How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a delicious, hearty dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and pasta in a creamy, flavorful sauce. It’s a great balance of protein, vegetables, and carbs, making it the perfect meal for any day of the week. The creamy sauce is typically made with garlic, parmesan, and sometimes cream, making the pasta rich and comforting without being too heavy. It’s easy to make, customizable, and sure to be a family favorite, offering a satisfying meal that incorporates lean protein and nutritious vegetables into one dish.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook until al dente. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pasta water. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and broccoli.
- Meanwhile, season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook until slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir the Parmesan cheese into the cream sauce until melted. Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked penne, broccoli, and chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until well coated, adding some reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to reach your desired sauce consistency. Drizzle with lemon juice and toss again.
- Serve the chicken and broccoli pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use high-quality Parmesan cheese and grate it fresh for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the chicken. It should be just cooked through and still juicy.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining. You can add a splash to loosen the sauce if needed.
- For extra lemon flavor, add some lemon zest to the sauce along with the lemon juice.