Description
Creamy chicken and broccoli pasta delivers a comforting meal packed with wholesome ingredients and delightful flavors. Simple weeknight dinners become extraordinary when you combine tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and perfectly al dente pasta in one satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breast, diced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Base and Cooking Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Prepare pasta in boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain thoroughly and reserve.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature, sauté chicken pieces until golden brown and fully cooked through, approximately 6-7 minutes.
- Introduce minced garlic and fresh broccoli florets into the skillet, stirring continuously to prevent burning and cook until broccoli becomes vibrant green and slightly tender, around 3-4 minutes.
- Stream chicken broth into the skillet, allowing ingredients to simmer and meld flavors for 2-3 minutes, creating a light sauce.
- Gently fold reserved pasta into the skillet, ensuring even coating with sauce and ingredients, tossing carefully to distribute evenly.
- Generously sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta, then season with kosher salt and cracked black pepper to enhance overall taste profile.
- Transfer to serving plates immediately while piping hot, ensuring optimal flavor and texture enjoyment.
Notes
- Customize pasta thickness based on personal preference, choosing whole wheat or gluten-free options for dietary needs.
- Ensure chicken is fully cooked by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F to prevent foodborne illness.
- Prevent overcooking broccoli by maintaining crisp texture and vibrant green color through quick sautéing.
- Enhance flavor profile by adding red pepper flakes, fresh herbs like basil or parsley, or a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 330 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 290 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg