Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta for a Cozy Night
A heartwarming dish that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and al dente pasta in a luscious cream sauce.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 pound Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast Diced into bite-sized pieces.
- 2 cups Fresh Broccoli Florets Rinsed and cut into smaller pieces if large.
- 8 ounces Pasta Use penne or fettuccine, cooked al dente.
- 1 cup Heavy Cream Adjust based on preference for creaminess.
- 3 cloves Garlic Minced.
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese Grated.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil For cooking the chicken and sautéing garlic.
- Salt To taste.
- Pepper To taste.
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley Chopped, optional for garnish.
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Dice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and set it aside. Rinse the broccoli florets under cold water and cut them into smaller pieces if they are large. Grate the Parmesan cheese and mince the garlic.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. When finished, reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the diced chicken. Season with salt and pepper and sauté for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown on the outside. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the chicken is done, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Next, add the broccoli florets to the skillet with the chicken and garlic. Stir well to combine and cook for about 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and slightly tender.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to blend it with the chicken and broccoli. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes, letting the cream thicken slightly. If the sauce appears too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Once the sauce is creamy and well mixed, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce. If the pasta seems dry, add more of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired creaminess is achieved.
- Remove the skillet from heat and taste the dish. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. If desired, garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve the Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta for a Cozy Night immediately, ensuring each serving is generously coated in the creamy sauce. Enjoy this comforting dish warm.
Notes
Leftover Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.