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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with Broccoli

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with Broccoli
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with Broccoli is a comforting and fresh meal combining tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a luscious garlic Parmesan sauce with perfectly cooked pasta. This quick, nutritious, and versatile dish comes together in under 30 minutes and is perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Vegetables

  • 2 cups broccoli florets

Pasta

  • 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta

Sauce

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (parsley, basil)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken and Broccoli: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, blanch broccoli florets in boiling water for 2 minutes or steam until bright green and crisp-tender, then drain and set aside.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your choice of pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water for the sauce.
  3. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce: In the skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and additional herbs to taste.
  4. Combine Everything Together: Slice the cooked chicken into uniform pieces. Add chicken, broccoli, and drained pasta to the sauce. Toss everything together gently, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to thin the sauce until desired creaminess is achieved.
  5. Serve Warm: Plate the pasta immediately and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper if desired. Optionally, add fresh chopped herbs like parsley or basil for a fresh burst of flavor.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smooth melting.
  • Do not overcook the pasta; cook it just until al dente to avoid mushiness.
  • Reserve pasta water as it helps loosen the sauce and makes it cling better to the pasta.
  • Slice chicken evenly for uniform cooking and easy eating.
  • Season both the chicken and sauce to build depth of flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic parmesan chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, broccoli pasta recipe, easy chicken dinner, garlic pasta, family meal, quick dinner

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