Description
This creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a comforting and quick weeknight meal combining tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and pasta in a rich Parmesan cream sauce seasoned with Italian herbs and a hint of red pepper flakes for a gentle kick.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta & Vegetables
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or preferred choice)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Chicken & Seasonings
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Sauce & Garnish
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta & Broccoli: Bring a large pot of water to boil and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water. Drain pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, season them with salt and black pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it evenly with the sauce. Add the drained pasta and broccoli, tossing everything together to combine well. Allow the mixture to cook together for 2 more minutes so the flavors meld.
- Serve & Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the creamy pasta with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm immediately.
Notes
- Use pasta shapes that hold sauce well, like penne or fettuccine.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Freshly grated Parmesan provides the best flavor; pre-grated cheese may not melt as smoothly.
- Broccoli can be substituted with other vegetables like asparagus or green beans if desired.
- Ensure chicken is fully cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
