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–+ servings

Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

This creamy chicken and broccoli pasta balances a silky sauce with al dente pasta and crisp-tender florets — savory, slightly tangy, and comforting without being heavy.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Vegetables
  • 12 oz pasta Any shape pasta works; cook one minute shy of package directions.
  • 2 cups broccoli florets Fresh preferred; frozen is fine if added earlier.
Sauce and Chicken
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing aromatics.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Enhances flavor.
  • 1 medium shallot, minced Add sweetness to the sauce.
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, sliced or shredded Leftover rotisserie chicken is ideal.
  • 1 cup heavy cream or chicken stock For the sauce base.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Use freshly grated for the best texture.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook pasta one minute shy of package directions.
  3. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets to the pasta to blanch.
  4. Drain pasta and broccoli together, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Cooking
  1. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat.
  2. Sauté garlic and shallot until fragrant.
  3. Add sliced or shredded cooked chicken and warm through.
  4. Pour in heavy cream or stock and bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Stir in cheese until melted and smooth.
  6. Toss in drained pasta and broccoli; use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
  7. Finish with lemon zest, salt and pepper; serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 36gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 12gSodium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2g

Notes

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge, or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture. For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk and a thickener.

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