This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta recipe is a quick, creamy, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and pasta in a garlic-parmesan sauce is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (penne, bowtie, or fettuccine work well)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta and Broccoli:
- In a large pot, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. When there are 2 minutes left in the cooking time, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Drain both pasta and broccoli, and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat, if desired.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Add the cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet, tossing everything together until well coated with the sauce. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and enjoy warm!
This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is creamy, comforting, and loaded with flavor. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal!