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Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free pasta)

Description

Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a comforting and wholesome dish featuring tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and your choice of pasta enveloped in a rich and luscious creamy sauce. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or family meals, this recipe balances rich flavors with nutritious ingredients and is easily customizable to suit various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables

  • 2 cups broccoli florets, cut into small pieces
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Optional: lemon zest from 1 lemon

Pasta and Dairy

  • 8 ounces pasta (penne or fettuccine recommended)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking Essentials

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Chop the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Cut broccoli into small florets for even cooking. Finely mince the garlic.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving one cup of the pasta cooking water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
  3. Sauté Chicken and Broccoli: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes. Add broccoli florets and sauté for another 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.
  4. Make the Creamy Sauce: Reduce heat to low and stir in the minced garlic, cooking just until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with chicken and broccoli. Toss gently until all ingredients are well combined. Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if it feels too thick. Season with salt, pepper, and optional lemon zest to taste.

Notes

  • Use fresh broccoli and garlic for the best flavor and texture.
  • Do not overcook broccoli; sauté until just tender-crisp to maintain crunch and color.
  • Save some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without losing flavor.
  • Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for smoother melting and richer taste.
  • Season gradually with salt and pepper to balance flavors perfectly.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 480 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, broccoli pasta, quick chicken dinner, weeknight meal, healthy pasta dish, family-friendly pasta

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Find it online: https://dishesbyme.com/creamy-chicken-and-broccoli-pasta/