This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s quick to make and full of flavor. The creamy sauce, made with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, coats the tender chicken and al dente pasta, while the addition of broccoli adds a fresh and nutritious touch. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy dinner with the family, this dish brings together the best of comfort food and healthy ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Once the pasta is al dente and the broccoli is tender, drain the mixture and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the sauce. Add the cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything together to combine and coat evenly with the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Garnish the pasta with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Notes:
- Pasta Alternatives: While penne and fettuccine are great choices, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as spaghetti, rotini, or farfalle.
- Vegetable Variations: If you’re not a fan of broccoli, try swapping it for spinach, peas, or even roasted cauliflower.
- Cheese Tips: For an extra cheesy flavor, you can add more Parmesan or even a sprinkle of mozzarella.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this creamy chicken and broccoli pasta with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad to balance out the richness of the dish.
- Pair with a crisp white wine, such as Chardonnay, to complement the creamy sauce.
Tips:
- Make it Spicy: For a bit of heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes into the creamy sauce.
- Meal Prep: This dish is perfect for meal prepping! You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth if the sauce thickens too much.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Serves 4):
- Calories: 550
- Protein: 35g
- Sodium: 700mg
FAQs:
Can I use a different protein in this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute chicken with turkey, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
Can I use a different kind of cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan, you can use Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese for a slightly different flavor.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can use a dairy-free cream substitute, like coconut cream, and a dairy-free cheese alternative to make it a dairy-free meal.
Conclusion:
This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a simple yet indulgent meal that is sure to become a family favorite. With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and the freshness of broccoli, it’s the perfect combination of comfort food and nutrition. Whether you’re in a rush or have time to savor the cooking process, this recipe delivers a satisfying, flavorful dish that everyone will love.
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Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta – Easy, Delicious Recipe with Parmesan Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Once the pasta is al dente and the broccoli is tender, drain the mixture and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the sauce. Add the cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything together to combine and coat evenly with the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Garnish the pasta with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Cooking Notes:
- Pasta Alternatives: While penne and fettuccine are great choices, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as spaghetti, rotini, or farfalle.
- Vegetable Variations: If you’re not a fan of broccoli, try swapping it for spinach, peas, or even roasted cauliflower.
- Cheese Tips: For an extra cheesy flavor, you can add more Parmesan or even a sprinkle of mozzarella.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 550
- Sodium: 700mg
- Protein: 35g