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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with Broccoli

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with Broccoli
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This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with Broccoli is a comforting and flavorful dish that blends tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and pasta coated in a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights while still elegant enough for casual gatherings. Featuring balanced nutrition with protein, veggies, and carbs, this one-pot wonder delivers satisfying, creamy goodness with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Pasta & Vegetables

  • 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni)
  • 2 cups fresh broccoli florets

Sauce

  • 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated recommended)
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half and half
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. In the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Drain together and reserve 1 cup of pasta water. Set aside.
  2. Cook the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté Garlic and Make the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned, about 1-2 minutes. Pour in heavy cream, stirring to combine. Gradually add grated Parmesan while stirring continuously, allowing the sauce to thicken and become silky.
  4. Combine Everything: Return chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and broccoli. Toss gently to coat all ingredients with the creamy sauce. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil over the pasta for freshness and color. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for smooth sauce and better flavor.
  • Do not overcook broccoli; adding it near the end keeps it crisp-tender and vibrant.
  • Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce without diluting flavor.
  • Cook chicken in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding and get a good sear.
  • Sauté garlic gently to avoid bitterness from burnt garlic.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, Chicken Pasta with Broccoli, Garlic Parmesan Sauce, One-Pot Pasta, Quick Dinner, Weeknight Meal

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/creamy-garlic-parmesan-chicken-pasta-with-broccoli/