Description
This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dinner made with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and pasta tossed in a rich garlic parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy one-pan meal is hearty, satisfying, and family-friendly.
Ingredients
12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season diced chicken with salt and black pepper.
3. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes until golden and fully cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
6. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
7. Add parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir until the sauce thickens.
8. Return cooked chicken to the skillet and mix well.
9. Add drained pasta and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Add reserved pasta water gradually to reach desired creaminess.
10. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
For extra flavor, add sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes.
Substitute half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce will be less rich.
Always use freshly grated parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg