Chicken Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish that comes together quickly on busy weeknights. Tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce combine perfectly with penne pasta for a satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 lb broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Step 3: Add the minced garlic and broccoli florets to the skillet with the chicken. Cook until the broccoli is tender-crisp, about 4-5 minutes.
- Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese into the skillet. Stir well to combine and let the sauce thicken slightly, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 5: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together so the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Step 6: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic and broccoli.
- Swap penne for fusilli or rigatoni if you prefer a different pasta shape.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Frozen broccoli works great when fresh isn’t available—just thaw before cooking.
Storage
Store leftover chicken broccoli pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce has thickened too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of Parmesan?
Yes, Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese also work well in this recipe and will give a slightly different flavor.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for the cheesy flavor.
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Chicken Broccoli Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a creamy and comforting one-pan dinner perfect for busy weeknights. Tender bite-sized pieces of chicken and crisp broccoli florets are combined with penne pasta in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s a deliciously simple meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 lb Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 lb Broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
Pasta
- 1 lb Penne pasta
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on the outside and cooked through.
- Add Garlic and Broccoli: To the same skillet with chicken, add the minced garlic and broccoli florets. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until the broccoli is tender-crisp and the garlic is fragrant.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream followed by the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together and allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes so the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and gently toss to combine all ingredients thoroughly, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Transfer the chicken broccoli pasta to serving plates or bowls and serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
- You can use fresh or frozen broccoli florets—if frozen, no need to thaw before cooking.
- Adding red pepper flakes can give a nice subtle heat if desired.
- This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stove to prevent sauce separation.
- Grate fresh Parmesan for the best flavor compared to pre-grated types.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chicken broccoli pasta, creamy chicken pasta, one pan pasta, easy weeknight dinner, penne pasta recipe
