Chicken and Broccoli Pasta recipe
This creamy and nutritious Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a perfect meal for lunch or dinner. It’s easy to prepare and takes just about 30–40 minutes from start to finish.
Ingredients:
For the Pasta:
300g (10 oz) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
2 cups broccoli florets
2 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter
For the Chicken:
2 medium-sized boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 250g/8 oz each)
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
For the Sauce:
2 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup (240ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp red chili flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta and Broccoli (15 minutes):
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions (typically 8–10 minutes).
In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets to the boiling pasta water.
Drain both pasta and broccoli, reserving ½ cup of pasta water for the sauce.
2. Prepare the Chicken (10–12 minutes):
While the pasta cooks, season chicken breasts with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
Remove the chicken and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
3. Make the Sauce (8–10 minutes):
In the same skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil or butter over medium heat.
Saute minced garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and red chili flakes (if using).
Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
4. Combine and Serve (5 minutes):
Add the drained pasta, broccoli, and sliced chicken to the skillet with the sauce.
Toss everything to coat evenly. If needed, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving):
Calories: ~450
Protein: ~32g
Carbohydrates: ~40g
Fat: ~18g
Fiber: ~4g
Notes:
Use whole-grain or gluten-free pasta for a healthier version.
Swap heavy cream with low-fat milk or Greek yogurt for fewer calories.
Tips:
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes with the spices and a bit of lemon juice.
Don’t overcook broccoli; it should remain vibrant and slightly crisp.
Add mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for a veggie-packed version.
Enjoy this creamy, wholesome dish with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad!