RecipeCastle

Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Ingredients

  • 8 ouncesof pasta (penne or fusilli work well for holding the sauce)
  • 2 cupsof broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, to add nutrition and color)
  • 1 poundof chicken breast (boneless and skinless, diced into bite-sized pieces)
  • 3 clovesof garlic (minced, for flavor)
  • 1 cupof heavy cream (for a rich and creamy sauce)
  • 1 cupof grated Parmesan cheese (adds nuttiness to the dish)
  • 2 tablespoonsof olive oil (for sautéing)
  • —Salt and pepper (to taste, for seasoning)
  • 1/2 teaspoonof Italian seasoning (for added flavor)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Cook the pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. In the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, add 2 cups of broccoli florets. Drain and set aside.

  2. 2

    Sauté the chicken: In the same pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 pound of diced chicken breast and season with salt, pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.

  3. 3

    Prepare the sauce: In the same pot, add 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add 1 cup of heavy cream and bring to a simmer, stirring continuously. Once simmering, stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.

  4. 4

    Combine: Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken back into the pot with the sauce. Toss everything together until well coated. Heat through for an additional 2-3 minutes. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

  5. 5

    Serve: Spoon the creamy chicken and broccoli pasta into bowls. Optionally, sprinkle more Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs like parsley or basil for garnish.