Are you craving a delicious, quick, and nutritious meal that will satisfy your entire family in just 30 minutes? Look no further! This mouthwatering Pasta with Chicken and Broccoli recipe is about to become your new go-to dinner solution. Imagine tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and vibrant broccoli, all brought together with a savory Parmesan sauce that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you're a busy professional, a parent looking for a crowd-pleasing dish, or simply someone who loves amazing food, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season diced chicken breast with salt and pepper. Add chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove cooked chicken from skillet and set aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add broccoli florets and chicken broth to the skillet. Cover and steam for 3-4 minutes until broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp.
- Return chicken to the skillet and add drained pasta. Toss everything together.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the mixture and stir to combine. If sauce seems dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Always reserve some pasta water before draining - its starchy goodness helps create a silky, clingy sauce that coats every ingredient perfectly.
- For maximum flavor, season your chicken generously with salt and pepper before cooking, and ensure it's golden brown for the best taste and texture.
- Don't overcook the broccoli - aim for that perfect tender-crisp texture that maintains its bright green color and nutritional value.
- Use fresh garlic if possible, as it provides a more robust and authentic flavor compared to pre-minced varieties.
- For added depth, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of white wine when sautéing the garlic for an extra flavor dimension.
- If you want to make this dish even healthier, try using whole wheat pasta or adding extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 95mg
