Description
A quick and easy one-pan Chicken and Broccoli Pasta recipe with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy or garlic sauce. Perfect for a 30-minute weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or 1 cup chicken broth for a lighter version)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional, for a fresh kick)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta and Broccoli
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook according to package instructions. About 3 minutes before the pasta is done, add the broccoli.
- Drain, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
- Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken, seasoning with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Sauté for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute.
- Pour in heavy cream (or chicken broth) and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and reserved pasta water, allowing sauce to thicken.
- Combine Everything
- Add cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken back into the skillet.
- Toss until well-coated in the sauce.
- Add lemon juice if desired.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately with garlic bread or a side salad.
Notes
- Creamy Alfredo: Use Alfredo sauce for a richer taste.
- Light and Fresh: Use olive oil and chicken broth instead of cream.
- Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- Cheesy Twist: Mix in mozzarella or cheddar.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Chicken broccoli pasta, creamy pasta, one-pan meal, easy dinner recipe, weeknight dinner