Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a delicious way to enjoy a wholesome, flavorful meal! šš„¦ Juicy chicken, tender pasta, and perfectly cooked broccoli come together in a rich, creamy sauce thatās easy to make and so satisfying. Whether you're meal prepping for the week or whipping up a quick dinner, this dish is a crowd-pleaser thatās packed with comforting flavors.
Servings 4
Ingredients
- 1 large boneless skinless chicken breast
- Lemon pepper seasoning
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- Ā½ cup chicken broth
- 3 Tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 Tbsp flour
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 Ā¼ cups half and half
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- 2 Ā½ cups broccoli florets
- Ā¾ cup Parmesan
- Ā¼ cup Asiago can also use all parmesan.
- Ā½ lb. Penne
- 2 tsps freshly squeezed lemon juice
Seasonings
- 1 tsp Italian seasonings
- Ā½ tsp mustard powder
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- Combine the seasoning ingredients in a bowl and set them aside for later use. Itās also a good idea to measure out the other ingredients at this point; this will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable!
- Cut the chicken into Ā¾-inch pieces, then season them generously with Lemon Pepper Seasoning. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until a golden brown crust forms. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- While preparing the sauce, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
- In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, add chicken broth and set the heat to medium. Use a silicone spatula to scrape the bottom of the skillet, releasing any browned bits. Allow the broth to reduce by half, which should take about 4 minutes.
- Next, add butter and minced garlic to the broth, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Gradually stir in the flour, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes while stirring continuously.
- Slowly incorporate the chicken broth in small amounts, continuing to stir as you do. Follow with the half and half, adding it in the same way. Then, stir in hot sauce and the remaining seasonings. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and partially cover the pot.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. During the last 4 minutes of cooking, add broccoli to the boiling pasta water, then drain both the pasta and broccoli.
- Lower the heat of the sauce and gradually mix in the grated cheese until melted and smooth.
- Remove the pot from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice. Add the drained pasta, broccoli, and cooked chicken to the sauce, tossing everything together to combine. Taste the dish and add salt if needed. Serve and enjoy!