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One-Pot Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta – Easy 30-Minute Dinner

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A quick and comforting one-pot meal featuring tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and pasta in a creamy Parmesan sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal cleanup, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 medium breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 8 ounces dried pasta (penne, fusilli, or rotini work best)
  • 2 cups broccoli florets (about 1 medium head), cut into small uniform pieces
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional but recommended)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Season and brown the chicken: Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes without moving until golden brown underneath. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  2. Sauté the garlic: Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the pot and stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Do not let it burn.
  3. Build the sauce base: Pour in chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Cook the pasta: Stir in dried pasta, ensuring it’s mostly submerged. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a steady simmer. Cover and cook for 8 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
  5. Add the cream and broccoli: Uncover and stir in heavy cream. Nestle broccoli florets into the pasta mixture. Cover again and cook for 5-6 minutes until broccoli is tender but still bright green.
  6. Return the chicken: Add browned chicken back to the pot along with any accumulated juices. Stir gently to combine. Cook uncovered for 2-3 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce reaches desired consistency.
  7. Finish with cheese and seasonings: Remove pot from heat. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add red pepper flakes and nutmeg if using. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  8. Rest and serve: Let pasta sit for 2-3 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

For best results, pat chicken dry before browning to ensure a golden crust. Cut broccoli into uniform 1-inch pieces for even cooking. Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for smoother melting. If sauce is too thin, let it rest off heat for a few minutes; if too thick, add a splash of warm broth or milk. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheat best on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot pasta, creamy chicken pasta, broccoli pasta, 30-minute dinner, easy weeknight meal, comfort food

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/one-pot-creamy-chicken-and-broccoli-pasta-easy-30-minute-dinner/