Description

This Delicious Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a perfect weeknight meal combining tender chicken breasts, vibrant broccoli florets, and perfectly cooked pasta all tossed in a light garlic and Parmesan sauce. The dish offers a balanced mix of protein, vegetables, and comforting carbs, enhanced by a subtle touch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

8 ounces penne or fusilli pasta

Chicken and Vegetables

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 cups broccoli florets

Seasonings and Sauce

3 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt, to taste
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Prepare the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then place them in the skillet.
Cook the chicken: Sauté the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
Rest and slice chicken: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes to retain juices, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
Sauté garlic and spices: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing until fragrant and lightly golden, approximately 1 minute.
Steam broccoli: Add the broccoli florets and pour in the chicken broth. Cover the skillet and steam the broccoli for 3-4 minutes until it turns vibrant green and becomes tender.
Combine all ingredients: Return the sliced chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and grated Parmesan cheese, tossing gently to combine and coat everything evenly.
Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the dish and adjust with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot for a comforting and nutritious meal.

Notes

You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
Adjust red pepper flakes according to your heat preference or omit for no spice.
For a creamier sauce, add a splash of cream or milk with the Parmesan cheese.
Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
Freshly grated Parmesan enhances flavor better than pre-grated cheese.
Letting the chicken rest before slicing helps keep it juicy and tender.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: chicken broccoli pasta, easy pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, pasta with chicken, healthy pasta, garlic parmesan pasta