Description
Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is the ultimate comfort food! Tender chicken, perfectly cooked broccoli, and pasta come together in a creamy sauce that’s both comforting and satisfying. It’s an easy one-pan meal that’s packed with flavor, making it a great weeknight dinner option for the whole family.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450g)
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (penne or fusilli work great)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, adding the broccoli florets in the last 3–4 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet, let rest for a few minutes, and then slice into strips.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant. Add the heavy cream and chicken broth, and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 3–4 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and sliced chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until well coated. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy warm!
Notes
- Substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version of the sauce.
- You can add more veggies like bell peppers or spinach for extra flavor and nutrients.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg