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Chicken Broccoli Pasta: A Delicious and Easy Recipe for Weeknight Dinners

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This creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta features tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and al dente pasta, all coated in a rich Parmesan cheese sauce. It’s a comforting and satisfying dish, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces of pasta (penne or rotini)
  • 2 cups of broccoli florets
  • 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup of chicken broth
  • 1 cup of heavy cream
  • 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add about a tablespoon of salt to enhance the flavor of the pasta.
  2. Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  3. About 2 minutes before the pasta is done, add the broccoli florets to the pot to blanch them.
  4. Once cooked, drain the pasta and broccoli in a colander, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water for later use.
  5. While the pasta is cooking, slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
  6. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
  7. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  8. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  9. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze. Bring to a simmer.
  10. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer for about 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
  11. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. If too thick, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
  12. Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss gently to coat.
  13. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.
  14. Remove from heat and serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
  15. Allow leftovers to cool to room temperature before storing.
  16. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate.

Notes

  • Pasta Choice: Feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer.
  • Chicken Alternatives: Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can be used for a quicker option.
  • Vegetable Variations: Add other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or peas for added nutrition.
  • Make it Lighter: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative for a lighter version.

Find it online: https://recipedune.com/chicken-broccoli-pasta/