When you need a quick and hearty dinner that everyone will love, Chicken and Broccoli Pasta checks all the boxes. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta — all tossed in a savory Parmesan cream sauce. The best part? It comes together in about 30 minutes using just one pot.
This recipe is your answer to "what’s for dinner?" on a busy weeknight. It's also a great way to sneak in vegetables without sacrificing flavor. Whether you're cooking for kids or guests, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
🛒 Ingredients (U.S. Measurements)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 8 ounces penne or rotini pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for richness)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
🔥 Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Add to skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
Step 2: Cook Garlic and Broccoli
In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in broccoli and sauté for 2–3 minutes. If using frozen broccoli, cook until just thawed.
Step 3: Add Pasta and Liquids
Add uncooked pasta, chicken broth, and cream. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
Step 4: Finish with Cheese and Chicken
Stir in Parmesan cheese and butter. Return chicken to the pan and mix everything together. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until warmed through and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 5: Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.
🧾 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Serves 4)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~550 kcal |
| Protein | 35g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fat | 28g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Sodium | 500mg |
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on exact ingredients used.
💡 Tips & Tricks
- Lighter option: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk.
- Cheese boost: Add mozzarella or a mix of Italian cheeses for extra gooeyness.
- Don’t overcook broccoli: Add it halfway through for bright green, crisp-tender results.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
- One-pot version: Make the entire dish in one large skillet for easy cleanup.
🔥 Chef’s Extra Touch (From Me to You)
For a restaurant-style touch, finish the dish with a drizzle of good olive oil and a light squeeze of lemon juice. The lemon lifts the flavors and balances the richness of the cream and cheese. Also, try adding sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms for a gourmet upgrade.
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