Description
Succulent chicken and broccoli pasta delivers comfort with Italian-inspired elegance, blending creamy textures and hearty flavors. Rich parmesan and tender chicken create a delightful meal that satisfies hunger and warms souls with each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 ounces (340 grams) penne, fettuccine, or your favorite pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Seasoning and Flavoring Ingredients:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for creaminess)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Optional Garnishes:
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Chopped parsley
- Additional Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Initiate the pasta preparation by bringing a generously salted water vessel to a rolling boil. Submerge the pasta and allow it to cook according to package guidelines. Introduce broccoli florets during the final moments of pasta cooking, ensuring simultaneous drainage and setting aside.
- Select a spacious skillet and warm olive oil over moderate heat. Generously season chicken segments with aromatic spices, carefully distributing garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Carefully place seasoned chicken into the heated pan, allowing each piece to transform into a golden-hued delicacy through 6-8 minutes of attentive cooking. Transfer perfectly cooked chicken to a separate plate.
- Utilize the same skillet for sauce creation, melting butter with precision. Incorporate minced garlic, allowing its fragrance to permeate the kitchen within a brief minute. Sprinkle flour and create a delicate roux through gentle stirring. Slowly introduce milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps, and allow the mixture to simmer and thicken. Fold in Parmesan cheese, adding a whisper of nutmeg, salt, and pepper to elevate the flavor profile.
- Reunite the cooked pasta, tender broccoli, and succulent chicken within the creamy sauce. Gently toss, ensuring each ingredient becomes luxuriously coated with the velvety mixture.
- Present the culinary creation in elegant serving bowls, offering optional embellishments like crushed red pepper flakes, freshly chopped parsley, or an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for those desiring extra indulgence.
Notes
- Customize the pasta by using whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier alternative that caters to different dietary needs.
- Ensure broccoli retains its vibrant green color and crisp texture by blanching it briefly in boiling water, which helps maintain nutrients and prevents overcooking.
- Create a lighter sauce version by substituting some milk with low-fat chicken broth or using Greek yogurt for added protein and reduced calories.
- Boost flavor complexity by experimenting with additional herbs like thyme or rosemary, or adding a splash of white wine during sauce preparation for depth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 65 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg