Creamy Broccoli Chicken (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Main Components
01 -
2 cups of broccoli florets (cooked lightly by steaming or blanching)
02 -
2 diced, boneless pieces of skinless chicken breast
03 -
3 tablespoons of olive oil
04 -
3 cups of cooked pasta (spaghetti, rotini, or penne are good options)
05 -
Minced garlic, about 3 cloves
06 -
A handful of fresh chopped parsley (optional for decoration)
07 -
Salt and black pepper to your liking
08 -
Half a cup of Parmesan cheese, grated
09 -
A splash of heavy cream (1 cup) or half-and-half for something lighter
10 -
A pinch of red pepper flakes if you like some heat (optional)
# Instructions:
01 -
Boil a large pot of water and sprinkle in some salt. Cook the pasta till it's just tender—check the package for specific times—then strain and set aside. While that's happening, steam or blanch the broccoli till it's soft but still bright green, which will take about 3-4 minutes. Drain that, too, and leave it to cool a bit.
02 -
Pour 2 tablespoons of olive oil into a big skillet and heat it on medium. Toss salt and pepper onto the diced chicken and cook it in the skillet for 5-7 minutes until golden and no longer pink. Move the chicken out of the pan and put it to the side.
03 -
In the same pan, pour in the last tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in your garlic and stir for about a minute or two until it smells delightful. Now add the cream, cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until the cheese melts, and the sauce is just thick enough. If it feels too dense, pour in a dash of pasta water to loosen it up.
04 -
Dump the cooked broccoli, chicken, and pasta into the pan with the sauce. Stir everything so that it's nicely coated and heated all the way through. If you're in the mood for a kick, sprinkle on some red pepper flakes or toss a bit of parsley on top for decoration.
05 -
Dish up the pasta while it's hot and sprinkle extra Parmesan on top if you'd like. Enjoy!
# Notes:
01 -
Rotisserie chicken or leftovers can save you prep time.
02 -
Liven it up with veggies like mushrooms or diced bell peppers.
03 -
For a healthier twist, use low-fat milk or a non-dairy cream instead of heavy cream.