Description
This creamy chicken and broccoli pasta is a quick and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breast pieces are sautéed and combined with al dente pasta and fresh broccoli florets, all smothered in a rich Parmesan cream sauce flavored with garlic and Italian seasoning. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting dish is both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or preferred choice)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Pasta & Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water with the pasta to blanch them.
- Drain and Set Aside: Drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside while you prepare the chicken.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt and black pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Simmer the Sauce: Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly, stirring occasionally to combine all ingredients well.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring so that the pieces are coated evenly with the sauce. Add the drained pasta and broccoli, tossing everything together thoroughly.
- Finish Cooking: Let the mixture cook together for another 2 minutes so the flavors meld and the dish is heated through.
- Serve & Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley, and serve the creamy chicken and broccoli pasta warm.
Notes
- Use any pasta shape you prefer; penne or fettuccine works great for this recipe.
- Red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted according to your spice preference.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less thick.
- Make sure not to overcook the broccoli to keep it tender-crisp and vibrant green.
- Parmesan cheese adds savory depth—using freshly grated cheese yields the best flavor and texture.
