How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a quick, delicious, and nutritious meal perfect for busy weeknights. Fresh broccoli and tender chicken are combined with pasta, then tossed in a creamy garlic sauce for a satisfying dish that the whole family will love.
Equipment
- 1 large pot for boiling pasta
- 1 medium saucepan for sauce
- 1 skillet for sautéing chicken and broccoli
- 1 colander
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 cutting board
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream Can use half-and-half for a lighter version.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Reduce amount for a lighter version.
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- optional Red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
- Begin by cooking the pasta. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne or rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot.
- Once done, drain the pasta and broccoli in a colander and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, seasoning it with salt and black pepper. Sauté the chicken for about 5-7 minutes or until it is cooked through and no longer pink.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy. If desired, add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Toss the drained pasta and broccoli into the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Mix everything together until well coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, then serve immediately.
Notes
You can substitute the chicken with cooked shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reducing the amount of cheese.
This dish can be prepared ahead of time and reheated for easy meal prep.