Description
This creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a quick and comforting one-pot meal featuring tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and pasta tossed in a rich Parmesan sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or satisfying family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or preferred type)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Add broccoli in the last 2–3 minutes of cooking. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté chicken with salt and pepper until browned and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Add more oil if needed. Sauté onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.
- Pour in cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Return chicken, broccoli, and pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Cook for 1–2 more minutes, then serve with extra Parmesan.
Notes
- Use cooked rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.
- Add lemon juice for a bright finish.
- Swap cream for cream cheese and milk for a lighter version.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free.
- Add extra garlic or veggies like mushrooms for variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
