Garlic Parmesan Broccoli & Chicken (Printable)

Comforting skillet with tender chicken, broccoli, and penne in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Proteins

01 - 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 14 oz), cut into bite-size pieces

→ Pasta

02 - 10 oz penne, rigatoni, or rotini pasta

→ Vegetables

03 - 2 cups small broccoli florets
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 small onion, finely chopped

→ Dairy & Cream

06 - 1 cup heavy cream
07 - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
08 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
09 - 1/2 cup milk

→ Broth & Seasonings

10 - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
12 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
13 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
14 - 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herb blend (optional)

→ Garnish

15 - Fresh parsley, chopped
16 - Additional grated Parmesan (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Heat butter in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 4-5 minutes until lightly golden. Transfer to a plate.
02 - In the same skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
03 - Pour chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream into the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
04 - Add pasta and broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir well, cover with lid, and cook over medium-low heat for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta reaches al dente consistency and most liquid is absorbed. Add additional broth or water if needed.
05 - Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Add grated Parmesan cheese, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes if desired. Stir until cheese melts completely and sauce becomes creamy.
06 - Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
07 - Transfer to serving bowls immediately. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The whole thing comes together in one skillet, which means less cleanup and more time actually enjoying your food.
  • It tastes like you spent hours on it, but you're done before you know it.
  • Tender chicken, crispy broccoli, and creamy pasta all playing nicely together without feeling heavy.
02 -
  • The pasta continues to absorb liquid even after you turn off the heat, so if your sauce looks slightly loose when you finish cooking, it will tighten up as it sits for a minute.
  • Tasting for seasoning at the end is non-negotiable because the broth level and how much liquid evaporates varies every time you make this.
03 -
  • Add the Parmesan off heat or at the very end with low heat to keep it silky smooth instead of stringy.
  • If you have fresh basil on hand, it's even better than parsley for garnish and adds a layer of freshness that people always comment on.
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