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Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
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A comforting and quick Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta in a rich, luscious cream sauce. Ideal for busy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal effort, this recipe is family-friendly, nutritionally balanced, and packed with wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Vegetables

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta

  • 12 ounces penne or fusilli pasta

Sauce

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and separate the broccoli into small florets. Mince the garlic cloves to release their full flavor. Have the pasta ready to boil according to the package instructions.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  3. Sauté Broccoli and Garlic: In the same pan, add butter and toss in the minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the broccoli florets and cook until bright green and just tender, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Make the Cream Sauce: Reduce the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine with the broccoli and garlic, letting it simmer gently for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together to coat in the creamy sauce. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce turns silky and smooth.
  6. Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • Slightly undercook pasta as it will continue to cook in the sauce.
  • Do not overcook chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
  • If using frozen broccoli, blanch briefly before sautéing to keep it crisp-tender.
  • Simmer the sauce gently to avoid curdling; avoid high heat.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for optimal flavor and melting quality.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, broccoli pasta, weeknight dinner, easy dinner, creamy sauce, chicken and broccoli, quick pasta recipe

Find it online: https://withnora.com/creamy-chicken-and-broccoli-pasta/