Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Grilled Chicken and Broccoli
A creamy, cheesy, and garlicky pasta dish that’s balanced with grilled chicken for protein and broccoli for freshness. It’s hearty enough for dinner yet elegant enough to serve when you want to impress.
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Total: 40 minutes
Servings:4
Ingredients
For the Chicken
2 large chicken breasts (about 500 g / 1 lb)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta
300 g (10 oz) fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti
2 cups broccoli florets
2 tbsp unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup reserved pasta water
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Pinch of red pepper flakes
Garnish
Extra Parmesan
Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta & Broccoli
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
Add broccoli florets during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking.
Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Grill on a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes per side, until cooked through.
Rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
Add garlic and saute until fragrant (30 seconds–1 minute).
Pour in cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
Add a splash of pasta water to loosen if needed.
Step 4: Combine & Serve
Toss pasta and broccoli into the sauce.
Top with grilled chicken slices.
Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan.
Notes & Tips
Use freshly grated Parmesan (not pre-shredded) for a smoother sauce.
Substitute chicken with shrimp or salmon for variety.
For lighter sauce: use half cream + half milk.
Add lemon zest for a fresh twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead?
Yes — cook chicken and pasta separately, then toss everything together with reheated sauce before serving.
Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes — skip the chicken and add more veggies like mushrooms or zucchini.
Q: How do I prevent clumpy sauce?
Keep heat low when adding Parmesan and stir continuously until melted.
Nutritional information
Calories: ~610
Protein: 42g
Carbs: 55g
Fat: 24g
Fiber: 5g
Sodium: ~580mg