Description
Creamy chicken and broccoli pasta delivers comfort on a plate, blending tender protein with crisp green florets in a silky sauce. Home cooks can craft this delightful dinner quickly, enjoying restaurant-quality flavors without leaving their kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
Main Carbohydrates:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne, bowtie, or your choice)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Seasoning and Sauce Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Ignite a generously sized cauldron of water, seasoning it with a hearty pinch of salt, creating a flavorful bath for the pasta.
- Submerge the pasta into the roiling waters, adhering to the package’s recommended cooking duration to achieve that perfect al dente texture.
- Approximately 2-3 minutes before the pasta reaches its peak, introduce the vibrant broccoli florets into the bubbling liquid, allowing them to dance and soften alongside the noodles.
- Once the pasta and broccoli have reached their optimal tenderness, carefully evacuate the contents into a colander, letting the excess water cascade away.
- Gently transfer the drained pasta and broccoli to a waiting vessel, preparing them for the next culinary transformation.
Notes
- Choose whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to create a healthier, allergy-friendly version of this classic dish.
- Blanch broccoli separately for a brighter green color and crispier texture if you prefer more defined vegetables in the pasta.
- Opt for skinless chicken breasts and slice them thinly to ensure quick, even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
- Consider adding red pepper flakes or grated Parmesan cheese for an extra flavor boost that elevates the dish’s overall taste profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg