Description
This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta recipe is a creamy, comforting dish that combines tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and al dente pasta in a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta & Vegetables
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or preferred choice)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Chicken & Seasoning
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Sauce & Garnish
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta & Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets to the boiling water to blanch them. Then, drain the pasta and broccoli and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it thoroughly in the creamy sauce. Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet as well, tossing everything together to combine. Let the mixture cook together for an additional 2 minutes so the flavors meld.
- Serve & Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the pasta with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm immediately for a delicious, creamy meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a milk alternative, but the sauce will be less creamy.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and sauce texture.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright finish if desired.
- Feel free to substitute chicken breast with cooked shrimp or tofu to cater to different dietary preferences.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta varieties.
