Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Skillet

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Skillet recipe! Combining tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta in a rich creamy sauce, this one-skillet meal is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. Perfect for busy families, it’s both satisfying and nutritious. Check out the step-by-step guide and tips to make this dish a staple in your kitchen and impress even the pickiest eaters!

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Ingredients

12 oz (340 g) penne pasta

2 cups (300 g) broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

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

3 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream

1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for added heat)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta and Broccoli: In a large pot, bring salted water to a vigorous boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches the al dente stage. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, carefully add the broccoli florets to the pot. Once done, drain both the pasta and broccoli, and set them aside.

Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced chicken. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper, then sauté until the chicken is fully cooked, golden brown, and no longer pink in the center—this should take about 6 to 8 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and place it aside on a plate.

Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, or until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned. Then, pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Gradually mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Continue stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Broccoli: Add the drained pasta and broccoli back into the skillet, along with the sautéed chicken. Gently toss all the ingredients together in the sauce until well coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, if desired for a kick.

Serve and Garnish: Once everything is warmed through, remove the skillet from heat. Transfer the creamy chicken and broccoli pasta into serving bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Enjoy: For a complete meal, serve it alongside crusty bread or a refreshing side salad.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings