Description
This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish perfect for a quick family dinner. Tender chicken pieces and fresh broccoli florets are tossed with pasta in a rich Parmesan cream sauce seasoned with garlic and Italian herbs. It’s a one-pan stovetop meal that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Extra Parmesan cheese and parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Add the broccoli florets during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain both and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until well coated and heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Add red pepper flakes if you desire a little heat.
Notes
- To make this dish lighter, substitute heavy cream with evaporated milk or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture variations.
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- The recipe can be doubled for larger families or meal prepping.
