Save to Pins This Garlic Parmesan Broccoli & Chicken Pasta is a creamy, savory skillet meal that brings the comforting flavors of garlic Parmesan soup to your table in a quick, no-bake dinner. Featuring tender golden chicken, crisp broccoli, and a rich sauce, it is an easy weeknight favorite.
Save to Pins The beauty of this dish lies in the one-pan method. By simmering the short pasta in a mixture of chicken broth and milk, every noodle becomes infused with garlic and herbs, creating a luscious base for the melted Parmesan and heavy cream.
Ingredients
- Meats: 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (400 g), diced
- Vegetables: 2 cups broccoli florets (200 g), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 small yellow onion (finely chopped)
- Pasta: 300 g (10 oz) short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rotini
- Dairy: 1 cup whole milk, 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Pantry: 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth, 1/2 tsp dried Italian herbs, salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Garnish: Fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan
Instructions
- 1. Sauté the Chicken
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large, deep skillet. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden (5–6 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- 2. Aromatics
- In the same skillet, cook the onion until translucent (2 minutes), then add garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 3. Simmer Pasta
- Stir in uncooked pasta, chicken broth, milk, and Italian herbs. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 8 minutes.
- 4. Steam Broccoli
- Add broccoli florets, cover again, and cook for 5–6 minutes until pasta is al dente and broccoli is tender.
- 5. Finish the Sauce
- Lower heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until melted. Return chicken to the skillet and heat through for 2 minutes.
- 6. Serve
- Adjust seasoning and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For an even faster meal, you can substitute the fresh chicken breasts with rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken. Simply add the pre-cooked meat at the final step to heat it through. Ensure your skillet has a tight-fitting lid to allow the pasta to cook evenly in the liquid.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This recipe is highly versatile. You can easily swap the broccoli for other green vegetables like spinach or peas. For those looking for a different cheese profile, a mix of Pecorino Romano and Parmesan adds a lovely sharp depth to the sauce.
Serviervorschläge
This rich and creamy pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine, such as a chilled Pinot Grigio. Serve it immediately while the sauce is at its creamiest, perhaps with a side of garlic bread to soak up any remaining Parmesan sauce.
Save to Pins With its balance of protein, vegetables, and comforting carbohydrates, this Garlic Parmesan Broccoli & Chicken Pasta is a complete meal that delivers restaurant-quality flavor from the comfort of your own kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken works perfectly. Add it during the final 2 minutes of cooking to heat through rather than sautéing at the start.
- → What pasta shapes work best?
Short pasta with ridges or tubes like penne, fusilli, and rotini capture the creamy sauce beautifully. Their texture holds up well during the simmering process.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken—add a splash of milk or broth when reheating on the stove.
- → Can I make it dairy-free?
Substitute olive oil for butter, use unsweetened almond or oat milk instead of dairy milk, and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a vegan alternative.
- → What vegetables can I substitute?
Fresh spinach, peas, asparagus, or bell peppers work wonderfully. Add delicate greens like spinach in the last 2 minutes to prevent wilting.
- → Why cook pasta in the skillet?
Cooking pasta directly in the broth and milk allows the starches to release naturally, creating a thicker, creamier sauce that clings perfectly to every bite.