Description
A creamy and comforting homemade chicken and broccoli pasta dish featuring tender chicken breast, fresh broccoli florets, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Produce
- 2 cups pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Protein
- 1 lb chicken breast
Dairy and Oils
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for any finishing touches or keeping the dish warm if desired, though the main cooking occurs on the stovetop.
- Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. This will be used to cook the pasta.
- Cook Pasta: Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance flavor.
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Cook Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked through and golden brown on the outside. Remove the chicken from the skillet and allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain juices.
- Sauté Garlic: Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they become slightly tender but still crisp.
- Make Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta back into the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat it evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Add Chicken: Slice the rested chicken breasts and add the slices to the skillet, mixing everything together.
- Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve the chicken and broccoli pasta hot, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan cheese for added flavor. Enjoy your meal!
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream for a lighter or dairy-free version.
- Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated will enhance the flavor and texture of the sauce.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh herbs such as parsley or basil.
- Resting the cooked chicken before slicing helps keep it juicy and tender.
- You can steam the broccoli if preferred, but sautéing it in garlic adds extra flavor.
