Description
A creamy and comforting Homemade Chicken and Broccoli Pasta dish featuring tender chicken breasts, fresh broccoli florets, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce tossed with al dente pasta. This quick and easy one-pan meal is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 2 cups pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Protein
- 1 lb chicken breast
Sauce and Seasoning
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for potential finishing or resting, although the main cooking is stovetop.
- Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil to cook the pasta.
- Cook Pasta: Add pasta to boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Heat Oil: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat to prepare for sautéing the chicken.
- Cook Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked through. Remove from skillet and let 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 to build flavor.
- Cook Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until they become slightly tender but still crisp.
- Make Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is well combined.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet and toss to coat fully with the creamy sauce.
- Add Chicken: Slice the rested chicken breasts and add to the skillet with pasta and sauce.
- Season and Combine: Season with additional salt and pepper to taste and stir everything together evenly.
- Serve: Serve the chicken and broccoli pasta hot, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your meal!
Notes
- Be sure not to overcook the broccoli to maintain a nice crunch and vibrant color.
- Resting the chicken after cooking helps keep it juicy and tender when sliced.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smooth sauce texture.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it may be less rich.
- Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can introduce a subtle heat to the dish if desired.