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Finished Chicken and Broccoli Pasta with Parmesan cheese and parsley garnish.

How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Description

Chicken and broccoli pasta is a creamy, protein-packed comfort dish that combines tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta in a flavorful sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you crave a wholesome, satisfying meal. Packed with protein and nutrients, this chicken and broccoli pasta recipe will quickly become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite shape)
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water for later.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook until golden brown and no longer pink inside (about 5-6 minutes). Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp. Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes to soften the broccoli further.
  4. Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring well. Add the cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese, tossing until everything is well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
  5. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

Notes

  • Use fresh broccoli for the best texture and flavor.
  • Don’t overcook the pasta—al dente is key to preventing mushiness.
  • Adjust the sauce thickness with pasta water if needed.
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 380mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: chicken and broccoli pasta, creamy pasta recipe, easy dinner ideas, healthy pasta dish, weeknight meal, protein-packed pasta, Italian-American cuisine

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Find it online: https://eateatfood.com/how-to-make-chicken-and-broccoli-pasta-2/