Save This Garlic Parmesan Broccoli & Chicken Pasta is a comforting skillet meal featuring tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and al dente noodles coated in a rich, cheesy sauce. Inspired by the cozy flavors of garlic Parmesan soup, this easy, no-bake dish comes together in just 40 minutes, making it a perfect solution for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Save This American-Italian fusion dish is designed for simplicity without sacrificing flavor. By cooking the pasta directly in a blend of chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream, every noodle absorbs the savory garlic and Parmesan notes, resulting in a cohesive and delicious meal.
Ingredients
- Proteins: 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 400 g), cut into bite-size pieces
- Pasta: 300 g (10 oz) penne, rigatoni, or rotini pasta
- Vegetables: 2 cups (200 g) small broccoli florets, 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- Dairy & Cream: 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tbsp (30 g) unsalted butter, 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
- Broth & Seasonings: 2 cups (480 ml) low-sodium chicken broth, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional), 1/2 tsp dried Italian herb blend (optional)
- Garnish: Fresh parsley, additional grated Parmesan (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
- Heat the butter in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 4–5 minutes until lightly golden. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Step 2: Aromatics
- In the same skillet, add onion and garlic. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Step 3: Prepare the Liquid
- Pour in the chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Step 4: Simmer Pasta and Broccoli
- Add the pasta and broccoli. Stir well, cover, and cook over medium-low heat for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed. If needed, add a splash more broth or water.
- Step 5: Finish the Sauce
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add Parmesan cheese, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy.
- Step 6: Season to Taste
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper as desired.
- Step 7: Serve
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To achieve the best results, use a large deep skillet with a lid to ensure the pasta and broccoli steam evenly. Using a sharp chef's knife to cut the chicken and broccoli into uniform, bite-sized pieces will guarantee they cook at the same rate. If the sauce thickens too much while resting, stir in a small amount of warm broth to reach your preferred consistency.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This recipe is easily adaptable to your needs. For a faster version, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. You can also swap the pasta for whole-wheat or gluten-free varieties. For a vegetarian meal, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead. Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can brighten the rich flavors of the Parmesan sauce.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this pasta immediately while the cheese sauce is hot and velvety. Top each portion with fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan. For a fuller spread, pair the dish with a crisp green side salad or a loaf of crusty artisan bread to soak up the remaining garlic sauce.
Save Enjoy this easy and flavor-packed Garlic Parmesan Broccoli & Chicken Pasta as a comforting end to any day. It's a reliable, delicious meal that proves you don't need a lot of time or equipment to create something special.
Recipe Guide
- → Can I make this pasta dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components ahead. Cook the pasta and sauce separately, then combine when ready to serve. The dish keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheats beautifully with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
- → What pasta shapes work best for this skillet method?
Penne, rigatoni, and rotini are ideal because their shapes hold the creamy sauce well and cook evenly in the liquid. Short pasta with ridges or tubes works better than long strands like spaghetti for this one-pan cooking technique.
- → How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Simply omit the chicken and swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. You might want to add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to maintain the hearty protein content and bulk of the dish.
- → Why cook the pasta directly in the sauce?
Cooking pasta in the broth and cream allows the noodles to absorb savory flavors directly while releasing starches that naturally thicken the sauce. This technique creates a silky, cohesive coating that clings perfectly to every piece of pasta and broccoli.
- → Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely. Using a rotisserie chicken reduces prep time significantly. Skip the initial chicken sauté step and add the shredded meat during step 5 when returning the protein to the skillet, just long enough to heat through.
- → What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half works for a lighter version, though the sauce will be less rich. For a dairy-free option, use full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream, keeping in mind these will subtly alter the final flavor profile.