Description
When you’re craving something comforting, delicious, and family-friendly, this Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is the perfect answer.
Ingredients
For the pasta and main ingredients:
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- 8 oz (about 2½ cups) penne or rotini pasta
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- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
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- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
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- 1 tablespoon olive oil
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- 1 tablespoon butter
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- Salt and pepper to taste
For the sauce:
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- 3 cloves garlic, minced
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- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
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- 1½ cups milk (whole or 2%)
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- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
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- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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- ½ teaspoon onion powder
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- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
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- Optional: ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Add to the skillet and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds. Sprinkle in flour and whisk for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk and chicken broth. Add onion powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer until thickened, about 3–5 minutes.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Combine
Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the pan. Toss to coat everything in the sauce.
Step 5: Taste and Serve
Taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed. Serve hot with extra cheese or a sprinkle of parsley if desired.
Notes
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- Use fresh broccoli for best texture, but frozen works in a pinch
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- Cut chicken into even pieces so it cooks evenly
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- Add broccoli in the last few minutes of boiling pasta to keep it green and crisp-tender
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- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the creamiest sauce
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 30g
Keywords: Healthy Easy Dinner Recipes For Family