Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

Here’s a detailed recipe for Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta that serves 4 people.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound), cut into bite-sized pieces

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped

• 1 tablespoon flour (optional, for thickening)

• 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets (steamed or blanched)

• 8 ounces pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti work well)

• 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra richness)

• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Directions:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil water in a large pot, adding a pinch of salt.

2. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes).

3. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water. Set the pasta aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper on both sides.

3. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.

4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

1. In the same skillet, add a little more oil or butter if needed.

2. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.

3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic (if using) and stir to coat. Cook for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.

2. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.

3. Add the heavy cream and milk, stirring to combine.

4. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.

5. Let the sauce simmer on medium-low for 3-4 minutes, or until it begins to thicken.

6. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.

Step 5: Add the Chicken and Broccoli

1. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce.

2. Add the cooked broccoli florets and mix them in. If you want a smoother consistency, you can use a spoon to break the broccoli into smaller pieces.

3. Let everything cook together for 2-3 minutes to heat through.

Step 6: Combine with Pasta

1. Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the creamy chicken and broccoli mixture.

2. Stir everything together, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick. You can also add a tablespoon of butter for extra richness.

3. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more Parmesan if desired.

Step 7: Serve

1. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of spice).

2. Enjoy your creamy, comforting chicken and broccoli pasta!