Description
This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish packed with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich garlic Parmesan sauce. Quick and easy to make in under 30 minutes, it’s the perfect family-friendly dinner for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- For the Pasta & Broccoli:
- 10 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni)
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- Garnish (Optional):
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella or extra Parmesan
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta & Broccoli:
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook pasta according to package instructions.
- In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets.
- Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from pan and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Sauce:
- In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
- Add Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Everything:
- Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the sauce.
- Toss everything together until well coated.
- Serve & Enjoy:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use grilled or rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.
- Substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.
- Details
Nutrition
- Calories: ~600 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
