Parmesan Pasta with Grilled Chicken and Broccoli

Creamy, satisfying, and packed with delicious flavors, this Parmesan Pasta with Grilled Chicken and Broccoli is the ultimate comfort meal that combines hearty protein, tender veggies, and a rich, cheesy sauce. Perfectly grilled chicken breasts seasoned with Italian spices are paired with al dente penne pasta and vibrant broccoli florets, then tossed in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce infused with garlic for a burst of savory goodness in every bite. This easy-to-make dish is ready in under an hour, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color and serve it hot to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home. Perfect for lovers of pasta, cheese, and healthy, balanced dishes, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser for all ages!

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 1.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.

Step 2

Rub the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper.

Step 3

Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Set aside and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.

Step 4

Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Add the broccoli florets to the boiling water during the last 2-3 minutes of pasta cooking. Drain the pasta and broccoli, and set aside.

Step 5

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 6

Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.

Step 7

Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring a smooth consistency. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce begins to thicken.

Step 8

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, the remaining 0.5 teaspoon of salt, and 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper. Add the red pepper flakes if using. Cook for another 2 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.

Step 9

Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and sliced grilled chicken to the skillet with the Parmesan sauce. Toss everything together until fully coated.

Step 10

Serve hot and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1795.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3647.2

Total Fat 170.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 83.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.0g
Cholesterol 672.7mg	0%
Sodium 6166.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 306.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 21.1g	0%
Total Sugars 28.5g
Protein 224.9g	0%

Vitamin D 218.2IU	0%
Calcium 2149.7mg	0%
Iron 20.0mg	0%
Potassium 3301.0mg	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: 41.9%

Protein: 24.6%

Carbs: 33.5%