Easy Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
Whip up a satisfying and delicious dinner in no time with this super easy creamy chicken and broccoli pasta. Featuring tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and your favorite pasta coated in a rich, cheesy sauce, it's a perfect weeknight solution that the whole family will love. Minimal effort, maximum flavor!
Ingredients
- 12 ozPenne or Rotini Pasta
- 15.9 ozBoneless, Skinless Chicken Breast
- 4 cupsBroccoli Florets
- 3 clovesGarlic, minced
- 1 tablespoonOlive Oil
- 2 tablespoonsUnsalted Butter
- 1 cupChicken Broth
- 1 cupHeavy Cream
- 0.5 cupGrated Parmesan Cheese
- 0.5 teaspoonSalt
- 0.3 teaspoonBlack Pepper
Instructions
- 1
Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
⏱ 10 min - 2
While the pasta cooks, cut the chicken breast into 1-inch cubes. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
⏱ 7 min - 3
Reduce the heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring, until tender-crisp.
⏱ 5 min - 4
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Continue to simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
⏱ 5 min - 5
Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce and broccoli. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
⏱ 3 min - 6
Serve immediately, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
⏱ 1 min