Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta 🍝💚
This creamy, cheesy pasta is full of tender chicken and fresh broccoli... comfort food at its best! Easy to make and packed with flavor, it's perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 8 oz pasta penne, fettuccine, or your choice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions. In the last 3-4 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling pasta water to blanch. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. Then add the heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, and cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Combine the Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet, tossing everything together until well coated in the creamy sauce. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and mix.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley, and enjoy the creamy goodness! 🍝