Description

This Delicious Chicken and Broccoli Pasta recipe combines tender chicken breasts, fresh broccoli florets, and al dente pasta in a savory garlic and Parmesan sauce. It’s a hearty and nutritious meal that’s quick and easy to prepare on the stovetop, perfect for busy weeknights or comforting dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

8 ounces penne or fusilli pasta

Protein

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts

Vegetables

2 cups broccoli florets
2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Oils

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)

Cheese and Seasoning

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt, to taste
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne or fusilli pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
Heat the olive oil: In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers gently, preparing the pan for cooking the chicken.
Cook the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and freshly cracked pepper. Place them in the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through.
Rest and slice the chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Then slice it into bite-sized pieces, ready to be added back into the dish.
Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and lightly golden, infusing the base with aromatic flavors.
Steam the broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and pour in the chicken broth. Cover the skillet and let the broccoli steam for 3-4 minutes until vibrant green and tender but still crisp.
Combine all ingredients: Return the sliced chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top. Gently toss everything together to evenly coat with the sauce and cheese.
Season and serve: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve the pasta hot for a comforting and flavorful meal.

Notes

For a lighter broth option, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
You can use gluten-free pasta if needed to make this recipe gluten-free.
Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melting quality.
Allowing the chicken to rest before slicing helps retain juices and keeps the meat tender.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: chicken pasta recipe, broccoli pasta, quick chicken dinner, easy pasta dish, healthy pasta dinner, one skillet pasta, weeknight dinner