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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with Broccoli

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with Broccoli


  • Author: Amelia
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free pasta is used)

Description

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with Broccoli is a quick and comforting weeknight meal combining tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a rich garlic parmesan sauce. Tossed with your choice of pasta, this dish balances creamy textures with fresh veggies for a satisfying, flavorful dinner that is easy to customize and perfect for busy evenings.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein & Vegetables

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cups fresh broccoli florets

Pasta

  • 8 ounces pasta (penne or fettuccine recommended)

Sauce & Seasonings

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and chop broccoli into florets. Mince the garlic finely. Measure out cream and freshly grated Parmesan. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente, drain, and set aside.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Cook chicken until golden brown on all sides and cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside to keep warm.
  3. Sauté the Broccoli and Garlic: In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Add broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp but still bright green.
  4. Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits. Let the cream simmer gently until slightly thickened. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  5. Combine Everything: Add the cooked chicken and pasta back into the skillet. Toss gently ensuring the sauce coats the chicken, pasta, and broccoli evenly. Heat through for 1-2 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the broccoli to keep it bright and crisp, avoiding mushiness in the cream sauce.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for better melting and vibrant flavor.
  • Sear chicken well to lock in juices and develop flavor through a golden crust.
  • Simmer the sauce gently to prevent curdling or separation of the cream.
  • Reserve pasta water to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 550 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 40 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg

Keywords: creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta, chicken broccoli pasta, quick weeknight dinner, creamy pasta recipe, one-pan chicken pasta