Description
A creamy and flavorful Chicken and Broccoli Pasta recipe made with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for an easy and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
- 3 quarts water
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt, divided
- 8 ounces dried rotini (about 2 ½ cups)
- 3 cups broccoli florets, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- ¾ teaspoon black pepper, divided
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup unsalted chicken stock or broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add 1 ½ teaspoons salt and stir to dissolve. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes or according to package instructions.
- A few minutes before the pasta is done, add the broccoli florets and cook for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender. Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain pasta and broccoli.
- Season the chicken cubes with 1 teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook without moving until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a clean bowl.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to low. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and minced garlic, sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Stir in heavy cream, chicken stock, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, scraping the pan sides frequently to prevent curdling. Reduce sauce until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5-6 minutes.
- Turn off heat and stir in Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the pasta, broccoli, and chicken back into the sauce. Stir to combine and serve hot.
Notes
- To save time, you can cook the pasta and broccoli while preparing the chicken and sauce.
- Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Add extra Parmesan or a pinch of red chili flakes for additional flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: Not specified
- Sugar: Not specified
- Sodium: Not specified
- Fat: Not specified
- Saturated Fat: Not specified
- Unsaturated Fat: Not specified
- Trans Fat: Not specified
- Carbohydrates: Not specified
- Fiber: Not specified
- Protein: Not specified
- Cholesterol: Not specified
