.
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