Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Balanced Meal: Combines protein-rich chicken, nutritious broccoli, and satisfying pasta for a well-rounded dish.

• Family-Friendly: The creamy sauce and familiar ingredients make it a hit with both kids and adults.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 4 cups broccoli florets

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

• 1 pound fettuccine pasta

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

   • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

   • Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6–7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked.

   • Remove from the skillet and set aside.

2. Cook the Broccoli:

   • In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets.

   • Sauté for about 5 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender.

   • Remove the broccoli and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce:

   • Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet.

   • Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

   • Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.

   • Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

4. Add Cheese and Seasoning:

   • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and dried Italian seasoning.

   • Continue to cook until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth, about 3 minutes.

5. Combine Ingredients:

   • Return the cooked chicken and broccoli to the skillet, stirring to coat them with the sauce.

   • Let them warm through for a couple of minutes.

6. Cook the Pasta:

   • While preparing the sauce, cook the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions.

   • Drain and add to the skillet, tossing to combine everything evenly.

7. Serve:

   • Serve the creamy chicken and broccoli pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4–6 servings

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes

• Cooking Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

1. Add More Vegetables:

   • Incorporate bell peppers, carrots, spinach, or mushrooms for added flavor and color.

2. Use Different Pasta:

   • Substitute fettuccine with penne, rotini, or whole wheat pasta to suit dietary preferences.

3. Spice it Up:

   • Add red pepper flakes, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.

4. Swap the Cheese:

   • Experiment with different cheeses such as Gruyère, mozzarella, or a sharp cheddar for a unique flavor profile.

5. Herb Infusion:

   • Add fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or thyme to enhance the aroma and taste.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage:

  • Allow the pasta to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container.

  • Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.

• Freezing:

  • For longer storage, freeze the pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 2–3 months.

  • Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

• Reheating:

  • Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to restore creaminess.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used and may offer a juicier result.

2. Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?

Half-and-half or whole milk can be used, but the sauce may be less rich and creamy.

3. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring the chicken broth is gluten-free.

4. How can I make the sauce thicker?

Allow the sauce to simmer longer to reduce, or add a slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken it.

Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

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This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a rich, satisfying meal featuring tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and fettuccine pasta, all tossed in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy weekends, this dish is family-friendly, flavorful, and easy to make in under 45 minutes!

• Author: Ava
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1 pound fettuccine pasta

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Instructions

Cook the Chicken:

• Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Cook for 6–7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked.
• Remove from skillet and set aside.

2. Sauté the Broccoli:

• In the same skillet, add broccoli florets.
• Sauté for 5 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
• Remove and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce:

• Reduce heat to medium, add minced garlic, and cook for 1 minute.
• Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well.
• Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

4. Add Cheese and Seasoning:

• Stir in Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.
• Continue to cook until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth (about 3 minutes).

5. Combine Everything:

• Slice or cube the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet.
• Add the broccoli and stir everything together.

6. Cook the Pasta & Serve:

• While making the sauce, cook fettuccine according to package instructions.
• Drain and toss into the skillet with the sauce, mixing well.
• Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

• Make It Lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
• Want More Veggies? Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
• Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.