Joy's Pasta with Chicken and Broccoli

Indulge in the perfect weeknight dinner with Joy's Pasta with Chicken and Broccoli, a creamy and comforting dish that combines tender penne pasta, juicy seared chicken, and vibrant broccoli florets in a rich garlic-Parmesan sauce. This easy-to-make recipe features simple, wholesome ingredients like heavy cream, chicken broth, and freshly grated Parmesan, creating a velvety sauce that clings to every bite. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and ready in under 40, it's ideal for busy nights without sacrificing flavor. Garnished with fresh parsley and a pinch of optional red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, this satisfying and versatile dish is sure to become a family favorite. Perfect for dinner parties or cozy evenings, this one-pan meal is as delicious as it is effortless.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.75 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.5 cup chicken broth
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tbsp parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.

Step 3

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from the skillet and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.

Step 4

In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the broccoli florets and sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are bright green and slightly tender. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 5

Melt the butter in the skillet, then add the minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 6

Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 7

Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and sliced chicken back to the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce.

Step 8

Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure everything is heated through. Adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper, if needed.

Step 9

Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1454.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3380.2

Total Fat 168.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 81.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 657.8mg	0%
Sodium 2900.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 267.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.5g	0%
Total Sugars 3.6g
Protein 186.8g	0%

Vitamin D 3.5IU	0%
Calcium 872.1mg	0%
Iron 18.8mg	0%
Potassium 1749.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 45.5%

Protein: 22.4%

Carbs: 32.1%