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A close-up of a white bowl filled with creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta featuring penne, seasoned chicken chunks, and bright green broccoli florets.

Simple Chicken Broccoli Pasta


  • Author: recipebychefs.com
  • Total Time: 35 min
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Low Lactose

Description

A straightforward recipe for pasta combined with chicken and broccoli.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound pasta (penne or rotini)
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. Add broccoli florets to the same skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender-crisp. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook until the liquid reduces slightly, about 3 minutes.
  6. Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens slightly.
  7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.
  8. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Notes

  • Use frozen broccoli florets if fresh are unavailable; add them directly to the skillet without thawing.
  • For a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Cook Time: 20 min
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 5
  • Sodium: 450
  • Fat: 18
  • Saturated Fat: 8
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10
  • Trans Fat: 0.5
  • Carbohydrates: 55
  • Fiber: 4
  • Protein: 45
  • Cholesterol: 110

Keywords: chicken, broccoli, pasta, easy dinner, weeknight meal