Description

This Delicious Chicken and Broccoli Pasta combines tender chicken breasts, fresh broccoli, and al dente pasta in a flavorful, creamy Parmesan sauce. Enhanced with garlic, red pepper flakes, and chicken broth, this easy stovetop dish is perfect for a nutritious and hearty weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

8 ounces penne or fusilli pasta

Protein

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts

Vegetables

2 cups broccoli florets
2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Oils

3 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)

Cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt, to taste
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and add the pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Let it shimmer gently before adding your chicken.
Cook the Chicken: Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper, and place them in the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until cooked through and golden.
Rest and Slice Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté until fragrant and golden, about 1 minute.
Steam the Broccoli: Toss in the broccoli florets and pour in the chicken broth. Cover and let steam for about 3-4 minutes until vibrant green and tender.
Combine Ingredients: Slice the rested chicken and return it to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and Parmesan cheese. Gently toss to coat everything.
Season and Serve: Taste and adjust with more salt and pepper as needed, then serve hot.

Notes

Use extra virgin olive oil for a richer flavor.
You can substitute vegetable broth if you prefer a lighter sauce.
Red pepper flakes can be adjusted or omitted to control the spiciness.
Allowing the chicken to rest before slicing ensures juiciness.
For a creamier texture, add a splash of pasta cooking water when tossing the pasta.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: chicken pasta, broccoli pasta, easy chicken dinner, stovetop pasta recipe, Parmesan chicken pasta