Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a comforting and wholesome dish that combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked broccoli, and pasta in a creamy and flavorful sauce. This one-pot meal is easy to make, packed with nutrients, and versatile enough for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy family gathering.
- - 12 oz 340g pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work well)
- - 2 cups broccoli florets
- - 2 tbsp olive oil
- - 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- - 3 cloves garlic minced
- - 1 cup 240ml heavy cream
- - 1/2 cup 120ml chicken broth
- - 1/2 cup 50g grated Parmesan cheese
- - 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- - 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- - Salt and black pepper to taste
- - Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
**Cook the Pasta:** Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Add the broccoli florets to the pot during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
**Cook the Chicken:** Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
**Sauté the Garlic:** In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic over medium heat for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
**Make the Sauce:** Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it thicken slightly, about 3–4 minutes.
**Combine Ingredients:** Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken back to the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce. Cook for 2–3 minutes to warm through.
**Serve:** Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese before serving.