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Easy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

A simple yet satisfying meal combining tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta in a creamy sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Vegetables
  • 8 oz penne or rotini pasta Choose your preferred type of pasta.
  • 2 cups broccoli florets Crisp-tender texture is ideal.
Chicken and Sauce
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces Ensure it's cooked until no longer pink.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Adds depth of flavor.
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or Halal-friendly alternative) For a creamy sauce.
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese A key ingredient to flavor the sauce.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil For cooking the chicken.
  • to taste Salt and pepper For seasoning.
  • optional crushed red pepper flakes For added kick.

Method
 

Cook the Pasta
  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water.
Prepare the Chicken
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is browned and no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Broccoli and Garlic
  1. In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets and sauté for about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Mix the Sauce
  1. Return the chicken to the skillet, then pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, gradually stir in reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
Combine Everything
  1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix well, ensuring that the pasta is fully coated with the creamy sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
Serve and Enjoy
  1. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, and if desired, garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or crushed red pepper flakes for added flavor.

Notes

You can easily swap out the chicken for diced tofu or shrimp for a different protein. For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat by adding a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce.