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Delicious Easy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta ready in one pot.

Easy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

A creamy and comforting one-pot pasta dish featuring chicken and broccoli that's perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts Can substitute with thighs for more juiciness.
  • 4 cups broccoli florets Fresh or frozen, do not thaw frozen before using.
  • 8 oz short pasta (penne, rotini, or shells) These shapes hold the sauce well.
  • 2 cloves garlic Fresh is preferred, jar garlic works in a pinch.
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk or half and half For a creamier sauce.
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds flavor and thickens the sauce.
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning For flavor.
  • optional red pepper flakes, lemon zest, or squeeze of lemon For additional flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Brown the chicken: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces, season with salt and pepper, then cook in a little oil until mostly cooked through.
  2. Add garlic and dry pasta: Stir for about 30 seconds so the garlic wakes up, then pour in the broth.
  3. Simmer: Maintain a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add more broth or water if it looks dry.
  4. Add broccoli: When pasta is nearly done, stir in the broccoli to cook quickly in the hot liquid.
  5. Make it creamy: Reduce heat, add milk or half and half, and stir in Parmesan until the sauce is creamy and clings to pasta.
  6. Taste and finish: Adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Parmesan. A squeeze of lemon enhances flavor.

Notes

This recipe is adaptable; you can use rotisserie chicken, various dairy alternatives, or swap in different pasta shapes. Optional add-ins include mushrooms, peas, spinach, or bell peppers.