Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe 🍗🥦🍝
Creamy, comforting, and packed with protein and veggies, this Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a weeknight favorite. Tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and pasta tossed in a luscious creamy sauce make it a dish the whole family will love. It’s quick to make, satisfying, and perfect for busy evenings or meal prep.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
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8 oz (225 g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
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Salt for pasta water
For the Chicken and Broccoli:
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2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
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2 tablespoons butter
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cups fresh broccoli florets
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
For the Creamy Sauce:
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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¼ cup chicken broth (optional, for thinner sauce)
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for depth of flavor)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
Directions
1. Cook the Pasta
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
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Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water for later use.
2. Cook the Chicken
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In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
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Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
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Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Cook the Broccoli
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In the same skillet, add broccoli florets and a splash of water.
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Cover and steam for 3–4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
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Remove broccoli and set aside with the chicken.
4. Prepare the Creamy Sauce
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In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring gently.
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Add Parmesan cheese and Dijon mustard, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
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Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
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If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.