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Chicken & Cheesy Broccoli with Creamy Pasta

This Chicken & Cheesy Broccoli with Creamy Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish! Tender pieces of chicken, perfectly cooked broccoli, and creamy pasta come together in a cheesy sauce that’s rich and satisfying. The creamy texture, combined with the cheesy goodness and the freshness of the broccoli, makes this meal a well-rounded, hearty favorite. It's the perfect dish to whip up for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.
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Equipment

  • Large pot (for pasta)
  • Skillet or frying pan
  • Mixing spoon or spatula
  • Strainer
  • Whisk

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups broccoli florets fresh or frozen
  • 8 oz pasta penne, rotini, or your favorite type
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or a blend of your favorite cheeses
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Fresh parsley optional, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Pasta:
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  • Cook the Chicken:
  • While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
  • Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
  • Cook the Broccoli:
  • In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if necessary and sauté the broccoli for 3-4 minutes until it’s bright green and tender. You can steam it or blanch it in boiling water for 2-3 minutes if you prefer. Once cooked, remove from the skillet and set aside with the chicken.
  • Make the Creamy Sauce:
  • In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
  • Add the Cheese:
  • Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
  • Combine Everything:
  • Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and broccoli into the skillet with the cheesy sauce. Stir everything together until the pasta, chicken, and broccoli are well coated with the creamy, cheesy sauce. Add Italian seasoning and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve and Garnish:
  • Serve the Chicken & Cheesy Broccoli with Creamy Pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley for added color and flavor.