Creamy Chicken Pasta with Broccoli
Description:
Creamy Chicken Pasta with Broccoli is a comforting, hearty dish made with tender chicken breast, al dente pasta, fresh broccoli florets, and a rich, creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce. It’s a one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights yet fancy enough for guests.
Time Required:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into thin strips)
3 cups broccoli florets
250g (about 8 oz) pasta (penne or fettuccine work well)
4 cloves garlic (minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup milk
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions:
Cook Pasta & Broccoli:
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta according to package directions.
Add broccoli florets to the pasta during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
Drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season chicken with salt and pepper.
Sauté chicken for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
Make the Cream Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute.
Stir in cream and milk. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Add Italian herbs, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until cheese melts and sauce thickens slightly.
Combine Everything:
Add cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the skillet.
Toss until everything is evenly coated with the sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Serve:
Garnish with chopped parsley and more Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Nutrient Amount
Calories ~580 kcal
Protein 36g
Carbohydrates 48g
Fat 28g
Saturated Fat 13g
Fiber 4g
Sugar 5g
Sodium 420mg
Calcium 270mg
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Yes! Thaw it first and add in the last few minutes of pasta cooking or directly to the sauce to heat through.
Q2: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Use unsweetened oat cream or coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. Taste will change slightly.
Q3: What pasta types work best?
A: Penne, fettuccine, or rotini hold the sauce well, but any pasta can be used.
Q4: Can I meal-prep this?
A: Yes. It stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk.
Q5: Can I add mushrooms or spinach?
A: Absolutely. Sauté mushrooms with the chicken or stir spinach into the sauce at the end