Description

This Delicious Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a hearty and flavorful meal, combining tender chicken breasts with fresh broccoli and pasta in a garlicky, lightly spicy sauce enriched by Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it offers a balanced blend of protein, vegetables, and carbs with a touch of warmth from red pepper flakes.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

8 ounces penne or fusilli pasta

Chicken and Vegetables

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 cups broccoli florets

Seasonings and Sauce

3 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for lighter option)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt, to taste
Freshly cracked pepper, to taste

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and add the pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Heat Oil: In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Let it shimmer gently before adding your chicken.
Cook Chicken: Sprinkle the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and place them in the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until cooked through and golden brown.
Rest and Slice Chicken: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, slice into bite-sized pieces.
Sauté Garlic and Pepper Flakes: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1 minute.
Steam Broccoli: Toss in the broccoli florets and pour in the chicken broth. Cover and steam for 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is vibrant green and tender.
Combine Ingredients: Return the sliced chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and Parmesan cheese. Gently toss everything to coat evenly with the sauce.
Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust with more salt and freshly cracked pepper as needed. Serve hot and enjoy.

Notes

You can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to make it lighter.
Use gluten-free pasta if you require a gluten-free meal.
The red pepper flakes can be adjusted or omitted based on your spice preference.
Resting the chicken before slicing helps retain its juices for better texture and flavor.
Adding fresh lemon juice at the end can brighten the flavors if desired.

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

Keywords: chicken broccoli pasta, easy chicken pasta, healthy pasta recipes, quick weeknight dinner, one pan pasta chicken