Description
A creamy and comforting Chicken and Broccoli Pasta dish featuring tender chicken breast, fresh broccoli florets, and al dente pasta tossed in a rich Parmesan cream sauce seasoned with Italian herbs and a hint of red pepper flakes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta & Vegetables
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or preferred choice)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Protein & Seasonings
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Liquids & Dairy
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook Pasta & Broccoli: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets to the boiling water to soften slightly.
- Drain & Set Aside: Drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Simmer Sauce: Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly, stirring occasionally to combine all flavors.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with the creamy sauce. Then add the drained pasta and broccoli, tossing everything together to evenly distribute the sauce and ingredients.
- Meld Flavors: Cook the combined mixture for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld perfectly.
- Serve & Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat, garnish the pasta with freshly chopped parsley, and serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use pasta shapes like penne or fettuccine that hold sauce well.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice preference or omit for a milder dish.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Freshly grated Parmesan provides better flavor and melting than pre-grated versions.
- Make sure not to overcook broccoli to maintain some crunch and vibrant color.
