Description
This Delicious Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe is a creamy, comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken breasts and crisp broccoli florets are combined with penne or fusilli pasta, all enveloped in a savory garlic and Parmesan sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this meal offers balanced nutrition and vibrant flavors that will brighten your dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 8 ounces penne or fusilli pasta
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Fats
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
- 1 cup chicken broth
Cheese and Seasonings
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and add 8 ounces of pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat Oil and Cook Chicken: Warm 3 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet until shimmering. Season 1 pound of chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then place in skillet. Cook 5-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Rest and Slice Chicken: Remove chicken from skillet and let rest a few minutes to retain juices. Slice into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté about 1 minute until aromatic and lightly golden.
- Steam Broccoli: Add 2 cups broccoli florets and pour 1 cup chicken broth into the skillet. Cover and steam for 3-4 minutes until broccoli is vibrant green and tender.
- Combine Ingredients: Return sliced chicken to skillet, add drained pasta and ½ cup grated Parmesan. Gently toss everything to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot immediately, optionally stirring in reserved pasta water for extra creaminess.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, reserve some pasta cooking water and stir it in before serving.
- Allow the chicken to rest after cooking to keep it juicy and tender.
- Start with less red pepper flakes if sensitive to spice; adjust to taste.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor impact.
- Substitute chicken with grilled tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to restore sauce creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Chicken broccoli pasta, creamy chicken pasta, garlic Parmesan pasta, weeknight dinner, easy pasta recipe, chicken pasta skillet
