Description
This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a simple, creamy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. With tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a creamy sauce, this pasta comes together quickly for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
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2 cups broccoli florets (steamed or blanched)
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3 cups cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or spaghetti work well)
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3 tablespoons olive oil
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
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Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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Cook the pasta:
Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. -
Cook the chicken:
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until golden and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside. -
Sauté the garlic:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. -
Add the cream and Parmesan:
Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and let the sauce simmer until it thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). -
Combine the ingredients:
Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and steamed broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce. -
Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot. Enjoy!
Notes
You can use any pasta shape you like. Penne, rotini, or spaghetti are great choices, but feel free to switch it up!
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If you want to make the dish lighter, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream alternative.
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For extra flavor, you can sprinkle some extra Parmesan on top before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: chicken pasta, broccoli pasta, creamy pasta, weeknight dinner, easy pasta recipe