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To make a delicious Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Skillet, you need these key ingredients: - 2 cups pasta (penne or fusilli) - 1 lb chicken breast, cubed - 2 cups broccoli florets - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium) - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients work together to create a rich, creamy dish. The chicken adds protein, while broccoli brings color and crunch. The pasta serves as a perfect base. Garlic gives it a nice aroma, and Parmesan adds a salty depth. You can customize it with different pasta shapes or herbs if you like. This dish is easy to make, and it tastes great! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab a large skillet. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. This helps the chicken cook evenly. Next, season 1 pound of cubed chicken breast with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the hot skillet. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes until it turns golden brown. This step is key to getting flavor. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Stir it around for about 1 minute. You want it to smell fragrant but not brown. This adds a rich flavor to the dish. Now, pour in 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth. Bring it to a simmer. Then add 2 cups of broccoli florets. Cook the broccoli for about 3-4 minutes. You want it tender, but still bright green. Next, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Let this heat through. The sauce should become creamy and flavorful. While this simmers, cook 2 cups of pasta like penne or fusilli in a separate pot. Follow the package instructions for best results. Once it's done, drain the pasta well. Now, add the cooked pasta back to the skillet with the chicken and the creamy sauce. Mix everything together until it looks well combined. Finally, stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. It helps thicken the sauce and adds a delicious flavor. Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes. This allows the dish to thicken just a little more. Serve hot and enjoy your meal! To make the best Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Skillet, timing matters. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it's nicely browned. Remove it from the skillet to keep it juicy. Next, add the broccoli florets to chicken broth. Let them simmer for 3-4 minutes. They should be bright green and tender, not mushy. Cook the pasta in a separate pot. Follow the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, depending on the type. Drain it well before adding it to the skillet. To get that rich and creamy texture, melt the cheese slowly. After you add the Parmesan cheese, stir gently. It helps the cheese blend well into the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth or cream. This will help keep everything smooth and pourable. Let the skillet rest for a couple of minutes after cooking. This will also help the sauce thicken up just right. Want to boost the flavor? Try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper for some heat. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can add a nice touch, too. If you love garlic, toss in an extra clove or two when you sauté the garlic. A squeeze of lemon juice right before serving brightens the dish. Experiment with flavors that make you happy. Cooking should feel fun and creative! Pro Tips Cook Pasta Al Dente: For the best texture, cook your pasta just until al dente. This will ensure it holds up well when mixed with the sauce and absorbs flavors without becoming mushy. Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh broccoli and high-quality chicken for a more flavorful dish. Fresh ingredients can elevate the overall taste and nutritional value. Customize with Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition and color. This makes the dish more vibrant and allows for personalization based on your preferences. Leftover Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out. {{image_2}} You can switch the chicken for shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice taste. Tofu is a great choice for a plant-based meal. Use firm tofu for the best texture. Just cube it and sauté until golden. Both options make this meal unique and tasty. Feel free to add more veggies to boost nutrition. Bell peppers, carrots, or spinach work well. Chop them small so they cook quickly. You can mix them in with the chicken or broccoli. This adds color and flavor to your dish. Plus, it makes your meal more filling and healthy. Want to make it low-carb? Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. This keeps the meal light and fresh. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta. There are many brands that taste great. Adjust your ingredients to fit your needs and enjoy a delicious meal. After you cook Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Skillet, let it cool for a bit. Store it in an airtight container. Make sure to refrigerate within two hours. This meal can last in the fridge for about three to four days. Keep it sealed to prevent odors from other foods. When you want to enjoy your leftovers, use a skillet on medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Stir often until it is hot. You can also use a microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe dish, cover it loosely, and heat in short bursts. Stir in between to heat evenly. If you want to freeze the leftovers, let them cool first. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. It can last for about two to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Make sure it is hot all the way through before serving. This dish takes about 30 minutes. You need 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook. The quick timing makes it great for busy nights. You can use frozen broccoli. Just add it to the broth for a few extra minutes. Frozen broccoli cooks fast, so watch it closely. Fresh broccoli stays crispier, but both taste great. Penne and fusilli work well. They hold sauce nicely. You can also use rotini or farfalle for fun shapes. Choose your favorite! This blog covers a delicious Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Skillet recipe. We discussed the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, tips for creaminess, and possible variations. You can customize this dish with different proteins and veggies. Proper storage tips will help you enjoy leftovers later. For best results, follow my cooking times and adjustments. This dish is easy and enjoyable. You will impress your family with this meal. Give it a try, and let it become a staple in your kitchen!

Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Skillet

A delicious one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy pasta.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups pasta (penne or fusilli)
  • 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken breast, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through, then remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Add the broccoli florets and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender but still vibrant green.
  • Stir in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning, allowing it to heat through.
  • Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions in a separate pot, then drain.
  • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the cooked chicken. Mix everything together until well combined.
  • Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
  • Remove from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly.

Notes

Serve hot in bowls, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan on top for an appealing look.
Keyword broccoli, chicken, one-pan meal, pasta, skillet