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Chicken And Broccoli Pasta

With juicy chicken, tender-crisp broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta, all tossed in a rich, buttery sauce, this dish delivers a wonderful balance of protein, veggies, and carbs. The best part? It’s easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and can be customized to your taste.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to whip up this delicious meal:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil)
  • 16 ounces pipe rigate pasta (or any short pasta like penne or rotini)
  • 2 cups broccoli florets, cut into small pieces
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or more, if you love it extra cheesy!)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

  • Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions.

  • About 2 minutes before the pasta is fully cooked, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water.

  • Drain the pasta and broccoli, then set aside.

(Pro tip: Rinse the pasta and broccoli under cold water briefly to stop the cooking process and keep the broccoli bright green.)

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter (or use olive oil).

  • Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.

  • Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked.

  • Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

  • In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the minced garlic.

  • Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant (be careful not to burn it).

  • Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.

  • Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts into a creamy, rich sauce.

  • Add red pepper flakes (if using) for a bit of heat.

Step 4: Combine Everything

  • Return the cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet.

  • Toss everything together so that the sauce evenly coats the pasta and chicken.

  • Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

  • Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

  • Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper.

  • Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chili flakes for an extra flavor boost.

Pair this meal with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete dinner experience.

Notes

Tips for the Best Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

🔹 Use Fresh Ingredients – Freshly grated Parmesan and fresh garlic make a big difference in flavor. 🔹 Don’t Overcook the Broccoli – Adding it to the pasta water in the last 2 minutes keeps it vibrant and slightly crisp. 🔹 Make it Lighter – Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or milk, and use whole-wheat pasta. 🔹 Add More Protein – Toss in grilled shrimp or bacon for extra flavor. 🔹 Make it Extra Cheesy – Stir in mozzarella or cheddar cheese for an extra cheesy, gooey texture. 🔹 Spice it Up – If you love spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.

  • Author: niold.com