Description

This delicious Chicken and Broccoli Pasta recipe combines tender chicken breast, fresh broccoli florets, and al dente pasta tossed in a light, flavorful Parmesan sauce with a subtle kick of red pepper flakes. It’s a perfect one-pan stovetop meal that’s quick to prepare, nutritious, and satisfying for any weeknight dinner.

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 & Oils

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup chicken broth

Cheese & Seasoning

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, freshly cracked, to taste

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and add the pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Heat Oil and Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers gently. Sprinkle the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and place them in the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until cooked through and golden brown.
Rest and Slice Chicken: Remove the chicken from the skillet and allow it to rest for a few minutes to retain its juices. Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Cook Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and pour in the chicken broth. Cover the skillet and let the broccoli steam for 3-4 minutes until tender and vibrant green.
Combine Ingredients: Return the sliced chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and grated Parmesan cheese, then gently toss everything together to evenly coat in the sauce and cheese.
Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and freshly cracked black pepper if needed. Serve the pasta hot for a delicious and wholesome meal.

Notes

Use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
You can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to make it lighter.
Adjust red pepper flakes quantity to control spiciness.
For a creamier sauce, add a splash of cream or milk when tossing pasta with cheese.
Cook pasta just until al dente to avoid mushy texture when combined with sauce.
Letting the chicken rest before slicing ensures juicier meat.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: chicken broccoli pasta, easy pasta recipe, stovetop chicken pasta, quick dinner, healthy pasta dish