Description
Creamy chicken and broccoli pasta is a comforting weeknight meal that combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and al dente pasta in a rich, velvety sauce. This easy recipe is perfect for busy evenings or impressing guests without the fuss. With its delightful flavors and creamy texture, it’s sure to become a family favorite that brings everyone to the dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 8 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of half a lemon (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked (about 6-8 minutes). Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Cook Broccoli and Garlic: In the same skillet, add garlic and broccoli. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant and vibrant.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in heavy cream, stirring well. Simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened, then mix in Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Combine: Return chicken to the skillet, add cooked pasta, and toss everything together ensuring even coating. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice if desired.
- Serve: Plate immediately with extra Parmesan on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 280g)
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 120mg