Description
This Delicious Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe is a comforting and creamy Italian-inspired dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken breasts and crisp broccoli florets are enveloped in a flavorful garlic and Parmesan sauce, served over your choice of penne or fusilli pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, it offers a balanced meal full of vibrant colors, robust aromas, and rich textures that will delight your entire family.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces penne or fusilli pasta
Protein
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Others
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
- 1 cup chicken broth (vegetable broth as a lighter alternative)
Seasonings and Cheese
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and add the 8 ounces of penne or fusilli pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 3 tablespoons of olive oil until it shimmers gently.
- Season and Cook Chicken: Sprinkle 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place them in the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until cooked through and golden brown.
- Rest and Slice Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes to lock in the juices. Then slice into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: In the same skillet, add the minced 2 garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Steam Broccoli: Add 2 cups of broccoli florets to the skillet and pour in 1 cup of chicken broth. Cover and let steam for 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is vibrant green and tender.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the sliced chicken to the skillet with the broccoli. Add the drained pasta and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Gently toss everything together to evenly coat with the sauce.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Cook pasta al dente to best absorb the sauce without becoming mushy.
- Resting chicken after cooking ensures tender and juicy pieces.
- Adjust red pepper flakes based on desired spice level; start with half for milder heat.
- Reserve some pasta water to add for extra creaminess before serving, if desired.
- Freshly minced garlic is recommended to enhance aroma and flavor over pre-minced versions.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh.
- Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Chicken pasta recipe, Broccoli pasta, Creamy chicken pasta, Weeknight dinner, Italian pasta dish, Garlic Parmesan pasta
