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ONE POT CREAMY CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI PASTA WITH GARLIC PARMESAN SAUCE


  • Author: Caroline Jones
  • Total Time: 35 minutes

Description

Rich, garlicky, and loaded with juicy chicken and crisp broccoli, this one-pot creamy pasta is pure comforting perfection.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken and Pasta:

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tbsp butter

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 3 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)

  • 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)

  • 8 oz penne, rotini, or fettuccine pasta

  • 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best)

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder

  • 1/4 tsp onion powder

  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)

  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

  • Optional: 1/4 cup cream cheese for extra creaminess


Instructions

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Season chicken slices with salt and pepper. In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken and cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside on a plate.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In the same skillet, melt butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Deglaze the pan by slowly pouring in the chicken broth and milk, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom—this is where all that savory flavor lives.

Step 3: Add the Pasta

Stir in the pasta and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and let it cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Add the Broccoli

Toss in the broccoli florets during the last 5 minutes of pasta cooking. Cover again and let the steam soften the broccoli until it’s bright green and tender-crisp.

Step 5: Make It Creamy

Once pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has absorbed, stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes. Add cream cheese if using. Stir until the sauce is silky smooth and coats the pasta beautifully.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir everything together. Simmer for 2–3 more minutes until the chicken is warmed through. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley and more cheese if desired.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 460
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 420mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 35g