Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

A delicious, creamy, and nutritious pasta dish packed with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich, velvety sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
Servings: 4

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Ingredients:

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz (340g) penne or fettuccine pasta

• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ cups (360ml) chicken broth

• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)

• ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

• Salt & pepper to taste

For Garnish (Optional):

• Fresh parsley, chopped

• Extra Parmesan cheese

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Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.

3. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling pasta to blanch them.

4. Drain the pasta and broccoli, reserving ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Add the chicken pieces, season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden and no longer pink inside.

3. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

2. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.

3. Slowly pour in chicken broth, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.

4. Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir until the sauce thickens (3-4 minutes).

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken back into the skillet.

2. Toss everything together in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.

3. Cook for 1-2 minutes until everything is well-coated and heated through.

Step 5: Serve & Garnish

1. Divide into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

2. Serve immediately and enjoy!

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

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Tips & Variations:

• Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with mushrooms or extra veggies.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and cornstarch instead of flour.

• Lighter Version: Substitute heavy cream with milk or Greek yogurt for fewer calories.

• Extra Flavor: Add sun-dried tomatoes or crispy bacon for a twist.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

✅ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 35 minutes!
✅ Creamy & Comforting – Rich, velvety sauce coats every bite.
✅ Balanced Meal – Packed with protein, veggies, and carbs.
✅ Customizable – Adjust ingredients to suit your taste.

Enjoy this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta for a satisfying, restaurant-quality meal at home! 🍝✨