Description
This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a creamy and delicious dish made with tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and fresh broccoli, all tossed in a rich, flavorful sauce. It’s an easy, comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners!
Ingredients
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
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2 cups broccoli florets (steamed or blanched)
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3 cups cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or spaghetti work well)
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3 tablespoons olive oil
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
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Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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Prepare the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breasts and cook until they are fully cooked and lightly browned, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
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Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
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Make the Sauce: Add the heavy cream (or half-and-half) to the skillet with garlic, and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste.
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Combine: Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and broccoli florets to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated with the creamy sauce, and everything is well combined.
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Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
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You can substitute the broccoli with other vegetables like spinach, peas, or even sun-dried tomatoes for variety.
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For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.
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If you want a lighter version, you can replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk.
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The recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American