Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a delightful and healthy dish that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and al dente pasta all tossed together in a light garlic sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 colander
- 1 large skillet
- 1 cutting board
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 pound chicken breast, sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- In the last 3 minutes of the pasta cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot to blanch them. Drain the pasta and broccoli in a colander and set aside.
- In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken breast and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Add the minced garlic to the pan with the chicken and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes (if using).
- Add the drained pasta and broccoli back into the skillet with the chicken. Toss everything together to combine well.
- Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well distributed.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
Notes
Feel free to substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
This dish is versatile—add more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
To make it a bit creamier, you can add a splash of heavy cream or a few tablespoons of cream cheese before serving.