Description
This creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta features tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and al dente pasta, all coated in a rich Parmesan cream sauce. It’s a comforting and satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces of pasta (penne or rotini)
- 2 cups of broccoli florets
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (about a tablespoon of salt).
- Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes), stirring occasionally.
- About 2 minutes before the pasta is done, add the broccoli florets to the pot.
- Drain the pasta and broccoli in a colander, reserving a cup of pasta water if needed.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper (and garlic powder if desired).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the skillet to deglaze. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Gradually whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Add drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet, tossing gently to coat.
- Add sliced chicken and toss again. If dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley.
- Serve warm in bowls or on a platter, with extra Parmesan on top if desired.
- This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or crusty garlic bread.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes