Creamy broccoli chicken pasta
User Reviews
4.6
Creamy broccoli chicken pasta
Description
Creamy Broccoli Chicken Pasta combines bite-sized chicken thigh pieces sautéed to a golden brown with garlic-infused butter. The addition of heavy cream creates a luscious base that simmers alongside dried thyme and lemon juice, enriching the flavor profile with subtle herbal and citrus notes. Broccoli florets added during simmering maintain some texture while absorbing the sauce’s flavors.
Grated Parmesan cheese stirred into the sauce adds a salty, savory depth and helps thicken the mixture. This sauce is then tossed with cooked pasta, using reserved pasta water as needed to achieve an even, creamy coating without heaviness. The final dish balances protein, vegetables, and pasta in one pan, ensuring convenience and rich flavor integration.
Serve immediately after preparation to enjoy the creamy sauce at its best texture. This dish stands well on its own or paired with a light side salad. Seasoning with salt and black pepper allows personal taste adjustments. The recipe encourages using bone-in chicken thighs for tenderness and flavor but provides for boneless options for ease.
Ingredients
- 500 g (1lb) chicken thigh chopped into bite size pieces, boneless
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic crushed/minced, cloves
- 1 cup heavy cream aka whipping cream
- 1 tsp thyme dried
- 2-3 cups broccoli sliced into small florets
- 3/4 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 500 g (1lb) pasta cooked + 1 cup cooking water reserved
Instructions
- Heat a large pan over high heat.
- Drizzle a few teaspoons of olive oil over the chicken then season with salt and pepper.
- Brown the chicken in the pan for a few minutes until the chicken is opaque white and starting to turn golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Add the butter and garlic to the pan and allow to cook for 30 seconds.
- Pour in the cream and add the thyme and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer then add the chicken and broccoli to the pan. Partially cover and Allow to simmer for 5-7 minutes until the chicken and broccoli are cooked.
- Add the Parmesan and stir into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss in the pasta and add some of the reserved cooking water if necessary. You want the pasta to be well-coated in the cream sauce. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4- 6
Amount Per Serving
Calories 538 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 538kcal | 27% |
| Carbohydrates | 65g | 22% |
| Protein | 30g | 60% |
| Fat | 18g | 28% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Cholesterol | 110mg | 37% |
| Sodium | 339mg | 14% |
| Potassium | 337mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 509IU | 10% |
| Vitamin C | 28mg | 31% |
| Calcium | 189mg | 19% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.