Description
Comfort meets elegance in this classic chicken and broccoli pasta, where tender chicken and crisp broccoli dance together in a creamy parmesan sauce. Rich flavors and simple ingredients combine to create a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein Base:
- 1 lb (453 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz (340 grams) penne, fettuccine, or your favorite pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Sauce Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for creaminess)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Chopped parsley
- Additional Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Fill a spacious pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil, preparing for pasta and broccoli cooking.
- Immerse pasta in boiling water, following package timing guidelines, and introduce broccoli florets during the final 2-3 minutes of cooking.
- Drain pasta and broccoli simultaneously, transferring to a separate container for later assembly.
- Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, creating a golden cooking surface.
- Generously coat chicken pieces with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, ensuring comprehensive seasoning coverage.
- Carefully place seasoned chicken into the heated skillet, allowing each piece to transform into a golden-brown, thoroughly cooked protein.
- Remove perfectly cooked chicken from skillet and reserve for subsequent recipe stages.
- Without cleaning the skillet, melt butter and introduce minced garlic, allowing aromatics to release their fragrant essence for approximately one minute.
- Sprinkle flour into the buttery garlic mixture, creating a smooth roux by stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually incorporate milk, whisking consistently to prevent lumps and encourage sauce thickening.
- Simmer sauce until it reaches a luxurious, velvety consistency, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Integrate Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper, adjusting seasonings to personal preference.
- Reunite cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken within the creamy sauce, gently tossing to ensure complete coating.
- Transfer the harmonious mixture into serving bowls, optionally garnishing with crushed red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, or additional Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Prep Ahead: Chop broccoli and slice chicken before starting to save time during cooking.
- Pasta Perfection: Choose short pasta like penne or rotini for better sauce coating and easier eating.
- Broccoli Brilliance: Slightly undercook broccoli to maintain a crisp texture and vibrant green color during the final mixing.
- Creamy Sauce Secrets: Whisk milk slowly to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, silky sauce consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg