Description
A creamy and comforting Chicken and Broccoli Pasta made with tender chicken breast, fresh broccoli florets, and a rich Parmesan cheese sauce. This easy stovetop recipe combines perfectly cooked pasta with a savory garlic cream sauce, Italian seasoning, and a touch of red pepper flakes for optional heat, garnished with fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or preferred choice)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Pasta & Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water to cook alongside the pasta.
- Drain and Set Aside: Drain the pasta and broccoli together using a colander, then set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt and black pepper. Cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
- Add Seasonings & Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring it to coat with the creamy sauce. Add the drained pasta and broccoli, tossing all ingredients together evenly.
- Meld Flavors: Continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes over medium heat to allow the flavors to meld and the pasta to warm through.
- Serve & Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve the dish warm.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy.
- Red pepper flakes are optional; add according to your spice preference.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and sauce texture.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
