When it comes to quick and satisfying dinners, nothing beats a creamy bowl of Chicken and Broccoli Pasta. This dish brings together tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a luscious creamy sauce that coats every bite of pasta. It’s a one-pan wonder, meaning fewer dishes to clean and a meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes!
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly meal or a cozy comfort food dish, this recipe is a must-try. Plus, it’s packed with protein and nutrients, making it a wholesome choice for any night of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ One-Pan Meal – Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor!
✔️ Ready in 30 Minutes – Perfect for busy weeknights.
✔️ Creamy & Flavorful – A rich, cheesy sauce with hints of garlic.
✔️ Nutritious & Balanced – Loaded with protein and veggies.
✔️ Customizable – Use your favorite pasta or add extra toppings!
Ingredients (Measured in Grams for Accuracy)
For the Pasta:
- Penne or fettuccine pasta – 300g
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast (diced) – 400g
- Broccoli florets – 250g
- Olive oil – 15g (1 tablespoon)
- Garlic (minced) – 10g (2 cloves)
- Chicken broth – 250g (1 cup)
- Heavy cream – 200g (¾ cup)
- Parmesan cheese (grated) – 100g (1 cup)
- Butter – 20g (1 ½ tablespoons)
- Salt & pepper – To taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional) – 5g (½ teaspoon)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta & Broccoli
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook according to package instructions.
- In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot.
- Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Add diced chicken, season with salt & pepper, and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same pan, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any bits from the pan.
- Reduce heat to medium, then add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth.
- Add red pepper flakes (if using) for extra heat.
4. Combine Everything
- Return the cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the pan.
- Toss until everything is coated in the creamy sauce.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld.
5. Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
- Serve warm and enjoy this delicious, creamy pasta!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 4 Servings)
- Calories: ~550 kcal
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fats: 23g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 4g
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken & Broccoli Pasta
🔥 Use Fresh Garlic – Freshly minced garlic brings out a bold, aromatic flavor in the sauce.
🔥 Don’t Overcook the Broccoli – Adding it in the last 2 minutes keeps it bright green and crisp-tender.
🔥 Save Pasta Water – If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
🔥 Use Rotisserie Chicken – Short on time? Swap fresh chicken for pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for an even faster meal.
🔥 Make it Lighter – Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lower-calorie version.
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