Description
Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a hearty and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and pasta, all tossed in a savory garlic and Parmesan sauce. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and can be customized with your favorite pasta shape and seasonings.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed or blanched)
- 3 cups cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or spaghetti work well)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta and Broccoli:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, steam or blanch the broccoli until tender but still vibrant, about 3-4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper, then cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, and stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce thickens slightly. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Combine the Dish:
- Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and broccoli to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until well coated and heated through.
- If desired, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of spice and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve:
- Serve the Chicken and Broccoli Pasta warm with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- You can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for a faster option.
- Try adding other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
- For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for low-fat milk or a dairy-free alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 70mg