Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta
A quick and easy creamy chicken and broccoli pasta dish, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 0.5 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound pasta such as fettuccine or penne
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Add broccoli florets to the boiling water during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain pasta and broccoli, reserving about 0.5 cup of pasta water.
- While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Add minced garlic to the same skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce thicken slightly.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the sauce. Toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
This pasta is best served fresh. You can add other vegetables like peas or bell peppers for variety.
Nutrition
Serving: 200gCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 120gProtein: 120gFat: 120gSaturated Fat: 120gPolyunsaturated Fat: 120gMonounsaturated Fat: 120gTrans Fat: 120gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 120gSugar: 120gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 120mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 120mg
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