Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a comforting, one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and al dente pasta in a rich, cheesy cream sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner, this dish is packed with flavor and comes together in under 30 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for a restaurant-quality meal at home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup makes it easy to prepare and enjoy.
• Comfort Food Classic: Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with protein and veggies.
• Customizable: Swap ingredients like pasta shapes, vegetables, or spices to suit your taste.

 Ingredients (Serves 4–6):

• 12 oz rigatoni (or pasta of choice ) 🍝
• 2 tbsp olive oil 🫒
• 2 chicken breasts , cubed 🍗
• 2 cups broccoli florets 🥦
• 4 garlic cloves , minced 🧄
• 1½ cups heavy cream 🥛
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
• ½ cup chicken broth 🥣
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning 🌿
• Salt and pepper , to taste 🧂
• Fresh parsley , chopped (optional, for garnish ) 🌿

 Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta 🍝

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni (or pasta of choice) according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken 🔥

1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the cubed chicken breasts and season with salt , pepper , and Italian seasoning . Sauté for 5–7 minutes , or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Broccoli and Garlic 🥦🧄

1. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil .
2. Add the broccoli florets and sauté for 3–4 minutes , until slightly tender but still crisp.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute , until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce 🥛🧀

1. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth , stirring to combine.
2. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
3. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine Everything 🍗🌿

1. Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss everything together until well coated and heated through.
2. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve 🍴

1. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
2. Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top if desired.

💡 Tips for Success:

• Vegetable Variations: Add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra veggies.
• Lighter Option: Substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days . Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess.

⏰ Time Breakdown:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

📊 Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Makes 6):

• Calories: 480 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 25g

This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a hearty, satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its velvety cream sauce, tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a complete meal in one pan. Whether you’re feeding your family or impressing guests, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Serve it hot, sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley, and savor every cheesy, creamy bite—it’s comfort food at its finest!