How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
This delicious Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a wholesome meal that combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and pasta in a creamy garlic sauce. It's quick to prepare and makes a perfect weeknight dinner.
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 large skillet
- 1 colander
- 1 mixing spoon
- 1 set measuring cups and spoons
- 1 cutting board
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (e.g., penne or fettuccine)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese For garnish, add more if desired.
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- to taste red pepper flakes (optional) Add for an extra kick.
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Drain the pasta and broccoli in a colander and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. If desired, add red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
- Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet, tossing everything together until well coated in the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option.
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in lemon juice and herbs before cooking.
This dish can easily be made with other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.