Description
This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta recipe is a warm and comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights. It combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a rich creamy sauce clinging to pasta, making it a family favorite.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon Olive oil
1 ½ pounds Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
½ teaspoon Salt, plus more to taste
¼ teaspoon Black pepper, plus more to taste
1 small Yellow onion, finely diced
2 cloves Garlic, minced
4 cups Fresh broccoli florets
12 ounces Pasta (like penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
2 cups Whole milk
1 cup Chicken broth
½ cup Grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
¼ teaspoon Dried Italian seasoning
Pinch of Red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add broccoli to the boiling water. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet
- Reduce heat to medium and add butter, then onions. Cook until softened, then add garlic and cook for 1 more minute
- Sprinkle flour over onions and garlic, whisking for 1 minute. Gradually add milk and broth, whisking until smooth. Simmer until thickened, about 5-7 minutes
- Remove from heat, stir in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Adjust seasoning to taste
- Return chicken to the skillet, add pasta and broccoli, and toss to coat in the sauce
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan and parsley
Notes
Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese enhances the flavor and texture compared to pre-grated varieties.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg